Latest Stories from Charlie
Pokémon and Van Gogh collaboration causes scalping chaos
A recent promotional collaboration between Pokémon and the Van Gogh Museum lead to commotion both online and in person, as scalpers attempted to make a profit from reselling. The Pokémon company has apologised for the chaos that ensued after launching a new collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Last week, the museum opened a new exhibit that showcased several depictions of famous Pokémon re-imagined within some of Van Gogh’s...
Tinder rolls out new ‘SELECT’ feature for $499 USD a month
The new premium tier will allow paying users to see the ‘most sought after profiles’, promises to boost their profile, and grants the ability to DM others even if they haven’t matched. Tinder is rolling out an exclusive and expensive new feature called ‘SELECT’. Operating as an invite-only subscription model, SELECT will allow users to be part of a VIP premium tier for the cool price of $499 USD a...
Bond Street station advertising shows scope of public space commodification
For one week, London’s Bond Street station was renamed ‘Burberry Street’ to advertise the fashion house of the same name. It caused outrage and shows how public spaces are increasingly being used to aggressively advertise. Commuters in London were left confused last week when Bond Street station was changed to ‘Burberry Street’ in collaboration with the fashion house of the same name. Complaints were sent to TfL by travellers who...
Microsoft’s Paint update adds layers and transparency features
Microsoft has announced a new update to its flagship image editing software Paint, which will include layers, transparency support, and background removal tools. It could make advanced image editing far more accessible to young people. A new update to Microsoft’s Paint could make image editing much easier and accessible for beginners, especially students and young designers. In a statement to Windows Insiders, Microsoft said that it was ‘beginning to...
Noname addresses Jay Electronica’s antisemitism verse
Last week, rapper and musician Noname released her second studio album, ‘Sundial’. Jay Electronica features on the third track ‘balloons’, spouting antisemitism. Noname has responded saying that listener disappointment doesn’t faze her. Chicago rapper and poet Noname released her second studio album ‘Sundial’ last week. She has received sizeable criticism for her inclusion of an antisemitic verse by Jay Electronica. Known for her jazzy instrumentals and neo soul influences, Noname...
Bacteria is now being used to create endlessly recyclable plastic
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a new way to engineer bacteria to produce raw materials that can be made into plastic. They’re completely recyclable. We probably don’t need to tell you that plastic is bad for the environment. A major polluter that causes significant headaches around the world, plastics can be found everywhere. From our foods to our seas, it has become a huge pillar of concern in the...
What’s happening with Travis Scott and his pyramid show?
Travis Scott’s ‘Utopia’ album launch party in Egypt was cancelled, then it wasn’t. Now it is again. Given his recent concert controversies, should he even be attempting such a performance in a country that heavily censors artists and is anti-LGBTQ? After many unclear updates, it is now confirmed that Travis Scott’s ‘Utopia’ launch party in Egypt will not be happening. Several conflicting statements over the last few weeks have confused fans...
Instagram officially launches Twitter competitor Threads
With Elon Musk’s ownership of Twitter causing mounting problems, Instagram has swooped in with its own competitor, Threads. The app has officially launched. Zuckerberg has officially launched his direct Twitter competitor Threads. Largely based on a similar, endless feed of statuses, Threads directly moves over your Instagram profile and provides users with a parallel experience without the baggage of Elon Musk. There is no limit to how many statuses you...
Alef Aeronautics receives testing approval for world’s first flying car
Startup Alef Aeronautics has been given FAA Special Airworthiness Approval, which means it will be allowed to undergo experimental testing of its new flying car. Could we soon be buying flying cars? Well, we’re one step closer at least. The startup company Alef Aeronautics, backed by Space-X, is the first in the world to be allowed to test an electric flying car. It says the car will cost about $300,000...
Developer of ‘Gollum’ shutting down after disastrous launch
Publisher of the infamous ‘Gollum’ game Daedalic Entertainment is shutting down its development studio. With big-name titles ballooning in budget, facing increased delays, and putting their developers at higher financial risk, is the industry becoming unsustainable? The studio behind 2023s worst video game ‘Gollum’ is shutting down. Ridiculed online for its poor presentation, basic AI, dire technical performance, and absurd DLC content, Gollum has been a punching bag for both...
