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The tech trends we saw kick off at CES 2021

The Verge

Going all-virtual meant that it was a smaller show than usual — and since it was already a show that’s been on the decline in terms of influence for a few years now, we could feel it. The thing about this year’s virtual CES is that there were simply fewer to pick from. For most of you, CES has always been virtual. Image: Razer.

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ManipulaTHOR training software from AI2 gives virtual robots a hand — and an arm

GeekWire

A video frame from ManipulaTHOR’s simulation shows a virtual robot at work. You can lead a virtual robot to a refrigerator, but you can’t make it pull out a drink. AI2-THOR was programmed to find its way through virtual versions of indoor environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms. AI2 via YouTube).

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Neopets are being turned into NFTs because of course they are

The Verge

Neopets was a hugely popular virtual pet adoption site launched in 1999. Virtual pet franchise Neopets is getting into NFTs — a seemingly inevitable move for a site with a long and varied history that has spawned a dizzying array of merchandise and offshoots, from magazines and cards to mobile games and a (promised) animated series.

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The 2021 Game Developers Conference won’t have in-person gatherings after all

The Verge

The Game Developers Conference is changing course from its original (potentially risky) plan of hosting a hybrid in-person / digital event in 2021. The series of events will start with GDC Masterclass, a collection of virtual workshops and trainings for developers that will take place on March 4th and 5th.

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2021 Predictions: Why these tech, science and startup leaders are upbeat about the year ahead

GeekWire

.” Those are some of the phrases used by Pacific Northwest tech, science and business leaders to describe their outlook for 2021 ? Of course, the events of 2020 showed that making accurate predictions can be nearly impossible. In 2021 that trust will be tied directly to growth and scale. GeekWire Photo / Clare McGrane).

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After huge growth in 2020, Seattle startup Rec Room raises $10M to expand virtual hangout game

GeekWire

Rec Room , the eponymous Seattle-based development studio behind the virtual hangout/game creator Rec Room, has raised $20 million. This caps off a big year for Rec Room , which has seen a period of explosive growth over the course of the pandemic lockdown. .” Total funding for the 4-year-old startup is nearly $50 million.

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Megadeals, metaverse, and outer space: Test your tech knowledge with GeekWire’s 2021 news quiz

GeekWire

And before we wave goodbye to 2021, we thought it would be fun to test your geek knowledge. Average Geek: 11 — 15 correct answers (Stay the course, and you will one day be a Jedi master) Geek in Training: 6 —10 correct answers (Keep studying young, Padawan!) This year was a bit of a blur, fighting through waves of Delta and Omicron.

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