August 4, 2025
Tech News
Nintendo is celebrating remarkable success with its Switch 2 console, having sold 5.82 million units in its first month. This is more than double the original Switch’s 2.7 million unit sales during the same period. Demand has outstripped supply in many regions.
In other news, Marvel Studios has released its latest animated series, “Eyes of Wakanda,” which explores pivotal moments in Wakandan history. This series, an official part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offers unique narratives that delve into justice and morality while featuring highly trained warriors.
Meanwhile, Google has announced a significant shift regarding its goo.gl URL shortener service. The company will preserve most shortened URLs, reversing an earlier decision to deactivate them. Google acknowledged the importance of these links to users despite the URLs showing diminishing traffic over recent years.
In a significant legal case, Tesla has been found partly liable in a Florida court for a fatal crash involving its Autopilot driver assistance system. A jury awarded approximately $329 million in damages, attributing one-third of the blame to Tesla for the incident that resulted in a pedestrian’s death.
Tech Explained
Autopilot – This term refers to Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system, designed to enable vehicles to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically. The recent jury ruling examined its efficacy and safety in real-world scenarios, questioning Tesla’s responsibility in accidents.
URL shortening – This is a technique used to create a short alias for a long URL. Google’s goo.gl service allowed users to generate condensed links that redirect to longer web addresses. The decision to preserve many existing goo.gl links is crucial as they are embedded in various digital formats.
Game console – A gaming device designed for playing video games, connected to a television. Nintendo’s Switch 2, as the fastest-selling game console, offers hybrid functionality, allowing users to play at home or on the go, reflecting evolving consumer preferences in gaming.
Animated series – A type of television series consisting of animated characters and backgrounds. Marvel’s “Eyes of Wakanda” is characterized by its episodic format and storytelling, evoking deeper themes through animation while expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s narrative scope.
Punitive damages – These are monetary compensation awarded in civil cases to punish the defendant. In the Tesla trial, the jury imposed punitive damages alongside compensatory damages to hold the company accountable for perceived negligence related to its Autopilot technology’s safety.