Big Announcements at ‘Made by Google 2024’ Event

Google's Made by Google 2024 event revealed numerous updates across its hardware lineup focused on infusing AI capabilities. This included:

• The new Pixel 9 series features upgraded cameras and the integration of Gemini as the default assistant. Google also announced its second foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold and new AI editing tools for Pixel cameras. A “Made You Look” feature was also introduced to entertain photo subjects using the foldable's front camera.
• Google unveiled several new AI-powered apps including Pixel Weather tailored for mobile and Pixel Studio enabling image generation.
• Pixel Watch 3 with new sizes and a pulse detection feature, along with Pixel Buds Pro 2 harnessing Gemini for natural language capabilities.
• Nest thermostats and a Google TV streamer were updated too with promises of enhanced interactions through Gemini, replacing Assistant over time.
• Gemini Live chat feature was unveiled. However, initial hands-on impressions of Gemini Live found it still prone to hallucinations and inventing fictional details, showing the challenges of developing robust conversational AI.

Throughout the event, Google emphasized expanding AI integrations across its ecosystem, from photography and wearables to smart home devices and content creation tools. This highlighted their broader strategy of advancing generalized conversational technologies like Gemini that could replace siloed digital assistants going forward.

xAI’s New Grok-2 Chatbots Add AI Image Generation to X

xAI has launched new versions of its conversational AI chatbot Grok with upgraded performance and new image generation abilities. Grok-2 and the smaller Grok-2 mini model are now available in beta on Elon Musk's X platform for premium subscribers, and will later be accessible via XAI's developer API.

Leveraging Black Forest Lab's Flux 1 model, Grok's image creator allows users to directly generate and publish pictures to X, though there appear to be limited safeguards to prevent harmful imagery. Some early examples show prominent political figures in inappropriate scenarios, potentially worsening fears over disinformation through AI media manipulation. These images also lack disclosures noting their computer origins. While XAI touted the new chatbots' advanced reasoning skills, concerns have been raised about lax moderation over the visual content they help disseminate on X's unfiltered social network.

The launch highlights tensions around balancing open-ended AI abilities with responsibility over their societal impacts, as XAI pushes the capabilities of its conversational systems toward more advanced modalities without sufficient guardrails for transparent and appropriate use.

Midjourney Releases AI Image Editor on the Web

Midjourney has launched a significant update to its web interface, unifying existing image editing tools like inpainting and canvas extension into a single view for improved seamlessness. A new brush-style tool also allows for more precise inpainting. The updated editor is available to users who have generated at least 10 images. Additionally, certain Discord and Web Room messages are now mirrored across platforms for better communication. Midjourney's CEO stated these changes make editing AI generations much easier. Early user feedback has been positive about the new capabilities. Meanwhile, Midjourney faces a pending class action lawsuit over alleged copyright infringement in its training data, with a judge allowing the case to proceed to the discovery phase.

Amid rising competition in AI image generation, Midjourney continues innovating to enhance the tools and community experiences it offers users. The new web editor was aimed at streamlining image editing workflows. Message mirroring between platforms helps keep communities in sync. Midjourney's ongoing updates highlight its commitment to improving the creative process and fostering connectivity, even while defending against lawsuit claims in court. As it defends its practices, Midjourney will likely roll out further additions based on continual feedback to maintain its leadership position and satisfy its large base of artists.

• AI tooling platform for game studios ‘Reforged Labs’ raises $3.9m in funding round
• Artists’ lawsuit against Stability AI and Midjourney gets more punch
• Exists launches GenAI platform to create 3D games from text prompts

• Hermes 3, the powerful new open-source AI model that has existential crises
• Geekbench releases AI benchmarking app
• Google quietly opens Imagen 3 access to all U.S. users

Epic Games Store Arrives on Mobile

The Epic Games Store has launched on mobile, bringing popular titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe to iOS and Android for the first time. A major draw is Fall Guys coming to mobile platforms exclusively through Epic's store. Players can access cross-platform play and progression across PC, consoles, and mobile. Downloading titles via the Epic Store or alternative stores like AltStore PAL provides in-game rewards for Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League. Epic plans to expand the availability of its mobile games to other stores in the coming months to address accessibility concerns.

In recognition of the technical barrier posed by not being distributed through official app stores, Epic created tutorial videos to simplify the process. They also awarded AltStore PAL a MegaGrant to allow free distribution, since Apple's fees previously required charging users. While Google and Apple likely welcome the revenue, Epic's store launch on mobile continues their battle with platform owners by providing an alternative distribution option and avoiding cuts to app store fees. The rollout represents a major milestone, but challenges of discoverability and frictionless access remain outside official channels.

Mattel & AirConsole to Launch ‘UNO Car Party!’ on BMW Vehicles

Mattel, AirConsole, and BMW Group announced a world premiere of the classic card game UNO adapted for in-vehicle gaming. Dubbed UNO Car Party!, the game will roll out via AirConsole to over 500,000 BMW and MINI vehicles starting August 21st. Visitors to Gamescom 2024 can be the first to try it in a BMW X3, demonstrating how AirConsole's controller system allows up to 4 passengers on their devices to connect. The partners modified UNO's fun, social gameplay for the new context of short play sessions during road trips or stops. BMW emphasized increasing customer digital experience value, while AirConsole and Mattel felt UNO's simple yet compelling rules make it well-suited to in-car play. Since 2022, AirConsole has pioneered bringing intuitive games to BMW through its growing selection and systems like Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, continuing the innovation.

As the best-selling card game globally, UNO maintains its legacy of unpredictable competition and inclusivity through various offerings. These include physical products, mobile games, live events, and culturally relevant designs. Its social dynamics were deemed ideal for transforming journeys into enjoyable experiences between families and friends in stationary vehicles. The collaboration represents another advancement in immersive connected experiences and passenger engagement enabled through BMW's integration of AirConsole's platform.

Take-Two Reports $1.34B Net Revenue, Paired with $262M Net Loss

Take-Two reported net revenue of $1.34 billion for the quarter while recognizing a net loss of $262 million, primarily driven by top titles like NBA 2K24, Grand Theft Auto Online, and Grand Theft Auto V. Zynga, which Take-Two owns, saw continued growth for Match Factory and Toon Blast but declines in other mobile games. Total net bookings grew slightly to $1.22 billion, with digital bookings making up 97% fueled by ongoing spending in microtransactions and DLC. Chairman Strauss Zelnick was pleased with the solid first-quarter results achieved through new releases and updates that engaged players while focusing on efficiency. Although they reported a net loss, management remains confident in reiterating full-year guidance of $5.55-$5.65 billion in net bookings.

Looking ahead, Take-Two expects sequential increases in net bookings for fiscal 2026 and 2027, which they believe will create long-term shareholder value by pursuing strategic priorities. Digital revenue continues to make up the vast majority at 83% of recurrent consumer spending. Console game sales were also predominantly digital, demonstrating the business model's ongoing shift online. Overall, the quarter showcased Take-Two's large portfolio driving financial performance led by enduring titles from marquee franchises.

• Arkadium launches publishing arm
• Cloud gaming platform Blacknut partners with Ubisoft
• Hi-Fi Rush studio saved by PUBG publisher following Microsoft closure
• Enshrouded reaches 3 million players

• Owlcat Games opens a third-party, narrative game-focused publishing label
• Rachael Lillis, iconic Pokémon voice actor, has died at age 46
• SuperGaming's battle royale ‘Indus’ is now available in open beta
• Valve implementing new rules to 'refine' Steam Store page written descriptions

Off the Grid Closed Testing Goes Live on Consoles

Web3 battle royale game ‘Off the Grid’ has opened access this week to PlayStation 5 players that are part of the closed access testing program ‘Pioneers Program’, making it the first console game to feature integrated web3 functionality.

Those who had previously applied for the program on PlayStation will be invited through email to participate in this initial wave. Others can now directly request access through a provided link. The testing opening on PS5 continues Off the Grid's goal of bringing ownership of in-game assets to new platforms.

Many Web3 gaming enthusiasts such as @CryptoStache and @EasyEatsBodega shared their thoughts on Crypto Twitter. More specifically, there is a lot of excitement given that it's the first Web3 game running on consoles, demonstrating what's possible for consoles by allowing ownership of tradeable gun skins, weapons, and other items. This represents a massive leap that could prove the concept of owned assets transcending platforms. This precedent sets the stage for further innovations in blended ownership models moving from niche PC spaces into broader console audiences. The testing program launch is an important milestone toward full multi-platform releases.

Atari Brings its Classic ‘Breakout’ Game to L2 Base

Atari has revived another classic arcade game on blockchain by launching Breakout on the Ethereum layer-2 network Base. As part of Base's "OnChain Summer" promotion, players can compete for weekly prizes by reaching the top of an on-chain leaderboard to track high scores. In Breakout, the goal is to use a paddle and ball to break through brick walls, with different game modes unlocked by special bricks. Those who connect a supported wallet can mint a Breakout NFT for about $3.60 and have their scores recorded on-chain. Proceeds from NFT sales will go to developers and artists of each game. Atari had previously launched Asteroids on Base, indicating its ongoing efforts to preserve retro games through blockchain integrations and services.

Details were provided on how gameplay will work. Scores will be tracked on the public leaderboard with an overall ranking and weekly winners will receive prizes like retro consoles and gift cards. Atari emphasized the social and competitive aspects of blockchain beyond just entertainment. This follows their strategy of selecting iconic titles from the past to engage new audiences and demonstrate applications of the tech. The releases offer a fun way for players to try blockchain-enabled gaming while rewarding studios that created significant parts of gaming history.

MetaMask Introduces Crypto-Enabled ‘MetaMask Card’

MetaMask has launched a pilot program for the MetaMask Card, allowing eligible users in the EU and UK to directly spend crypto holdings from their MetaMask wallet wherever Mastercard is accepted. As the world's first Mastercard that links directly to a crypto wallet without requiring an exchange, it removes barriers to using crypto for everyday purchases.

Powered through a partnership with Mastercard and Baanx, the card functions like a debit card so funds remain under user control until payment. This offers more flexibility than traditional crypto cards that act as prepaid options. Currencies supported at launch on the Ethereum-based Linea network include USDC, USDT, and WETH.

The pilot aims to accelerate crypto adoption by simplifying real-world spending without volatility risks or tedious exchange processes. Only a limited number of users currently have access via the "Card" tab, but the program is planned to gradually expand its reach geographically. By empowering self-custody while integrating the global acceptance of Mastercard's merchant network, MetaMask Card introduces a swift, affordable, and secure way to pay with crypto balances. This has the potential to reshape mainstream perceptions and use cases around digital assets.

• Aavegotchi Studio reveals ‘members-only’ Ethereum layer-3 gaming chain
• Coinbase teases cbBTC, coming soon, expands crypto services to Hawaii
• deBridge Foundation releases DBR checker
• DOGS announced tokenomics and allocations

• Ex-TON Foundation execs launch $40M TON Ventures fund
• Hamster Kombat turns down venture capital offers
• Three Arrows Capital liquidators file $1.3 billion claim against Terraform Labs
• Trump organization previews major move into crypto