Electronics gadgets: Samsung Leans Further Into Gaming

November 17, 2022

November 17, 2022. On this day in 1970, Douglas Engelbart received a US patent for what we now call a computer mouse. Happy Patent Birthday, mice! Where would we be without you?

⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds

Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to):

349 articles, 12 podcasts, 17 press releases, 547 tweets, and 17 YouTube videos

1. Samsung Expanding Gaming Hub to Include More Games

Streaming video games through Samsung Smart TVs may have only kicked off this past summer, but soon you'll have access to an even larger library of games, along with 4K resolutions. Better still, some 2021 Samsung TVs will finally be able to join the fun, too. Just gotta wait until the end of the year.

2. Android Gets Backbone Controller for Streaming and Mobile Games

If you've wanted a Backbone One controller for Android, your time is now. And much like its Apple-compatible variant, it works for both smartphone games and game streaming. Unfortunately, the PlayStation Backbone One is still an iPhone exclusive, so no PlayStation-to-Android playtime. Maybe one day.

3. Story Portraits Uses AI to Bring Photos of Loved Ones to Life

End-of-life planning platform GoodTrust can now use AI to animate photos of lost loved ones, complete with a vocal track. The company expects people to try it out for entertainment purposes, because of course they would, but just know it's not free, and will instead cost $4/week. That price will add up fast.

🦑 Go Deeper

The tech world can be unfriendly for many LGBTQIA+ workers, but there's a growing movement to improve conditions. Let Sascha Brodsky tell you all about it and the progress it's made so far.

🎱 By the Numbers

Games are everywhere

Data: The Entertainment Software Association

Don't have a PlayStation, Xbox, or one of those Nintendos? Turns out, it's totally fine, because you can play video games on just about anything now. Sure, gaming consoles and PCs are still preferred by a lot of people, but if you have a decent smartphone, you kinda already have everything you need.

🔥 Today's Hot Deal

The holidays will inevitably lead to more messes around the house, so why not tap a robot vacuum to help out a bit? This Anker BoostIQ RoboVac 30C is down to $169.99 on Amazon right now and is perfect for the job.

Don't Miss This Deal

🤓 Nerd Out

"Swiper, no swiping!" —Molly McLaughlin, Senior Content Strategist

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a lot of packages are going to be hanging around outside your door. Want to protect them? CNET has a few tips to keep them from being stolen. (Share on Twitter)

💎 You Know You Want It

LOUDER!

Image: SoundBoks

Need a loud portable speaker with a battery that lasts forever? You want the SoundBoks Go. Sure, it looks like an intimidating black box, but we promise it'll provide the volume you need, no matter the occasion. Your neighbors may not be thrilled to hear it, though.

🎮 Up-Down-A-B-Start

Art inspires art

Game developers find inspiration in a lot of things, including other games. Join IGN as they sit down with God of War: Ragnarok director Eric Williams as he shares which classic NES games helped shape the PlayStation exclusive.