Games Industry Biz reports: “Paris-based developer Opus Major has raised $10 million in a seed funding round, led by Griffin Gaming Partners and early investor Alven. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Opus Major will use the investment to support the ongoing development of its debut, cross-platform multiplayer codenamed Opus #1.”
Android Police reports: “Gemini has been Google’s starchild for the past couple of years, with new capabilities added almost every week. What started as a chatbot has now taken over Assistant’s role, permeated into Google Workspace, and also rivals other Search tools like Lens and Circle to Search.”
TechCrunch reports: “OpenAI has launched a more powerful version of its o1 “reasoning” AI model, o1-pro, in its developer API. According to OpenAI, o1-pro uses more computing than o1 to provide “consistently better responses.” Currently, it’s only available to select developers — those who’ve spent at least $5 on OpenAI API services — and it’s pricey. Very pricey.”
Music Business Worldwide reports: “B2B music streaming infrastructure provider Tuned Global has teamed up with AI-powered analytics firm Zetaris to help businesses monetize data generated through streaming services. The partnership seeks to help companies extract insights from “millions of data points” generated every second without requiring costly data migration or technical bottlenecks, according to a press release on Wednesday (March 19).”
GamesBeat reports: “Discord announced plans to expand its successful Video Quests advertising format to mobile devices. This strategic move marks the company’s first mobile ad offering, significantly broadening reach for advertisers while maintaining Discord’s commitment to user-first, reward-focused advertising experiences.”
WIRED reports: “Nvidia has acquired synthetic data firm Gretel for nine figures, according to two people with direct knowledge of the deal. The acquisition price exceeds Gretel’s most recent valuation of $320 million, the sources say, though the exact terms of the purchase remain unknown.”
MacRumors reports: “Meta has announced the rollout of its AI chatbot across Europe starting this week. The AI assistant will appear across WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger platforms in 41 European and 21 overseas territories. Meta AI launched in the United States in 2023, but the company paused a planned rollout in Europe due to regulatory concerns.”
The Verge reports: “LG is shutting down Art Lab, its NFT marketplace for TVs. In a notice posted to its website, LG says it has made the “difficult decision” to close the platform on June 17th. LG launched its Art Lab app during the NFT craze in 2022, billing it as a way to “buy, sell and enjoy high-quality digital artwork” from your TV.”
Business Wire reports: “M80, an international gaming and esports entertainment organization, has teamed up with IMG Academy, the world’s leading sports education brand, to launch an innovative new esports camp. Hosted at the IMG Academy campus in Bradenton, Fla., this three-week camp will offer an elite esports training experience, aimed at shaping the next generation of competitive gamers.”
Media Play News reports: “OTT.X on March 19 announced the addition of 12 new member companies the streaming trade association says “are shaping the future of OTT, CTV, and streaming.” New member companies include Amazon Web Services (AWS), home entertainment heavyweight Alliance Entertainment, research house Parks Associates, and independent film distributors Giant Pictures and Xenon Entertainment.”
