Stay connected in the world of technology and media with our weekly round-up with leading stories from Taylor Swift on the Big Screen to LG’s TV Briefcase and more. Read on for what’s happening around the globe.
Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” Hits Theaters
Although some Taylor Swift fans might still be disappointed with Ticketmaster for missing the live Eras Tour, AMC is offering a silver lining by showcasing the tour in its theaters nationwide. Starting this October, AMC plans to broadcast the “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” — a filmed version of Swift’s latest concert — with multiple daily screenings from Thursday to Sunday. The screenings aren’t just limited to regular theaters; premium IMAX and Dolby locations will join the lineup, and other chains like Regal and Cinemark are also considering showings. Taylor Swift took to Instagram to invite fans to these cinematic events, encouraging them to dress in Eras gear and actively sing and dance along. Addressing the Taylor Swift Eras tour’s immense popularity, AMC promises enhanced ticketing systems to accommodate demand and aims to make these viewings widely accessible and affordable.
LG Debuts Suitcase TV
Unveiled in the US earlier this month, LG’s unique 27-inch suitcase TV, the StanbyME Go, priced at $999.99, is now being showcased at IFA 2023 in Berlin. While we couldn’t find the touchscreen-optimized games on the demo, the TV’s flexible articulating design, allowing for easy swivel from portrait to landscape, was notably robust. The TV also boasts a sturdy stand mechanism, a single HDMI port, USB input, and a built-in battery promising three hours of runtime. Its 1080p LCD display seemed standard when compared to LG’s 4K OLEDs. Those interested can currently preorder the TV on LG’s US website, with deliveries expected around October 16th.
Nintendo Unveils Vibrant Red Switch OLED for “Mario Wonder”
In the latest Nintendo Direct, not only did we glimpse the gameplay of the forthcoming “Super Mario Bros. Wonder”, but we were also introduced to a vibrant red OLED Nintendo Switch designed specifically for the game. Sporting a sleek Mario theme, including a silhouette of the character and concealed coins, this special edition console drops on October 6th, a fortnight before “Wonder” launches on October 20th. Such exclusive console designs aren’t new for Nintendo; past releases include a Mario-themed Switch for “Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury” and a Zelda-inspired one for “Tears of the Kingdom”. This October’s release accentuates a landmark year for Mario, also marked by a theme park and a movie.
Soon, Threads will introduce a feature to search within posts
Threads is set to introduce a keyword-based search feature for posts, as revealed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. An embedded image gives a sneak peek into its functionality. When users search for a keyword, it currently shows usernames. With the new update, hitting “search” will also display all posts with that keyword. As of now, the keyword search feature is under testing in Australia and New Zealand. There are plans to roll it out in more English-speaking regions soon. Christine Pai from Instagram states that based on community feedback, they are enhancing the search experience. Likewise, Threads has continued to expand its features since its significant launch in July.
VanMoof e-bikes find a buyer
Lavoie, the e-mobility branch of McLaren Applied, is set to purchase the innovative e-bike manufacturer VanMoof. This acquisition promises a resurgence for the pioneering brand. Likewise, this reassures the approximately 200,000 customers who invested in their advanced e-bikes crafted from unique components. The collaboration aims to stabilize VanMoof’s operations and amalgamate their collective expertise to shape the future of e-mobility. In 2022, Lavoie unveiled its inaugural electric scooter with the Series 1 foldable. Priced at $2,000, the Series 1 is scheduled for distribution in the US, UK, and Europe from November.
Jabra Unveils Its Most Luxurious and Durable Earbuds to Date
To make its mark, Jabra has introduced two high-end earbuds, each designed for distinct purposes. The Elite 10, priced at $249, aims to provide unparalleled sound and comfort. Simultaneously, the $199 Elite 8 Active is tailored for fitness enthusiasts, boasting unmatched durability. Both models highlight Jabra’s move towards spatial audio. The Elite 10 showcases a semi-open design for comfort and is integrated with cutting-edge noise cancellation. Enhanced with 10-millimeter drivers and a collaboration with Dolby for head-tracking spatial audio, these earbuds promise rich sound quality. The six-mic system ensures clear calls and reduces wind interference. With a battery life of six hours, the Elite 10 offers robust sound and advanced noise cancellation.