Facebook braces for Apple's privacy changes - CNET

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Facebook braces for Apple's privacy changes – CNET

Published

4 years ago

August 26, 2020

Harry Miller

Facebook said Apple’s privacy changes will impact a service that it offers advertisers.

Graphic by Pixabay; illustration by CNET

Facebook said Wednesday that Apple’s upcoming privacy update could make it tougher for the social network to target some iPhone users with ads on other mobile apps.

Facebook offers a service to businesses called the Audience Network, which lets businesses use the social network’s targeting to run ads on thousands of mobile apps. Facebook collects a trove of data from its users, allowing advertisers to target potential customers based on age, location and other criteria.

Apple is expected to release an updated mobile operating system called iOS 14 in the fall. As part of the update, the smartphone maker is requiring apps to ask users for permission before collecting and sharing data using a unique code that identifies their mobile Apple devices. Called the advertising identifier or IDFA, this code makes it possible for businesses to better target ads and gauge whether they’re working.

“For developers and publishers using Audience Network, our ability to deliver targeted ads on iOS 14 will be limited. As a result, some iOS 14 users may not see any ads from Audience Network, while others may still see ads from us, but they’ll be less relevant,” Facebook said in a blog post.

The social network said it won’t collect the IDFA on its apps on iOS 14 devices. Facebook said it didn’t want to make this change but Apple’s update to its mobile operating system “forced this decision.” The update will make it harder for businesses of all sizes to target new customers and measure the impact of their ads, Facebook said. Apple, which has called privacy a “fundamental human right,” made the update to its operating system so users could be more aware of the data that apps collect.

Apple’s impact on Facebook’s ad services highlights the differences between how these businesses make money. Apple makes money from selling devices such as laptops and smartphones and has criticized Facebook’s advertising business model. Facebook makes most of its revenue from serving targeted ads, and critics say the company doesn’t do enough to protect user privacy. Facebook launched a new feature last year that lets users see a list of apps and websites that share their online activity with the social network. The feature also lets users clear that history.

Facebook said Apple’s privacy changes might make its Audience Network service so “ineffective” that it might not make sense for the company to offer it on iOS 14 devices. The company said that in testing, it’s seen more than a 50% drop in Audience Network publisher revenue. More than 1 billion people see an Audience Network ad every month, according to the social network. Facebook said it expects “less impact” to its own ad business.

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Cytiva Showcases Single-Use Mixing System at INTERPHEX 2024 – BioPharm International

Published

45 mins ago

April 17, 2024

Harry Miller

The Xcellerex magnetic mixer, single-use mixing system was designed to address challenges in large-scale mAb, vaccine, and genomic medicine manufacturing processes.

Cytiva unveiled the Xcellerex single-use magnetic mixer at INTERPHEX 2024 in New York City on April 16, 2024. The single-use mixing system was designed to combat challenges in large-scale monoclonal antibody (mAb), vaccine, and genomic medicine manufacturing processes. The mixer is offered in 2000 L and 3000 L capacities and can be configured in several ways to accommodate diverse mixing processes. Its compact size benefits facilities with space constraints or complicated installation of large-scale consumables.

According to the company, minor leaks may cause significant delays and losses. “When dealing with a 3000 L batch of cell culture media, the estimated financial loss can cost between $60k to upwards of $100k” (1). The system helps prevent expensive leaks with a novel mixer biocontainer that incorporates user-centered design elements to improve durability and ease of use. The design provides enhanced safeguards and added protection from leaks that may occur during shipping, storage, and operation.

Time taken to mix batches can inhibit product development times, specifically the challenge of mixing floating powders such as cell culture media. Current systems have underpowered impellers with circular or cubical shapes that make producing large volumes challenging, according to Cytiva. This new single-use system “has a powerful impeller that when combined with the mixer’s hexagonal shape creates a vortex, enhancing the interaction at the liquid surface. This vortex effectively pulls down the floating powders into the main body of the liquid to allow for a more efficient and shorter mixing process,” the company stated in a press release.

“We’re tapping into our differentiated portfolio to solve a wide range of challenges for our customers. Our new magnetic mixing system is flexible and capable of meeting the many demands and constraints during buffer and cell culture media preparation,” said Amanda Halford, president, Bioprocess at Cytiva in the release. “By reimagining the design, we’ve tackled some of the biggest obstacles to downtime.”

Cytiva is also working to advance messenger RNA (mRNA) manufacturing. In an interview with Pharmaceutical Technology EuropeTM , Scott Ripley, general manager, Nucleic Acid Therapeutics and Precision Nanosystems at Cytiva, discussed technology that enables the “democratization” of mRNA manufacturing (2). Many mRNA therapies and other types of genetic medicines in clinical development are designed to be delivered with the help of lipid nanoparticles. One such platform is Cytiva’s Precision Nanosystems NanoAssemblr microfluidic-based nanoparticle manufacturing platform, which enables the development of genetic medicines with potentially increased stability, efficacy, yield, and quality of non-viral genetic medicines, according to Ripley.

Ripley was enthusiastic about this platform’s ability to “democratize” the good manufacturing practice (GMP) manufacturing aspects for advanced therapies, while managing to cope with the increased molecular diversity of the molecules being handled.

“For example,” Ripley says, “the mRNA platform is unique in that, on one end of the spectrum, it is vaccinating the planet, on the other end, it’s personalized cancer vaccines.”

Reference

1. Cytiva. Cytiva Unveils Latest Innovation for Large Scale Mab, Vaccine, and Advanced Therapy Manufacturing Processes–The Xcellerex Compact Single-Use Magnetic Mixing System. Press Release. April 16, 2024.
2. Spivey, C. Democratizing GMP Manufacturing for the New Therapeutic Pipeline. PharmTech.com. Nov. 21, 2023.

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Nintendo Indie World Showcase April 2024 – Every Announcement, Game Reveal & Trailer – Nintendo Life

Published

2 hours ago

April 17, 2024

Harry Miller

Image: Nintendo Life

Nintendo’s April 2024 Indie World Showcase was a 20-minute presentation of games from independent developers coming to Switch sometime in 2024, with several previously announced games getting release dates.

It was a fairly low-key showcase overall, although there were definitely some choice nuggets in there.

Below you’ll find the video of the full Indie World Showcase April 2024 presentation, plus every individual game announcement with a trailer, a date, and a link to our more detailed coverage.

Nintendo Indie World Showcase April 2024 – The Whole Presentation

First, the presentation itself if you want the whole thing:

Every Switch Game Announcement & Update

And now every trailer for every game from the April 2024 Indie World Showcase, plus some blurb and a link to our coverage if there is one:

Little Kitty, Big City – 9th May 2024

Will you make your way home or will you explore what the big city has to offer first? I mean, getting home is obviously your main priority. Obviously. Well, it’s one of your priorities. Maybe more of a guideline… It’s definitely on your To-Do list somewhere! But first? Exploration!

Yars Rising – 2024

Play as the young hacker, Emi Kimura, as she starts to uncover the dark secrets of mysterious corporation, Qotech. In this brand new side-scrolling Metroidvania from acclaimed developers, WayForward, take the Yars universe to a whole new level and unlock something hiding deep inside of you.

Refind Self: The Personality Test Game – Summer 2024

Games can really show someone’s personality, don’t you think? By way of a simple exploration-based adventure, this data-science game analyzes your actions to estimate your personality.

Sticky Business – 17th August 2024

Sticky Business is a creative relaxing 2D game developed by Spellgarden Games. Players will create stickers, pack orders, and listen to the stories of customers. Sticky Business is available now for Nintendo Switch, Mac, and PC alongside its DLC.

Antonblast – 12th November 2024

ANTONBLAST is an explosive, action-packed retro platformer featuring a destructive twist to classic gameplay and a lovingly hand-animated pixel aesthetic inspired by the Game Boy Advance, blown up and reimagined for the modern era!

Silky smooth 60fps action platforming and explosive escapes combine in a bombastic adventure. Blast through buildings, fight your demons, and explore wonky worlds in ANTONBLAST!

Valley Peaks – 2024

The mountains are calling! In this ribbiting first-person climbing platformer, each mountain is like a puzzle, and it’s your job to make your way to the top of every ridge to place radio towers for the froggy inhabitants of Valley Peaks.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes – 16th May 2024

A woman, summoned by an eccentric man to participate in a project in an old hotel somewhere in central Europe, becomes embroiled in a game of illusions, increasingly dangerous and surreal.
Now you are invited to fall into the same rabbit hole, in a non-linear mystery with an immense amount of handcrafted puzzles, constantly presenting you with new riddles to solve, each leading you closer to deciphering the enigma of Lorelei and the Laser Eyes.

Europa – 2024

On the moon Europa, a lush terraformed paradise in Jupiter’s shadow, an android named Zee sets out in search of answers. Run, glide and fly across the landscape, solve mysteries in the ruins of a fallen utopia, and discover the story of the last human alive.

TMNT: Splintered Fate – July 2024

Join the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as they rescue Splinter from the clutches of the Foot Clan amidst chaos in NYC. Experience fast-paced, roguelike action with unique powers for each Turtle. Team up with friends for co-op gameplay, explore iconic locations, and face classic TMNT foes. Don’t miss the adrenaline-packed adventure in this FIGHT, ADAPT, REPEAT portal loop! Subscribe now for updates and get ready to restore peace to the city!

Cat Quest III – 8th August 2024

Ahoy, ye brave buccaneers and fearless feline adventurers!
Prepare to weigh anchor on August 8th as Cat Quest III hoists its sails! 🏴‍☠️😸 Embark on a voyage through the Purribean and clash swords with the notorious Pi-rats. There is no better way to celebrate International Cat Day.

Take command of yer own sea vessel, meow-ster the waves, and plunder yer way through this swashbucklin’ catventure! Join forces with yer matey for local co-op play, and together, turn the tides of fate!

Will ye be the one to discover the mythical North Star? Set paw on the path to glory!

stitch. – Today (17th April 2024)

Stitch. is a casual puzzle game with embroidery on a numbered grid. The main objective is to fill in the levels’ areas with no gaps to complete Hoops.

Stitch. lets you create beautiful embroidery patterns, by solving levels and Hoops of various difficulties and sizes. It’s easy to learn, but hard to master!

Stitch up all the beautiful landscapes, plants, animals, objects, and more.

BZZZT – Summer 2024

Become a tiny ZX8000 robot and begin your journey through a beautiful, pixel-art world inspired by games iconic to the platformer genre. Follow a surprising story, upgrade your skills, beat challenging levels, and compete with other players for the fastest speedrun!

SCHiM – 18th July 2024

Embark on a playful journey in SCHiM and get ready to jump from shadow to shadow. This 3D platformer integrates light, shadow, and animation into its gameplay.
Interact with the shadows you visit in a colorful environment and be part of the stories that unfold. Every object, living being, and thing has a “schim”. You play as a schim who becomes separated. Can you make it back to your human and help others along the way?

Animal Well – 9th May

Hatch from your flower and spelunk through the beautiful and sometimes haunting world of ANIMAL WELL, a pixelated action-exploration game rendered in intricate audio and visual detail. Encounter lively creatures small and large, helpful and ominous as you discover unconventional upgrades and unravel the well’s secrets. This is a truly unique experience that can make you laugh in fear, surprise, or delight.

Duck Detective: The Secret Salami – 23rd May 2024

Solving crime is no walk in the pond. You are a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. Use your powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks, and bust the case wide open, in a narrative mystery adventure where nothing is quite as it seems.

Another Crab’s Treasure – 25th April 2024

In a vibrant undersea kingdom on the verge of collapse, a hermit crab embarks on a treasure hunt to buy back his repossessed shell. The second game from AGGRO CRAB.

SteamWorld Heist II – 8th August 2024

Get ready to join Captain Leeway and set sail on the Great Sea in this turn-based strategy game. Bullets ricochet with deadly precision as you go on heists to find epic loot, whilst trying to figure out just what is causing the water crisis. Put together your rag-tag Steambot crew and sail across the sea to uncover the mysteries that surround you!

Let us know below what you thought of the latest Indie World Showcase by voting in the polls below and dropping us a comment.