Netflix confirmed rumors Tuesday that it is partnering with publisher Take-Two Interactive to create a live-action adaptation of BioShock.
Driving the news: This adds to a long list of video game adaptations Netflix has in the pipeline, as it plumbs a category largely ignored by streaming rivals Disney Plus and HBO Max.
CD Projekt Red finally launched next-gen versions of December 2020’s Cyberpunk 2077 Tuesday, alongside a raft of changes designed to make the last-gen versions play better too.
Why it matters: CDPR is trying to salvage a game and its studio’s rep after 2077’s disastrous launch.
Several banks and government agencies in Ukraine said Tuesday they had been hit by a distributed denial-of-service attack in an attempt to disrupt access to its servers.
Why it matters: It comes as tensions escalate at the Russia-Ukraine border. U.S. intelligence has said it expects a Russian invasion into Ukraine any day now.
The planned useof robot dogs along the U.S.-Mexico border is already facing skepticism from members of both political parties.
Driving the news: U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), who represents a border district where robot dogs could be dispatched, told Axios the technology is "ghoulish" and a waste.
Intel on Tuesday said it has agreed to buy Israel's Tower Semiconductor for around $5.4 billion in cash, or $53 per share (60% premium to Monday's closing price).
Why it matters: America's largest chipmaker is seeking to significantly expand its specialty manufacturing capability, at a time of surging semiconductor demand.
Better Tomorrow Ventures, a fintech-focused early stage venture firm headed by NerdWallet co-founder Jake Gibson and ex-500 Startups partner Sheel Mohnot, has raised $150 million for a sophomore fund, and $75 million for an opportunity fund.
The Chernin Group and talent management company Night Media are setting up a new growth equity vehicle named "NightCap" that will aim to acquire businesses and team them up with content creators, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: It's yet another testament to the influence and commercial power of social media stars, rivaling that of traditional celebrities like actors and musicians.
BMW owners who are stumped by their car's goofy gesture controls to change the radio station or turn up the volume can get real-time video instructions from a live human, who will guide them through what to do.
Why it matters: Consumers are increasingly overwhelmed and frustrated by the complicated technology bombarding their daily lives, and having an on-demand expert to hold their hand — even virtually — can make a huge difference.
"The customer is not expected to know software," says Rama Sreenivasan, the CEO and co-founder of Blitzz, a startup that's powering BMW's virtual roadside assistance andtechsupportfeature.
"They just want visual empathy," Sreenivasan tells Axios. "All they have to do is hold the phone and show things to the technician. We provide that visual link — then the rest is handled remotely."
How it works: Using video support software from Blitzz, certified BMW technicians can remotely help customers with everything from roadside assistance to troubleshooting their phone's Bluetooth connection.
Drivers contact the carmaker's customer support line on their phone or by pushing the in-car call button.
An operator determines if the issue is something the customer can probably resolve themselves, and — if it is — they transfer the call to a certified BMW technician or BMW Genius for support.
The BMW rep asks permission to text a Blitzz video link directly to the customer's phone. Once the customer clicks the link, the two can communicate face-to-face.
Instead of relying on verbal cues and descriptions, BMW technicians can see firsthand what customers are describing.
Real-time video calls allow BMW technicians to see things they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
One customer complained their plug-in hybrid vehicle wouldn't charge properly. Over video, the technician spotted that a pebble from the customer's gravel driveway was blocking the charge port.
Another customer was able to get a BMW technician's help selecting the right coolant from the shelf of an AutoZone store.
The big picture: Blitzz's software is used by companies across a range of industries, including automotive, construction, utilities and telecom.
Besides remote video customer support, it also lets companies handle virtual home and equipment inspections, compliance audits and insurance claims, reducing the need for onsite visits.
With artificial intelligence and augmented reality, technicians can even draw on the screen in real time to identify key switches, valves or other points of interest.
"We're FaceTime on steroids for enterprises," says Sreenivasan.
The bottom line: You don't have to keep bothering your brother-in-law for tech help.
Videos of Russian troops massing on Ukraine's borders are being widely disseminated on TikTok, giving the world an unprecedented view of what's happening on the ground ahead of a potential war.
The big picture: The world has moved away from a top-down view in which the public learned about major military movements only through big media outlets and governments. The troop buildup around Ukraine is there for everyone to see.
Verizon tapped actor Jim Carrey while T-Mobile leaned on Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus to sell 5G during the Super Bowl as wireless companies spend big to convince consumers to upgrade.
Why it matters: The 5G marketing blitz has also led to a surge in company-on-company complaints over misleading advertising.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued social media giant Meta on Monday for allegedly capturing and using biometric data without properly obtaining informed consent. Meta has vowed to fight the lawsuit.
Our thought bubble, via Axios' Ashley Gold: Similar suits are likely to come from other states as lawmakers grapple with how to treat the use of biometric data, and this one just adds to Facebook’s many regulatory woes.
