Microsoft and Apple: the Team Up We Deserved?

Microsoft and Apple were working on a deal earlier this year that could've brought Xbox games to Apple's App Store.

December 13, 2021 It's December 13, 2021, and National Cocoa Day! What better way to get through a Monday than with a nice, hot cup of cocoa? It's scientifically proven to improve any moment in time.     ⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to): 318 articles, 3 podcasts, 7 press releases, 294 tweets, and 12 YouTube videos 1. Leaked Emails Show Failed Microsoft and Apple App Store Team Up Microsoft nearly struck a deal with Apple to release Xbox games on the App Store, as revealed by leaked company emails. How did things fall apart? Well, Apple wanted each game to open as an individual app, while Microsoft wanted a single umbrella app. Oh well, we can still dream. 2. Google Play Games to Bring Android Favorites to the PC  Google Play Games is heading to Windows machines in 2022, letting people seamlessly switch between Android and PC desktop/laptop devices. Details about the new PC app are scarce, but it'll likely be similar to Android's Play Games app. More cross platform interactivity? Yes, please! 3. Meta Details New Comment Moderation Tools, Live Chat Support In an effort to better support the creators on its platform, Meta is implementing new tools that let people manually block accounts and automatically moderate comments. It's also testing a new support method using live chat, because sometimes the issues can't wait. Hope it works out. 🦑 Go Deeper Movies are fine on our big TVs, but if you're looking for a new way to enjoy them, why not give Vudu's VR app a try? It really won over Sascha Brodsky, who called it a "great way to shut out the rest of the world."     🎱 By the Numbers Really, still under a million? Data: PocketGamer, Business of Apps The games section of Apple's App Store already has a lot going for it, but we're honestly surprised its library is still under one million. You know what would've help with that? A successful deal with Microsoft to get those sweet, sweet Xbox games. Ah well.   🔥 Today's Hot Deal Need another streaming device for the home? Of course you do! The Roku Ultra LT is down to $35 at Walmart right now, roughly 50% off its normal price. 4K, HDR, a voice remote, and a $5 Vudu Movie Credit? Sounds like a deal to us. Don't Miss This Deal 🤓 Nerd Out "The internet provides yet again." —Kyree Leary, Associate News Editor If you simply can't wait to hear Chris Pratt voice Mario in the upcoming animated movie, perhaps this modded Super Mario Bros. game with Chris Pratt's voice will satisfy you for a while. (Share on Twitter) 💎 You Know You Want It  "Set it to 107.5" Image: Uncommon Goods If you need a new assembly project for the weekend, why not build your own radio? This Build Your Own Bluetooth and FM Radio kit has everything you need to make it happen—no electronics experience required. When you're done, you'll have a new radio to enjoy, or to display on a shelf. You can't lose! 🎧 Listen Up AI's real influence is TBD Is artificial intelligence really the next big thing, or is it just another ambitious idea that might shape our future? Tune into this episode of Cyber, as the crew sit down to discuss just that.      🗞 Extra! Extra! We've got you covered with the best in daily tech news! See the latest on our site or follow us on Google News. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up here. Have something you'd like us to write about? We're always open for suggestions, too. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Tech Today newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here .   Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. A Dotdash Brand 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005 2020 Dotdash • All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.   [View in Browser]