Black Friday Store Sales Fall As Americans Buy More Online

An industry report has indicated a growing global trend of consternation about the increasing threat posed by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in news production and disinformation.  The study was conducted by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, with its annual Digital News Report canvassing the views and perspectives of almost 100,000 people across 47 countries.  The report underlines the evolving challenges newsrooms face due to AI and the need for effective solutions to engage the public, maintain trust, and sustain business.  One of the findings of the survey outlined how just over half of US participants and 63% of those in the UK (2000 people were polled in each country) stated they would be uncomfortable with news predominantly produced by AI, but there was less resistance to the use of the emerging technology to assist journalists with tasks behind the scenes.  Nic Newman, a senior research associate at the Reuters Institute and lead author of the Digital News study noted that “It was surprising to see the level of suspicion” (toward AI’s influence) adding, “People broadly had fears about what might happen to content reliability and trust”.  Those two factors are crucial for news publishers as without them, any organization will struggle to retain the required audience base unless pursuing other agendas. Need to utilize and engage with contemporary audiences Many traditional news companies are increasingly reliant on subscribers given the squeeze on advertising revenues but the report indicated just 17% of respondents across 20 nations paid for online news, a figure that remains unchanged over the last three years.  Part of the reason for that is the alternative news platform provided by social media giants such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, with that particular app facing ongoing unique challenges in the US. The Digital News study found these news influencers are playing a more prominent role than mainstream media outlets with more than 5,600 TikTok users confirming they use the video-hosting app for news.

This week started well with meme coins catching the attention of traders and enthusiasts, each potentially offering substantial returns ranging from 10x to an amazing 1000x. They have completely transformed how crypto users interact online. Additionally, many have delivered impressive returns quickly for investors. With this in mind, let’s explore these interesting options during the current consolidation phase in the crypto market. Chuan Pu (CHUANPU/SOL) First on our list is Chuan Pu, a meme coin currently in stealth mode but already making waves, with early investors reporting gains exceeding 3x. Dubbed the “Chinese Donald Trump,” Chuan Pu’s timing aligns well with favorable political sentiments towards cryptocurrencies, especially in the context of economic policies impacting wealth distribution. Despite its early stage, with no official website, Telegram channel, or active marketing efforts, Chuan Pu boasts a $15 million market cap and $2 million in trading volume.

Indonesian authorities have engaged in a curb against illegal online gambling, which is “sucking the people’s blood dry” according to one government official.  Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi confirmed the purge of more than 2 million websites offering illicit betting services, which are said to be operated from Cambodia. In the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, gambling is prohibited altogether whether online or not but despite the ban, more than 3 million Indonesians reportedly indulged in online betting last year.

Nintendo will host a Nintendo Direct on June 18 at 10 a.m. EDT/7 a.m. PDT to discuss games coming to the Nintendo Switch over the second half of 2024. The 40-minute livestream can be watched on YouTube and Twitch channels. It’s also embedded below. Though it’s possible this Direct could discuss third-party games, Nintendo itself only has two titles coming up with confirmed release dates: Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, on June 27, and Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition on July 18. There are almost two dozen more games with Switch included as a platform, however, ranging from EA Sports FC 25 in September to Sonic X Shadow Generations in October. Something that will get zero mention is the Nintendo Switch 2, or whatever the console’s successor will be called.

EA Sports’ rebranded FIFA series, EA Sports FC, is consistently one of the world’s 10 biggest, if not top 5 sellers. Last year was its first under the new name as the publisher and soccer’s global body parted ways after 20 years. Otherwise, a lot of the game was a continuation of the old series, in the sense of features being iterated on, new clubs being added, and the marketing cadence of trailers, reveals, and previews that preceded it. With all that as a guide, here is what we know so far about what’s coming in EA Sports FC 25. When will EA Sports FC 25 come out? The soccer series has typically launched on the last Tuesday of September.

If you ever fancy a really bland conversation that goes on for hours, strike up a conversation with me about Cave’s classic shoot ‘em-ups. Sadly, the reflexes I once had made me rather good at games such as DoDonpachi and Espgaluda II have long since deserted me but I do still partake in the occasional high-score challenge when the opportunity arises. One of the best ways these days to play these classic blasters is on the Nintendo Switch (I wonder if these were what that lady had in her bra), especially if you can play in Tate mode with the screen vertically.