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64 laser pointer attacks on aircraft recorded in Sask. since 2013

Laser pointer attacks on aircraft have become increasingly rare over the years in Saskatchewan, as figures from Transport Canada show.




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CRV’s Saar Gur wants to invest in a new wave of games built for VR, Twitch and Zoom

Saar Gur is adept at identifying the next big consumer trends earlier than most: The San Francisco-based general partner at CRV has led investments into leading consumer internet companies like Niantic, DoorDash, Bird, Dropbox, Patreon, Kapwing and ClassPass. His own experience stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic spurred his interest in three new investment […]




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VCs see opportunities for gaming infrastructure startups and incumbents

As the infrastructure for developing games becomes more advanced, studios have turned to buying best-in-class technology from others instead of building everything from scratch (often with inferior quality). This shift underpinned Unity’s rise as the most popular game engine. The current focus on games as ever-evolving social hubs that can remain popular for a decade […]




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Microsoft showcases 13 new titles for the Xbox Series X

With conferences canceled indefinitely, companies are increasingly reliant on online events to hype product launches. As they prepare to release a next-gen console before the end of the year, expect plenty of live streams and blogs from both Microsoft and Sony in an attempt to flesh out all that their respective systems have to offer. […]




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Nintendo sells a lot more Switches, as people stay at home playing Animal Crossing

A couple of weeks ago, we noted some new NPD numbers pointing to a very good March for the Switch. Nintendo’s financials this week bear out the predicted surge in popularity for the three-year-old console. The company has sold 21 million Switch units in the past year, handily beating a 19.5 million forecast; 6.2 million […]




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EA games on PS4 and Xbox One could be ‘upgraded free’ to next-gen console versions

2020 and 2021 will be one of the periodic transitional eras in gaming as Sony and Microsoft debut their shiny new consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. To ease the process (and spur adoption of the next generation), EA may make its upcoming titles free to “upgrade” to your chosen console. On an […]




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New studio Modern Games acquires Beasts of Balance

Modern Games is a new studio working to create games that combine physical and digital play. The company was founded by husband-and-wife team Justin and Amanda Kifer — serial entrepreneurs who previously launched companies including Citizen Local (acquired by MyLife in 2011) and Fidgetly, a fidget spinner company that also created a motion controller for […]





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All product creators can learn something from Jackbox Games’ user experiences

While Jackbox clearly owes a great deal of its current popularity to the shelter-in-place policies, they've also been honing their craft for years. It's worth looking at what makes them work.




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We need more video games that are social platforms first, games second

During these long, mundane physically-distant days, stretching on into an uncertain future like an ever-lengthening beigeish corridor, it’s impossible not to miss hanging out with friends. Especially the kind of hanging out where you’re not really doing anything in particular, not talking about any one thing—just kind of being. As we continue to stay physically […]




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Valve drops VR support for macOS

Valve is calling it quits on macOS support for its virtual reality platform. A Valve employee posted an update to the company’s SteamVR forums, noting that “SteamVR has ended macOS support so our team can focus on Windows and Linux.” Apple introduced “Metal for VR” back in June 2017 and highlighted a partnership with Valve. […]




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Guilded raises $7 million for its competitive gaming-focused chat app

Gaming platforms have earned serious clout with investors in recent years. Add in the VC excitement surrounding collaboration tools and it’s no surprised there’s interest in backing another gaming chat app. Guilded is creating a chat platform designed for competitive gaming and esports that focuses heavily on keeping gamers organized and connected with their teams. […]




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Twitch launches an esports directory to cater to growing streaming audience

Twitch is doubling down on esports in this new era of social distancing as a number of traditional sporting events have been cancelled. The company this week introduced a new esports directory on its site that will make it easier for viewers to find live matches, information on players, games with active competition leagues, a […]




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7 VCs talk about today’s esports opportunities

Even before the COVID-19 shutdown, venture funding rounds and total deal volume of VC funding for esports were down noticeably from the year prior. The space received a lot of attention in 2017 and 2018 as leagues formed, teams raised money and surging popularity fostered a whole ecosystem of new companies. Last year featured some […]




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5 top gaming investors explain how the pandemic is reshaping MMOs and social games

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions into isolation, video games are seeing a surge in usage as people seek entertainment and social interaction. When we surveyed gaming-focused VCs in October, Andreessen Horowitz partner Jonathan Lai predicted that “next-generation games will be bigger than anything we’ve seen yet,” eventually reaching “Facebook scale.” This month, […]




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Fortnite hosted a psychedelic Travis Scott concert and 12.3M people watched

The idea of an in-game Travis Scott concert might seem a little silly — particularly if, like me, you’re not really a Fortnite player. Yes, the popular multiplayer game has hosted other promotional events for movies and music. But even if all this COVID-19 imposed isolation has left you hungry for live performances, why not […]




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After 160,000 accounts are compromised, Nintendo shuts down NNID logins

Nintendo today confirmed earlier reports of account breaches dating back over the past few weeks. The gaming giant issued an update (via Nintendo Japan) noting that around 160,000 Nintendo Accounts were impacted, which found multiple being used to purchase digital items without the owner’s consent. Along with the purchasing powers, the offending parties may have […]




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Epic Games launches Fortnite on the Google Play Store and they’re not happy about it

Epic Games is finally settling its feud — kind of — with Google and putting Fortnite onto the Google Play Store, but the studio sounds pretty pissed about it. When Fortnite launched on mobile in 2018, Epic Games very notably sidestepped the Google Play Store and pushed users to download the title directly from their […]




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The Nintendo Switch had a very good March

Nintendo is selling a lot of Switches. The convertible console has been a lifesaver for people sheltering in place around the world. COVID-19-induced travel restrictions and the long-awaited arrival of Animal Crossing: New Horizons have proven to be a perfect storm for the three-year-old platform. New numbers out from NPD this morning shed some light […]




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Disruptor Beam relaunches as gaming infrastructure-maker Beamable

Disruptor Beam, the mobile gaming startup behind Star Trek Timelines, has a new name and a new business. It’s now calling itself Beamable, and it’s selling a set of tools to help game developers add commerce and social functionality to their titles. The company’s direction became clear earlier this year when it sold Timelines to […]




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Facebook’s new Gaming app launches on Android, with iOS version coming soon

Facebook’s dedicated Gaming app is now live on Android, months before its planned June release. The social media giant pushed the app out two months prior to its scheduled unveiling amid a global pandemic that’s left people all over the world isolated at home, rapidly burning through entertainment options. The New York Times announced the […]




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Google’s Slick Pixel Buds Finally Give Android Users the AirPods They Deserve

Comfort, however, can be an issue




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Video Games Are a Great Way to Pass the Time and Keep You Connected. Here’s How to Get Started

Tips and game suggestions for gaming first-timers and veterans alike




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Apple’s iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard Are a Good Start — But I Can’t Wait for the Next Version

The Magic Keyboard isn't perfect, but it pushes the iPad toward the inevitable future of computing, writes TIME's tech critic




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Apple Is Making It Way Easier to Unlock Your iPhone While Wearing a Mask

This should be a big help at the grocery store




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Scammers Could Be After Your Stimulus Check. Here’s How to Avoid Them

There's been a spike in scam calls, emails and texts




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Facebook Is Taking on Zoom With a 50-Person Video Chat Feature

Messenger Rooms will be free for all users, with no time limit




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Volunteers Are Collecting Tablets for COVID-19 Patients So They Don’t Have to Suffer Alone

Groups across the country are putting tablets in the hands of COVID patients so their families can see them, sometimes for the last time




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Working Out at Home? Here’s the Smartest Exercise Gear You Can Use

From yoga apps to an intelligent jumprope




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I’m Gaming My Way Through Quarantine — and That’s Nothing to Feel Guilty About

Video games can fill the productivity and social void in this unusual time





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Britney Spears Updates Glory Album Cover to Celebrate 2016 Record Hitting #1 on iTunes

Some fans think the new album art was released in anticipation of a rumored platinum edition of Glory.




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5 Essential Little Richard Songs to Remember The Rock Legend Who Passed Away

The singer who played a key role in early rock music's popularity died Saturday at 87 years old.




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Jobs Report Reveals Racial Inequality in Unemployment at an Historic Low, Thanks to Pandemic

More than 20 million Americans lost their jobs in the last month, and unemployment among African-Americans has hit 16.7 percent.




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Ousted Scientist Tears Up While Ripping Trump Coronavirus Response: 'We Could've Done Something And We Didn't'

Trump administration whistleblower Rick Bright teared up while ripping the Trump's response to the coronavirus: "We could've done something and we didn't."




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Andre Harrell, Founder of Uptown Records, Dies at 59 and Music Industry Pays Tribute

Harrell had been working as an executive producer on a TV miniseries about Uptown Records with BET.




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RIP Roy Horn: Fans and Celebrities Remember the Siegfried and Roy Magician

Half of the legendary Las Vegas magic duo died on Friday following complications from COVID-19.




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Bill Maher Says Republicans 'Don't Care' About Tara Reade's Biden Allegations, Challenges Timing of Sexual Assault Claims

Bill Maher said Republicans "don't care" about Tara Reade's sexual assault allegations, saying such claims are simply used as a "unilateral weapon" against Democrats.




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Germany, On Cusp of Reopening, Scrambles to Contain Fresh Coronavirus Outbreaks

Out of 200 employees tested at a German meat processing plant, 151 tested positive Thursday for coronavirus, triggering an "emergency mechanism" to delay the easing of social distancing restrictions.




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'ARK' Crystal Isles PC Release Date & 5th Anniversary Event Announced

"ARK: Survival Evolved" Crystal Isles is coming to PC soon, alongside a huge anniversary event on all platforms. Get the full details here.




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Chrissy Teigen Responds to Alison Roman's Digs at Her and Marie Kondo: 'This is a Huge Bummer'

Jameela Jamil also came to Teigen and Kondo's defense, calling Roman "distasteful" and "cliche" for criticizing women of color for being successful in business.




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Putin Says Russians are 'Invincible' in Speech During Coronavirus-Hit Victory Day Ceremony

The president appeared outside the Kremlin walls to praise the Soviet effort in what is known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.




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'Fortnite' Party Royale Event With Steve Aoki & Deadmau5 - Tracklist & What Happened

"Fortnite" Party Royale had another big show on May 8. Here's everything you need to know about the Dillion Francis, Steve Aoki and deadmau5 concert that just took place.




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Obama Slams Dropping of Michael Flynn Case, Calls White House COVID-19 Response 'Absolute Chaotic Disaster': Report

Audio of a private conversation shows the 44th president's unvarnished views about the former national security adviser's case and the White House's COVID-19 response.




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When Will Vegas Reopen? Social Distancing Guidelines for Casinos, Drive-Ins, and Restaurants

Restaurants and drive-in movie theatres are allowed to reopen in Las Vegas today, with casinos hoping to reopen by Memorial Day.




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'I Was A Feminist Activist In The '70s When The Pill Was Legalized For All Women'

It has been 60 years since the FDA first approved the birth control pill on May 9, 1960. It emerged as an essential pillar of women's ability to have good quality of life.




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Coronavirus Hits U.S. Secret Service Staff with 11 Active Cases, 23 Recoveries and 60 in Quarantine

The service, which protects political leaders including the president, said in March there was only one case, but new documents show that the disease is more widespread than believed.




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Mega Millions Results, Numbers for 5/8/20: Did Anyone Win the $231 Million Jackpot Prize Last Night?

The winners and results of last night's Mega Millions lottery, plus how to avoid falling victim to a lottery scam.




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Texas Residents Warned Not to Flush Gloves and Face Masks, After Workers Unclog Sewage Pumps 20 Times in a Day

Water utility workers in El Paso, Texas were forced to unclog pumps over 20 times in 24 hours after residents refused to heed their call to refrain from flushing personal protective equipment and other coronavirus-related items down the toilet.




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California Gov. Newsom Endorses Biden, Despite Attempts to Avoid Partisan Politics

"I just couldn't be more proud of you and the prospect of your presidency," Newsom told Biden Friday during a campaign event.