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Nintendo 3DS discontinued after almost a decade

Nintendo has discontinued its 3DS handheld after about 76 million sales over a nine-and-a-half year ..

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Nintendo has discontinued its 3DS handheld after about 76 million sales over a nine-and-a-half year period.

A notice on the Japanese firm’s site says “manufacturing of the Nintendo 3DS family of systems has ended”.

The device had the ability to trick the human eye into seeing 3D images like those in some cinema screenings – but without special glasses.

However, its launch received a lukewarm reception and it only gained popularity later.

The console’s demise has long been expected. Last year, the company said it no longer planned to make any new first-party games for the system.

It means the original Nintendo DS retains the title of being the bestselling mobile console.

And the Nintendo Switch – a hybrid handheld-and-home machine – is the current focus of Nintendo’s efforts.

Glasses-free 3D

The unique selling point of the 3DS was its stereoscopic 3D effect coming from the screen itself, turned on with a simple slider.

The optical illusion only works when the screen is in a very specific spot in front of the face – but exactly where gamers tend to hold handheld consoles.

It was impossible to showcase on video or photo but impressed many who tried it.

Tweet from @nathandelune: I got invited to the preview event before release and remember the incredible moment of sliding up the 3D for the first time in Pilotwings! On launch night my brother and I picked ours up from game at midnight, and even won another 3DS in a raffle which we gave to our mum

In its 2011 review, game site IGN wrote: “Once you’re in the 3D sweet spot… the 3DS looks amazing; graphics look clean, characters and objects are sharp, and ghosting effects are limited, creating a rich, immersive gameplay experience unlike anything we’ve seen on a handheld before.”

The console was packed with experimental features – augmented reality games, dual 3D cameras, and the the ability to detect nearby consoles while in low-power standby, called “Streetpass” – which allowed players to connect with strangers without exchanging any information.

Slow starter

Despite all the bells and whistles, the 3DS did not start well. A high asking price for the time of over £200, coupled with a lacklustre list of initial games, hurt sales. The fact that the key feature of 3D had to be tried in person was another obstacle.

On top of that, some users reported that the 3D effect made them feel sick. Nintendo even advises to this day that children under six should not use the facility as it could cause vision damage.

Within six months of the launch, Nintendo announced a major price cut to between £100 and £150. Coupled with more games – including a beloved remake of the classic Ocarina of Time – the fortunes of the handheld started to change.

In 2012, a new version with a larger screen was launched, and Nintendo debuted digital downloads of games for the first time. That online store allowed Nintendo to re-release many of its best-loved classics on the handheld.

“It became a fantastic Nintendo machine for legacy content,” recalls games writer Nathan Ellingsworth.

“It was how I experienced Majora’s Mask, Earthbound, Minish Cap and many more for the first time and it had its own steady stream of incredible titles.”

Making the switch

The 3DS quickly came into its own, with dedicated Mario titles and new Pokemon games in addition to its growing back catalogue.

It was revamped and relaunched several times – on top of the “XL” models, the “New 3DS” had increased horsepower, while the 2DS dropped the standout 3D feature entirely for those who saw it as a gimmick.

By June 2020, the entire system family had sold nearly 76 million units, Nintendo says – far outclassing its home console of the same era, the WiiU, which sold less than 14 million.

But the modern Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, has already sold more than 60 million units, and can be played as a handheld.

While Nintendo initially insisted it was not a “replacement” for the 3DS, declining support and sales meant the venerable handheld’s time was limited. In the year to March 2020, only 69,000 3DS consoles were sold.

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Spain’s competition watchdog opens disciplinary case against Google

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Spain’s competition watchdog, the ‘Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia’ (CNMC) has opened a disciplinary case against Google for alleged anti-competitive practices affecting publishers and Spanish news agencies, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

CNMC said it was investigating whether Google had abused its dominant position in the Spanish market. The proceedings involve Google LLC, Google Ireland Ltd, Google Spain, SL., and the overall parent company Alphabet Inc.

The alleged practices also include distorting free competition and imposing unfair conditions on press publishers and Spanish news agencies, CNMC said.

The watchdog’s investigation was sparked by a complaint from the Spanish Reproduction Rights Centre (CEDRO).

CNMC will investigate the case over the next 18 months, during which both sides can present their arguments.

According to RTVE, Spain’s national broadcaster, Google will analyse the file and respond to the ‘doubts’ of the CNMC. They said that Google ‘works constructively with publishers in Spain and Europe’ and would ‘need time to analyse the details … as the nature of the claims is still not clear’.

It is not the first action by the Spanish competition regulator against Google, nor the first in which its dominant position in the media sector stands out. In 2021, CNMC already warned that this company and another technology giant, Amazon, monopolised 70% of internet advertising in Spain.

Other lawsuits in the Netherlands and the UK have previously accused the technology company of abusing its dominance in the digital advertising market to harm its competitors. France also fined Google in 2021 for not negotiating in good faith compensation for the media for using its news content.

 

Read from: https://www.spainenglish.com/2023/03/28/spain-competition-watchdog-opens-disciplinary-case-against-google/

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How does technology affect reading and writing?

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Technology has dramatically changed the way we read and write in the 21st century. From e-books and online articles to social media and instant messaging, technology has made reading and writing more accessible and convenient. However, it has also brought about new challenges and concerns.

One of the biggest benefits of technology is the increased access to information. With just a few clicks, people can access an endless supply of books, articles, and other written materials from all over the world. This has made reading and writing more accessible for people who may not have had the opportunity to do so in the past. It has also allowed for greater collaboration, as people can now share their writing and receive feedback from a global audience.

Technology has also made writing and reading more interactive. Social media and blogs have made it possible for people to engage with written content in real-time, sharing their thoughts, opinions, and experiences with others. This has led to a more dynamic and engaged reading and writing community, with people able to communicate and connect with each other in new and meaningful ways.

However, there are also concerns about how technology is affecting our ability to read and write. One of the biggest concerns is the decline of attention span. With so much information available at our fingertips, it can be difficult to stay focused and absorb what we are reading. Many people find it difficult to concentrate on longer written works, and are instead drawn to shorter, more bite-sized pieces of content.

Additionally, technology has led to an increase in informal writing. The widespread use of text messaging and instant messaging has led to the widespread use of shorthand and abbreviations. This has created concerns about the impact it may have on people’s writing skills, as well as the way they communicate with others.

Another concern is the rise of “fake news.” With the ease of publishing content online, it has become increasingly difficult to differentiate between credible and unreliable sources. This has led to a decline in trust in the media, and has created a need for critical thinking and media literacy skills.

Despite these concerns, technology has also provided new opportunities for writing and reading. E-books and online platforms have made it easier for people to self-publish their work, giving them greater control over the distribution and promotion of their writing. This has created a more democratized publishing industry, and has made it possible for voices and perspectives that may have previously been excluded to be heard.

In conclusion, technology has had a profound impact on reading and writing. While there are certainly challenges and concerns, the increased access to information, the ability to connect and engage with others, and the opportunities for self-publishing have all made reading and writing more accessible and dynamic. As technology continues to evolve, it will be important to address the challenges it presents and embrace the opportunities it provides.

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How to measure human intelligence?

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Measuring human intelligence is a complex task that has been attempted by many experts and researchers over the years. Intelligence is often defined as an individual’s ability to think, reason, and solve problems. However, this definition is not enough to capture all the aspects of intelligence. In this article, we will look at some of the ways that human intelligence can be measured and evaluated.

  1. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) Tests: IQ tests are the most commonly used method of measuring intelligence. They are designed to measure an individual’s ability to solve problems, think logically, and understand abstract concepts. The results of an IQ test are expressed as an IQ score, which is a number that represents a person’s intellectual abilities in comparison to the general population.
  2. Achievement Tests: Achievement tests are designed to evaluate an individual’s knowledge and skills in specific subjects such as mathematics, reading, or science. These tests can be a good indicator of a person’s intelligence in a particular subject area and are often used in schools and colleges to assess students’ abilities.
  3. Neuropsychological Tests: Neuropsychological tests are used to evaluate the functioning of the brain and nervous system. These tests can be used to diagnose neurological disorders, measure cognitive abilities, and determine the impact of injury or illness on a person’s cognitive abilities.
  4. Cognitive Ability Tests: Cognitive ability tests are designed to measure an individual’s mental abilities such as memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. These tests can be useful in determining a person’s potential for learning and development.
  5. Behavioral Assessment: Behavioral assessment involves evaluating an individual’s behavior, including their social skills, emotional regulation, and communication abilities. This type of assessment can be useful in identifying areas where an individual may need support or intervention.
  6. Performance-Based Tests: Performance-based tests are designed to measure an individual’s abilities in real-world tasks and activities. These tests can be useful in determining a person’s practical intelligence and can be used in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities.

It is important to note that no single method of measuring intelligence is perfect and each has its own strengths and limitations. Additionally, the results of intelligence tests can be influenced by many factors such as cultural background, education, and experience. As a result, it is important to use a variety of assessment methods to get a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s intelligence.

In conclusion, measuring human intelligence is a complex task that involves evaluating a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and performance-based abilities. While intelligence tests can provide valuable information about a person’s intellectual abilities, it is important to use a variety of assessment methods to get a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s intelligence. By using a combination of tests, experts and researchers can get a more complete picture of an individual’s intellectual abilities and potential for learning and development.

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