Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been given the green light by the courts, signaling a major development in the gaming industry. In this week’s episode of the podcast, hosts Cherlynn and Devindra are joined by Jordan Minor, a Senior Analyst at PCMag specializing in games, to discuss the implications of this massive deal.
The conversation begins with the question of whether further consolidation in the gaming industry will be harmful to consumers. This concern has been raised by many industry experts, including the hosts of the podcast. Historically, consolidation has often led to a decrease in competition and innovation, resulting in fewer choices and higher prices for consumers. However, there is also the possibility that Microsoft’s involvement could actually benefit the struggling Activision Blizzard. Jordan offers his insights on this matter, considering the potential impact on both the companies involved and the wider gaming ecosystem.
Moving on, the hosts and Jordan delve into their experiences with the latest Apple betas. They discuss the new features and improvements introduced in iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and watchOS 10. This exploration includes a deep dive into the key changes and their implications for Apple users. Whether it’s the enhanced multitasking capabilities on the iPad or the refined user interface on the iPhone, the trio shares their opinions and predictions for these upcoming software updates.
In addition to Microsoft’s acquisition and the Apple betas, the podcast covers a range of other topics. One notable highlight is Meta’s Threads reaching 100 million users, and the subsequent response from Elon Musk, who is not pleased with this milestone. The hosts and Jordan delve into the significance of this achievement and the potential implications for the metaverse and social media landscape.
Another newsworthy item discussed is Microsoft confirming that Chinese hackers utilized a 365 email exploit to gain unauthorized access to US government accounts. The hosts and Jordan analyze the severity of this cyberattack and the broader implications for cybersecurity. They also touch on Google’s Bard, a text-to-speech system that can now speak in 40 languages, highlighting the advancements made in natural language processing technology.
The podcast also includes segments featuring other Engadget contributors. Sam Rutherford’s ROG ally review is highlighted, providing listeners with an in-depth look at the latest gaming laptop. Katie Malone’s article on the rise of passkeys as a security measure is also mentioned, shedding light on this emerging trend in digital authentication.
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts and Jordan reveal what they are currently working on, giving listeners a sneak peek into upcoming articles and projects. They also share their pop culture picks, recommending movies, TV shows, books, or music that have caught their attention recently.
As the episode concludes, the hosts acknowledge the team behind the production of the podcast, including Cherlynn Low, Devindra Hardawar, and guest Jordan Minor. They also credit Ben Ellman for his role as producer and Dale North and Terrence O’Brien for the music.
It’s worth noting that Engadget is committed to editorial independence, and any products recommended in their content are chosen by their editorial team without any influence from their parent company. Some of the stories may include affiliate links, through which Engadget may earn a commission if readers make a purchase. However, the prices mentioned in the podcast are accurate at the time of publishing.
Overall, this week’s episode of the podcast offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the latest Apple betas, and other notable tech news. With the expertise of Jordan Minor and the engaging discussions among the hosts, listeners gain valuable insights into the implications of these developments and their potential impact on the gaming industry and beyond.
