Nintendo’s more expensive model of the Switch is impressive at first glance, thanks to its bigger, brighter screen. But the unit’s improvements are subtle and mostly won’t be relevant to people who play the machine hooked up to a TV.
Why it matters: The Nintendo Switch OLED model, to be released Oct. 8, has been a head-scratcher since it was announced, given the limited improvements offered for its $350 price tag, $50 more than the standard model.
Instagram announced Monday that it is pausing its plans to develop a version of its platform for children under 13.
Why it matters: Facebook has received backlash since the Wall Street Journal published a report that showed the company knew its Instagram app is harmful to teenagers.
A new study done for Spotify shows the surprisingly engaging effect of digital audio and ads on the human brain, Axios can report first.
Why it matters: Neuromarketing technology allows brands to "understand more of what is happening inside of the human mind" as users consume different kinds of media, says Jon Gibs, global director and principal data scientist at Spotify.
Civis Analytics, a startup that could be key to next fall's Democratic Party campaigns, has raised $30.7 million in new funding, Axios has learned.
Behind the scenes: The Chicago-based startup was founded by Dan Wagner, who led analytics for the Obama 2012 campaign, and was used by the Biden 2020 campaign to test audience messaging and to determine where to deploy advertising. Its first outside investor was former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
China's latest move to ban cryptocurrency shows how tough it will be for the technology to deliver on its backers' vision of disruptive, decentralized change.
The big picture: Control of the currency is a foundation of sovereignty, and governments don't plan on losing that control even as money inevitably turns digital.
A non-profit group critical of tech companies is filing a complaint against Apple today with the Customers and Border Protection, seeking to have the agency block imports of iPhones and other products, Axios has learned.
Campaign for Accountability's Tech Transparency Project argues that Apple's products rely on components made using forced labor in China and maintains the agency has the power to block imports under the Tariff Act of 1930.
Why it matters: Getting the agency to stop Apple from bringing its gear to the U.S. seems like a long shot, but the complaint could draw further attention to the supply chain used by Apple and other tech companies.
Facebook released more information on Sunday about its research into Instagram's impact on teen girls and said the full picture shows the photo-sharing service has a largely positive effect.
Driving the news: The move comes after the Wall Street Journal published a series based on leaked reports showing evidence of harms caused by the Facebook platform.
Disney's latest Marvel blockbuster, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" has officially beaten Disney's other Marvel hit "Black Widow" in North American ticket sales, according to the latest figures from Comscore.
Why it matters: The success of both films points to the extraordinary power of the Marvel franchise in luring people to the box office, even as the pandemic drags on.
