Month: February 2026

"This is an Xbox," the Xbox advertising campaign that sparked the fire at Microsoft

As you well know, because we have discussed it here several times this week, the legendary Phil Spencer, an employee of Microsoft for 38 years and head of the Xbox division for over a decade, will leave his position in a few months. And with him goes Sarah Bond, who was the president of Xbox after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2022. This latest departure seems to have relieved the company’s employees. According to what we have learned from what the specialized press in the U.S. is publishing, the famous campaign “This is […]

As you well know, because we have discussed it here several times this week, the legendary Phil Spencer, an employee of Microsoft for 38 years and head of the Xbox division for over a decade, will be leaving his position in a few months. Along with him, Sarah Bond, who was the president of Xbox after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2022, is also leaving. This latest departure seems to have relieved the company’s employees.

According to what we have learned from the specialized press in the U.S., Microsoft’s famous campaign “Esto es una Xbox” (“This Is an Xbox” in English) was not well received by many employees of the company.

Sarah Bond, the scapegoat of Xbox to justify its failures?

This is affirmed by The Verge, which reports that the 2024 advertising campaign not only divided consumers at the time but also “offended many Xbox employees internally.”

Although the details were disclosed, it is said that the initiative was linked to the broader “Xbox everywhere” strategy that was being promoted at that time by the former president of Xbox, Sarah Bond, who resigned from her position last week following the retirement of Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer.

The “This Is an Xbox” campaign focused not only on the console but also on other devices. It claimed that tablets, phones, Samsung’s Smart TV, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, and other devices were also considered “an Xbox.” Basically, it promoted the idea that players would not need to buy an Xbox Series X, an Xbox Series S, or an Xbox One to play their favorite games.

Although this is true in some cases, rumors say that Microsoft was undervaluing its core hardware, especially at a time when the company was promoting the idea of launching Xbox games on other platforms.

The Verge reports that Bond’s connection to last year’s marketing initiatives suggests that the former president was interested in expanding the Xbox brand beyond its console image.

It is also noted that Bond personally announced the Xbox mobile gaming store in July 2024, as a way to boost the multi-device Xbox, and that both former and current Xbox employees describe Bond’s relationship with the rest of the staff negatively.

The new CEO under scrutiny for AI

Following the official announcement of Spencer’s retirement and Bond’s resignation last week, it was confirmed that Asha Sharma, an executive from Microsoft’s CoreAI division, would take on the role of CEO of Xbox Gaming.

In a message shared at that time, Sharma promised “the return of Xbox” and the creation of games “designed by humans.” But we don’t know if it’s a message to calm the spirits or a real promise.

And it is that, despite the comments from the executive director, the original co-founder of Xbox and console designer, Seamus Blackley, believes that Microsoft will eventually abandon its video game business as the company shifts its focus towards artificial intelligence.

The White House warned Apple, Nvidia, and AMD that Taiwan could be invaded by China in 2027

We all know that the big tech companies are American: IBM, Nvidia, AMD, Apple, Google, etc. But the question is not where their headquarters and offices are located, but where their raw materials come from. In this case, their chips, processors, SoCs, and other silicon-based production. And here all the companies share the same supplier: companies from Taiwan. Well, in a new research report from The New York Times, we read that in July 2023, senior U.S. intelligence officials privately informed some of the most powerful executives in the tech industry about information […]

We all know that the big tech companies are American: IBM, Nvidia, AMD, Apple, Google, etc. But the question is not where their headquarters and offices are located, but where their raw materials come from. In this case, their chips, processors, SoCs, and other silicon-based production. And here all the companies share the same supplier: companies from Taiwan.

Well, in a new research report from The New York Times, we read that in July 2023, senior U.S. intelligence officials privately informed some of the most powerful executives in the tech industry about classified information related to China and Taiwan.

If China invades Taiwan, which makes 90% of the world's high-end computer chips, and cuts off its exports to American companies, the tech industry and the U.S. economy would be crippled.

— The New York Times (@nytimes.com) 2026-02-24T16:25:03.193113Z

The U.S. could not afford that scenario

According to reports, among the attendees were Apple CEO Tim Cook; Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang; AMD CEO Lisa Su; and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon.

According to the report, CIA Director William J. Burns and National Intelligence Director Avril Haines informed executives that the increase in China’s military power suggested that Beijing could be prepared to act on Taiwan in 2027.

And if this is not new, the U.S. has always feared this scenario; what was new is the extent to which the U.S. government explicitly raised that risk to the companies most exposed to it.

Taiwan produces approximately 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors, primarily through Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC. A blockade or invasion would immediately disrupt global chip supply chains, with ripple effects on consumer electronics, artificial intelligence infrastructure, automobile manufacturing, and defense systems.

The backdrop of these informational meetings was the Biden administration’s push to repatriate semiconductor manufacturing through the CHIPS Act, followed by the more aggressive use of tariffs (or the attempted use, in any case) by the Trump administration to force changes in procurement. Warnings from intelligence services were part of a broader effort to convince companies that geopolitical risk was no longer theoretical.

The research highlights the internal frustration of the Government due to the fact that market incentives alone have not been sufficient to significantly reduce Taiwan’s dependence. The creation of cutting-edge capacity in the United States has proven to be costly and slow.

The United States could lose more than 11% of its GDP

Even in cases where new manufacturing plants are being launched in Arizona and Texas, advanced packaging capabilities continue to be concentrated in Taiwan, which means that some chips manufactured in the United States still require critical finishing steps abroad.

For the tech sector, the fundamental issue is simple but harsh. If Beijing acts on Taiwan and manages to disrupt semiconductor exports, the immediate economic impact would likely overshadow the financial crisis of 2008.

A study commissioned by the industry in 2022, cited in the report, projected an 11% drop in U.S. GDP in a scenario of severe disruption in Taiwan, and it is believed that with the AI boom, the decline could be even greater.

There is only one sport that has true drama: Formula 1, and Netflix shows you that

All sports have dramas, secrets, and things they try to hide as best as possible. The moment competition occurs and it is done for obscene amounts of money, it is inevitable that there are people who consider it legitimate to behave in a less than stellar manner ethically speaking. Sometimes also legally. And there is no sport that exemplifies this better than Formula 1. Even if we were to overlook the most obvious cheating and the most questionable dramas, Formula 1 is built on drama. On drivers with great personal interests, on historic comebacks, on overcoming significant limitations very […]

All sports have dramas, secrets, and things they try to hide as best as possible. At the moment when competition occurs and it is done for obscene amounts of money, it is inevitable that there are people who consider it legitimate to behave in a less than stellar manner ethically speaking. Sometimes also legally. And there is no sport that exemplifies this better than Formula 1.

Even if we overlook the most obvious traps and the most questionable dramas, Formula 1 is built on drama. About drivers with significant personal interests, about historic comebacks, about overcoming very strict limitations, about finding a way to gain an advantage without breaking the rules. Or without getting caught. That makes it fascinating. And while not all of this can be documented, or not in front of a camera, it certainly makes for a fascinating documentary. A whole documentary series. Something that demonstrates Formula 1: Drive to Survive.

An interesting sport both on and off the track

Announced for the first time on March 24, 2018, and premiered on March 8, 2019, Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a documentary series about the Formula 1 World Cup with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Originally intended to focus exclusively on the 2018 cup, with limited access to teams, the series was a tremendous success.

The premise was simple: each episode focuses on a race and some of the people involved in it. With both the racers and the engineers or the owners of the bodies as protagonists, it offers us a glimpse into everything that happens during the competition. Not only focusing on the results of the races, but also on what happens in the lives of each of those involved, what it means for the teams, or how some of the triumphs are not even sports-related, but rather engineering or business achievements. Providing us with a much more complex and multifaceted view of what this sport is.

All of this is accompanied by absolutely superb production. With delicate shots that seek to emphasize the beauty of the races and the cars, it is a documentary series that stands out for the care of its visual aspect. Always spectacular to watch and listen to, it is not a succession of talking heads: it is always interesting to follow and, surprisingly, it does not have that characteristic Netflix look. Something that gives it a very particular value.

Perhaps that’s why they decided to continue expanding the coverage of the documentary series in successive tournaments. Returning each year to cover the events, with all the teams joining the production from its second season, nothing has stopped the series from continuing to grow and expand over time. Not even the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from taking care of the recording of the 2020 cup, even if they had to delay the recording for four months.

Now the eighth season arrives, covering the 2025 Formula 1 Season. With some absolutely incredible stories ahead, an unexpected champion, and some rule changes that they will surely take advantage of, there is a lot to look forward to in this new season.

Although Formula 1 fans know the results and are just a couple of clicks away, for those who know nothing, they can now find out what awaits them in this new season. Because it has been available since February 26 to show us once again that Formula 1 is the king of drama when it comes to sports.

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The alliance between Netflix and Warner is in danger: Paramount has a better offer

Warner Bros. Discovery has opened the door to a possible bidding war between Paramount and Netflix, after classifying Paramount’s recent proposal as a superior offer. This $31 per share offer could significantly change the landscape of the entertainment industry, as the media company seeks to maximize value for its shareholders. More money, is the war Despite this positive rating towards Paramount’s offer, the board of directors of Warner Bros. Discovery has made it clear that this does not mean a withdrawal of its support for Netflix’s pending offer. With […]

Warner Bros. Discovery has opened the door to a possible bidding war between Paramount and Netflix, after classifying Paramount’s recent proposal as a superior offer.

This offer of $31 per share could significantly change the landscape of the entertainment industry, as the media company seeks to maximize value for its shareholders.

More money, it’s war

Despite this positive rating towards Paramount’s offer, the board of directors of Warner Bros. Discovery has made it clear that this does not mean a withdrawal of their support for the pending offer from Netflix.

With the activation of a four-day evaluation period, directors will have time to consider the implications of Paramount’s proposal without immediately committing to a final decision.

This dynamic highlights the fierce competition in the streaming sector and the increasing pressure that major platforms face to acquire content and expand their market share.

Paramount, which seeks to improve its position in the competitive streaming environment, has launched its offer in the hope of attracting the shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery and displacing Netflix in the board’s preference.

The market’s reaction to these offers will be crucial, as shareholders play a decisive role in the final decision. Meanwhile, the possibility of a bidding war suggests that interest in Warner Bros. Discovery may be on the rise, reflecting the appeal and value the company holds in the current digital age. Overall, industry analysts are keeping a close eye on how this situation evolves and whether other players might enter the fray.

New trailer of the fake reality show that has left half the world speechless

The new season of Jury Duty: Company Retreat will premiere on March 20 on Prime Video, when we will be able to enjoy a total of 6 episodes. This series is the sequel to Jury Duty, a resounding success in 2023 that captured the audience’s attention thanks to its innovative approach. We have been deceived In Jury Duty: Company Retreat, the protagonist is an unwitting subject who finds himself surrounded by a cast of actors. Together, they work at a fictional company and participate in an equally fake corporate retreat. This unique premise promises to maintain the mix of humor and absurd situations that characterized […]

The new season of Jury Duty: Company Retreat will premiere on March 20 on Prime Video, when we will be able to enjoy a total of 6 episodes.

This series is the sequel to Jury Duty, a resounding success in 2023 that captured the audience’s attention thanks to its innovative approach.

We have been deceived

In Jury Duty: Company Retreat, the protagonist is an unwitting individual surrounded by a cast of actors. Together, they work at a fictional company and participate in an equally fake corporate retreat.

This unique premise promises to maintain the blend of humor and absurd situations that characterized the first installment, where the lines between reality and acting blurred, providing both bewildering and hilarious moments.

The series has been created with the formula of mixing the real with the acted, placing the protagonist in comedic and unusual situations. Fans of the original series will already know how the new context of corporate retirement will unfold to take the dynamics to new heights.

The strategy of releasing three initial episodes allows viewers to quickly immerse themselves in the plot and the unexpected twists that will undoubtedly be present in this sequel.

As the release date approaches, we are more eager to see Jury Duty: Company Retreat. These types of productions have become popular on the platform, and we are sure that fans of the first part will not miss it.

The protagonist of 'Community' has a series you didn't know about… And it has just been renewed for a season 5

The series Animal Control has been renewed for its fifth season on Fox, a news that comes at a time of growing popularity for the sitcom starring Joel McHale. The series is currently airing its fourth season, with the last episode scheduled for February 26. This renewal reflects not only the network’s confidence in the show but also the notable increase in content quality and audience response. An animal madness According to reports from Variety, the success of Animal Control is due to an improvement in writing and the […]

The series Animal Control has been renewed for its fifth season on Fox, a piece of news that comes at a time of growing popularity for the sitcom starring Joel McHale.

The series is currently airing its fourth season, with the last episode scheduled for February 26. This renewal reflects not only the network’s confidence in the show but also the remarkable increase in content quality and audience response.

A crazy thing

According to reports from Variety, the success of Animal Control is due to an improvement in writing and the performance of the cast, as well as a resurgence in audience response.

These factors have led Fox to make the decision to extend the series for one more season, indicating that viewers are connecting more than ever with the characters and stories presented on screen.

Joel McHale, known for his work on Community, continues to surprise the audience with his performance in this single-camera comedy. The mix of humor and unusual situations related to animal control has found a place in the hearts of viewers. With the end of the fourth season in sight, fans are eagerly awaiting how the narrative will unfold in the next season.

The production team and the cast have shown a renewed commitment to the series, which promises to maintain the level of quality that has captured the audience’s attention.

As Animal Control prepares for its fifth season, expectations are high and the show’s followers have much to look forward to. This renewal could be just the beginning of a bright future for the series in the competitive television landscape.

You can now play for free on Steam the demo of this game visually like few you've seen

In the context of the Steam Next Fest, a new proposal has emerged that will blow your mind: Ex Sanguis, a turn-based strategy roguelike that takes influences from the acclaimed XCOM series. This title not only offers intriguing gameplay but also stands out for its unique visual identity, which apparently fuses minimalist elements with a color palette that emphasizes white and red, with striking splashes of blood that add a visceral touch to the experience. Minimalism and blood The aesthetic of Ex Sanguis has been compared to the vibrant presentation of Superhot, although applied to an environment […]

As part of the Steam Next Fest, a new proposal has emerged that will blow your mind: Ex Sanguis, a turn-based strategy roguelike that takes influences from the acclaimed series XCOM.

This title not only offers intriguing gameplay but also stands out for its unique visual identity, which apparently fuses minimalist elements with a color palette that emphasizes white and red, with striking splashes of blood that add a visceral touch to the experience.

Minimalism and Blood

The aesthetics of Ex Sanguis have been compared to the vibrant presentation of Superhot, although applied to a strategy environment. The game uses a grid system where players control a squad of soldiers called Stillae. Each unit has unique abilities and is characterized by fluid and choreographed movements, promising a dynamic and engaging combat style.

Despite its promise, the game demo available during the festival does not reveal the full potential of its mechanics. However, it becomes evident that the main focus lies in strategic combat, with a narrative aimed at saving a dying planet but which feels secondary to the intense and stylized action.

The warning of partially destructible environments and enemies designed to maximize the gaming experience reinforces this proposal.

Although there is still no confirmed release date, it has been indicated that Ex Sanguis will be released in early access in the future. For now, players can enjoy the demo for free until the end of the Steam Next Fest, making this title one of the standout surprises among the numerous offerings of the event.

Chris Pine could be the one to accompany Emma Stone in this romantic comedy

Universal Pictures is going all out with its new romantic comedy The Catch. The film features acclaimed actress Emma Stone, who has won two Oscars. And according to the latest news, her co-star will be none other than Chris Pine, who is in negotiations to join the cast. The film’s direction of The Catch will be handled by Dave McCary, known for his work in the comedy field. McCary, who has proven his ability to create entertaining content, could infuse the work with a fresh approach and […]

Universal Pictures is going all out with its new romantic comedy The Catch. The film stars acclaimed actress Emma Stone, who has won two Oscars. And according to the latest news, her co-star will be none other than Chris Pine, who is in negotiations to join the cast.

The Movie Couple

The direction of The Catch will be in charge of Dave McCary, known for his work in the field of comedy. McCary, who has demonstrated his ability to create entertaining content, could infuse the work with a fresh and dynamic approach, aligning with the typical expectations of current romantic comedies.

The script is the work of Patrick Kang and Michael Levin, who have collaborated on previous projects that have resonated with audiences in search of heartwarming and entertaining stories. Although Universal Pictures has not made any official comments regarding Chris Pine’s involvement, the possibility of his addition to the cast has generated great excitement among film fans.

The production of The Catch highlights Universal Pictures’ commitment to diversifying its film offerings and attracting a wide audience with stories that combine romance and comedy. This trend in the film industry, focusing on romantic comedies that present relevant connections between their characters, could result in an appealing proposal for both Emma Stone fans and followers of Chris Pine’s work.

As these conversations develop, we continue to await news about The Catch, as a comedy with such a strong cast is bound to succeed in Hollywood.

These are the new games from Epic Games that you can get for free until March 5

Epic Games Store has started March by offering two new free games: Boxes: Lost Fragments and My Night Job. Both experiences will be available until March 5, allowing players to expand their digital library at no cost. This is a continuation of Epic Games’ strategy of giving away titles weekly, a tactic that has proven popular among PC users. Puzzles and monsters, what more could you ask for? Boxes: Lost Fragments is a puzzle game where users interact with mysterious boxes, using mechanics like lighting systems and hidden levers to unveil their contents. This title has managed […]

Epic Games Store has kicked off March by offering two new free games:  Boxes: Lost Fragments and My Night Job. Both experiences will be available until March 5, allowing players to expand their digital library at no cost.

This is a continuation of Epic Games’ strategy of giving away titles weekly, a tactic that has proven popular among PC users.

Puzzles and monsters—what more could you ask for

Boxes: Lost Fragments is a puzzle game where users interact with mysterious boxes, using mechanics such as lighting systems and hidden levers to unveil their contents.

This title has managed to capture the attention of the gaming community, thanks to remarkable 92% positive reviews on Steam, based on the opinions of 2,816 players. The mix of challenges and exploration makes it an appealing proposition for those who enjoy the genre.

On the other hand, My Night Job offers an intense retro action experience. Players must survive in an abandoned mansion filled with monsters, using over 60 weapons, ranging from household items like vases to powerful shotguns and chainsaws. The blend of bizarre humor with survival elements promises to keep players on edge in a high-adrenaline environment.

Not only that, Epic Games has also revealed what it will bring next week: starting March 5, users will be able to get Turnip Boy Robs a Bank and a pack for Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms. This ensures that players always have something new to look forward to and explore on the platform.

With these releases, Epic Games Store continues to establish itself as a platform that offers varied experiences for both nostalgia enthusiasts of the past and fans of modern puzzles.

The protagonist of Crimson Desert has drawn inspiration from a personal loss for his character

Crimson Desert is shaping up to be a titan in the world of video games, with an epic size that promises a duration of between 50 and 80 hours for the most exploratory players. The game has been recognized for its ambitious scale, leading many to question whether these estimates will be enough to encompass all the richness that its vast universe will offer. For those willing to put in many hours, Alec Newman, known for his role as Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077, brings the protagonist Kliff to life and has been working on this character since 2021. In interviews, […]

Crimson Desert is shaping up to be a titan in the world of video games, with an epic size that promises a duration of between 50 and 80 hours for the most exploratory players. The game has been recognized for its ambitious scale, leading many to question whether these estimates will be enough to encompass all the richness that its vast universe will offer.

For those who are willing to put in many hours

Alec Newman, known for his role as Adam Smasher in Cyberpunk 2077, brings the protagonist Kliff to life and has been working on this character since 2021. In interviews, Newman has shared that at first he didn’t know Kliff was the central character of the game, stating that he has taken on this role for longer than any other in his career. This commitment suggests that there is a significant and deep background behind Kliff, a character who starts off as cynical, but whose personal evolution will unfold throughout the game.

Newman’s personal inspiration for bringing Kliff to life comes from his stepfather, Graham Fleck, who passed away in 2022. The actor has mentioned that his Scottish heritage has also influenced the character’s development, which could add a unique touch to the game’s narrative.

Additionally, Crimson Desert has drawn attention for its business model, as Epic Games has confirmed that there will be no microtransactions in the game, making it a premium experience. This decision highlights the developers’ commitmentto providing a complete and uninterrupted product to players.

On the other hand, some critics have suggested that Crimson Desert might look too much like Red Dead Redemption 2, a fact that could affect the public’s perception of the game. Despite this, expectations remain extremely high, and its release will be a key moment in the video game calendar.