Tech

The History of Nintendo

Nintendo, a name synonymous with video gaming, has a rich and storied history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings as a playing card company to becoming a global leader in the gaming industry, Nintendo‘s journey is marked by innovation, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to entertainment. This article delves into the fascinating history of Nintendo and how it evolved to dominate the gaming world.

Early Beginnings: Playing Cards and More

1889: Founding as a Playing Card Company

Nintendo was founded on September 23, 1889, by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan. Originally named “Nintendo Koppai,” the company started as a manufacturer of handmade playing cards known as “Hanafuda.” These cards quickly gained popularity in Japan, and Nintendo became a leading producer of playing cards.

1929-1949: Diversification and Struggles

Under the leadership of Fusajiro’s grandson, Hiroshi Yamauchi, Nintendo explored various business ventures, including a taxi company, a love hotel chain, and a food company producing instant rice. However, these ventures did not achieve significant success, prompting a return to the playing card business.

Entering the Toy Market

1960s: Transition to Toys

In the 1960s, Nintendo began transitioning into the toy market. The company’s first major success in this new venture came with the Ultra Hand, an extendable arm toy that became a hit in Japan. This period also saw Nintendo experimenting with electronic toys, setting the stage for its future in electronic entertainment.

The Birth of Video Games

1970s: The Dawn of Video Games

Nintendo’s foray into the video game industry began in the 1970s. The company produced its first electronic video game, the Color TV-Game series, which consisted of home video game consoles released in Japan. These early consoles laid the groundwork for Nintendo’s future successes.

1980: Introduction of Game & Watch

In 1980, Nintendo introduced the Game & Watch, a series of handheld electronic games designed by Gunpei Yokoi. The Game & Watch series featured a simple LCD screen and became hugely popular, selling millions of units worldwide. This success demonstrated the potential of portable gaming and set the stage for Nintendo’s next big leap.

The Golden Age of Gaming

1983: Launch of the Famicom/NES

In 1983, Nintendo launched the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, which was later released as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America in 1985. The NES revolutionized the gaming industry with its advanced graphics, sound capabilities, and a robust library of games. Iconic titles like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda” captivated audiences and cemented Nintendo’s place in gaming history.

1989: Game Boy Revolution

The release of the Game Boy in 1989 marked another milestone for Nintendo. Designed by Gunpei Yokoi, the Game Boy was a portable gaming device that featured interchangeable cartridges, allowing players to switch games easily. With its long battery life and popular games like “Tetris” and “Pokémon,” the Game Boy became a global sensation, selling over 118 million units.

Innovation and Expansion

1990s: SNES and Beyond

The 1990s saw Nintendo continuing to innovate with the release of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990. The SNES offered improved graphics and sound, and titles like “Super Mario World” and “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” further solidified Nintendo’s reputation for quality gaming experiences.

In 1996, Nintendo released the Nintendo 64, introducing 3D gaming to a broader audience. Games like “Super Mario 64” and “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” set new standards for game design and remain influential to this day.

2000s: GameCube and the Rise of the Wii

The early 2000s were a period of mixed success for Nintendo. The GameCube, released in 2001, faced stiff competition from Sony’s PlayStation 2 and Microsoft’s Xbox. Despite strong titles like “Super Smash Bros. Melee” and “Metroid Prime,” the GameCube struggled to capture a significant market share.

However, Nintendo made a remarkable comeback with the release of the Wii in 2006. The Wii’s innovative motion controls and accessible gameplay appealed to a wide audience, including non-traditional gamers. With hit titles like “Wii Sports” and “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess,” the Wii became a commercial success, selling over 101 million units.

Modern Era and Continued Success

2010s: The Advent of the Switch

Nintendo faced challenges with the Wii U, released in 2012, which failed to replicate the success of the Wii. However, the company rebounded with the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017. The Switch’s hybrid design, allowing it to function as both a home console and a portable device, resonated with gamers. Critically acclaimed titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey” helped the Switch achieve tremendous success, with over 89 million units sold by 2021.

The Future of Nintendo

As Nintendo continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing gaming landscape, the company’s future looks promising. With a strong lineup of upcoming titles, ongoing support for the Switch, and potential new hardware on the horizon, Nintendo remains a dominant force in the gaming industry.

Conclusion

From its origins as a playing card company to its position as a global gaming giant, Nintendo’s history is a testament to its ability to innovate and adapt. Through decades of change and competition, Nintendo has consistently delivered memorable gaming experiences that have captivated audiences worldwide. As the company looks to the future, its legacy of creativity and excellence continues to shape the world of entertainment.

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Tech

Apple Developing Vision Pro 2 and All-New Smart Glasses

Apple is making significant strides in the realm of augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the tech giant is not only working on a second-generation version of its highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro headset but also developing a more affordable variant and an entirely new category of smart glasses. This move signals Apple’s intention to dominate the AR market and expand its portfolio of wearable tech products. Apple Developing Vision Pro 2 is a big thing.

A Second-Generation Vision Pro and a Budget-Friendly Variant

The first-generation Apple Vision Pro, will be followed by a second-generation model.

This upcoming version will build on the innovations of the original, introducing enhancements in display quality, processing power, and user experience.

In addition to the Vision Pro 2, Apple is reportedly working on a more budget-friendly option, tentatively named the “Apple Vision.” This variant aims to bring the AR experience to a broader audience by offering a more affordable price point without compromising too much on essential features. The Apple Vision Pro 2 could launch as early as 2025, catering to consumers who are eager to explore AR technology but are hesitant to invest in the premium-priced Vision Pro.

Entering the Smart Glasses Market

Beyond the Vision Pro series, Apple is also exploring the “smart glasses” segment, a market currently represented by products like Meta’s smart Ray-Ban glasses, which start at $329. While details about Apple’s smart glasses, potentially named “Apple Glass,” remain scarce, the company is reportedly facing several technical challenges that have delayed its development. Unlike the Vision Pro headsets, which are designed to offer a full AR experience, Apple Glass will be a lighter, more everyday wearable device, focusing on notifications, basic augmented reality features, and seamless integration with other Apple products.

The development of Apple Glass appears to be in the early stages, with no defined timeline for its release. The ambition to transform these glasses into a genuine AR device has been postponed due to various technical difficulties, pushing its potential launch date further out, possibly beyond the release of the next-generation Vision Pro and the budget-friendly Apple Vision.

Supply Chain Adjustments and OLED-on-Silicon Panels

As Apple gears up for these ambitious product launches, the company is also making strategic adjustments to its supply chain, particularly in sourcing OLED-on-Silicon (OLEDoS) panels, which are crucial for the Vision Pro headset. Currently, Sony supplies these advanced microdisplays, but their production capacity is limited to approximately 900,000 panels annually. This limitation has prompted Apple to seek alternative suppliers to meet the expected demand for its AR devices.

Reports indicate that Apple has issued a request for information (RFI) to both Samsung Display and LG Display to evaluate their potential for manufacturing larger OLEDoS panels, specifically in the 2.0 to 2.1-inch range, with a display density nearing 1,700 pixels per inch (PPI). This shift in supply chain strategy suggests that Apple is committed to advancing its AR headset technology while also working to make it more accessible to a wider audience through cost-effective production methods.

The Future of AR at Apple

Apple’s ongoing development of the Vision Pro 2, the budget-friendly Apple Vision, and the innovative Apple Glass highlights the company’s dedication to leading the AR and wearable technology markets. By diversifying its product lineup and exploring new categories, Apple will capture a significant share of the AR market, whichwill grow substantially in the coming years.

While the exact timelines for these products remain uncertain, the advancements Apple is making in AR technology and its strategic supply chain adjustments indicate that the company is serious about bringing cutting-edge AR experiences to consumers. Whether through the high-end Vision Pro, the more accessible Apple Vision, or the everyday practicality of Apple Glass, Apple will reshape how users interact with technology in their daily lives.

As Apple continues to innovate in this space, consumers can look forward to a future where AR and wearable technology become integral parts of their digital ecosystems. For now, all eyes are on Apple’s next moves, with anticipation building for what could be some of the most groundbreaking products in the company’s history.

For the latest updates on Apple’s AR developments and other tech news, be sure to visit What’s Hot in UAE.

Tech

Apple to The Unveil M4 Mac Mini

Apple is set to introduce a major redesign of the Mac Mini, marking the first significant overhaul of the device since 2010. The new Mac Mini, expected to debut later this year, will be Apple’s most compact desktop computer to date, positioning it as a key player in the company’s lineup of powerful, yet portable, devices. According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this revamped model will be equipped with the latest M4 and M4 Pro chips, representing a significant upgrade in performance and efficiency. Apple to Unveil The M4 Mac Mini: The Most Compact Computer Yet.

NEW: Apple readies revamped, ultra small Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro that’s less than half the size of the current model as part of end-to-end Mac refresh. https://t.co/4z0r1EX56a— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 8, 2024

Compact and Powerful

The redesigned Mac Mini is expected to be comparable in size to an Apple TV, though it may stand slightly taller than the current model, which has a height of 1.4 inches. Despite its reduced size, the Mac Mini will continue to feature an aluminum casing, maintaining the sleek, durable design that Apple is known for. Those involved in the development of the device have described it as “essentially an iPad Pro in a small box,” highlighting its powerful capabilities packed into a compact form factor.

Enhanced Connectivity and Design

Reports indicate that Apple has been testing Mac Mini models with at least three USB-C ports located on the rear, along with a dedicated space for the power cable and an HDMI port. This expanded connectivity will provide users with more flexibility for peripherals and displays, making the Mac Mini a versatile option for both personal and professional use.

M4 and M4 Pro Variants

The upcoming Mac Mini will be available in two versions: one equipped with the standard M4 chip, similar to the iPad Pro, and another with the more powerful M4 Pro chip. The base model is expected to start shipping from suppliers this month, with a public release anticipated later in the year. The high-end variant, featuring the M4 Pro chip, is projected to be available by October.

Apple plans to launch a redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips later this year

The new Mac mini will be Apple's smallest computer ever, approaching the size of an Apple TV

Source: @markgurman pic.twitter.com/dHcaWOik2F— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) August 8, 2024

A Unified Chip Generation

The introduction of the M4 generation of Apple silicon is significant not just for the Mac Mini, but for Apple’s entire range of computers. For the first time, Apple is expected to employ a uniform chip generation across its entire Mac lineup, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. This consistency will ensure that all of Apple’s Macs benefit from the same advancements in processing power, energy efficiency, and integration with other Apple devices and services.

Conclusion

For Apple to The Unveil M4 Mac Mini, the redesigned M4 Mac Mini represents a major step forward for Apple’s desktop computers, combining a compact form factor with the latest in Apple silicon technology. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of what its devices can achieve, the new Mac Mini is set to be a powerful addition to the company’s lineup, offering users both versatility and performance in a small package.

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Tech

Pixel 9 Series Expected to Launch Without Android 15

The Google Pixel 9 series, is generating buzz with its lineup of four models: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, a recent report indicates that these flagship devices may not debut with the latest Android 15, instead opting to run on last year’s Android 14, marking a significant shift from Google’s previous launches. Pixel 9 Series Expected to Launch Without Android 15 is a surprising turn and we’ll look into why.

Pixel 9 Series Expected to Launch Without Android 15

A Surprising Shift in Software

Despite the usual practice of launching new Pixel devices with the latest Android OS, the Pixel 9 series appears to be breaking this tradition. Android 15, which has been available in beta to developers for several months and reached “platform stability” in June, will reportedly not be ready for the Pixel 9 launch. This delay means that, for the first time, Google‘s flagship smartphones may launch with an older operating system, Android 14.

Enhanced Features Despite OS Delay

Even without Android 15, the Pixel 9 series will bring several enhancements, including faster charging speeds, which users eagerly anticipate. Additionally, storage configurations for the new models have been leaked, providing more choices for consumers. The Pixel 9 will offer 128GB and 256GB storage options, while the Pro models will come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a massive 1TB configuration, catering to users with varying storage needs.

Commitment to Long-Term Software Support

One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 series is Google’s commitment to long-term software support. The company has pledged to provide OS updates, security patches, and Pixel feature drops for up to 7 years. This promise, initially made for the Pixel 8 series, extends to the Pixel 9 series, ensuring software support until 2031. This extended support period highlights Google’s focus on offering a sustainable and secure user experience over the long term.

What to Expect on Launch Day

As the launch date approaches, the Pixel 9 series will draw significant attention, not just for its hardware specs but also for the unusual software situation. While the absence of Android 15 at launch might be disappointing for some, the series still promises to deliver powerful performance, cutting-edge features, and a variety of storage options to suit different users.

For more updates on the Google Pixel 9 series and other tech news, be sure to visit What’s Hot in UAE.