In Cologne last month, Nintendo’s public Gamescom showfloor booth allowed attendees to play Pikmin 4 and Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. However, behind the scenes, the company had more in store.
According to Eurogamer’s understanding, developer presentations for the upcoming Switch 2 took place behind closed doors, where Nintendo’s partners were shown tech demos showcasing the system’s performance capabilities.
One of the Switch 2 demos presented was an enhanced version of the launch title Zelda: Breath of the Wild, designed to take full advantage of the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware. It’s essential to clarify that this was only a tech demo, and there is no indication that the game will be re-released.
Nintendo has not yet publicly discussed its plans for the successor to the Switch, but industry expectations are that the new hardware will launch in 2024. The fact that Nintendo is already sharing it with external developers aligns with emerging details about the potential launch timeline.
Recent reports suggest that the Switch 2 may arrive in the latter part of the following year, with development kits already in the hands of key partners. This information is in line with what Eurogamer had previously heard. However, it’s important to note that Nintendo is reportedly keen on launching the system sooner if possible.
Publicly, Nintendo has already announced a robust lineup of games to support the current Switch throughout 2023 and into early 2024. These titles include Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a Super Mario RPG remake, and a new entry in the WarioWare series, all scheduled for release by the end of the year.
In 2024, players can anticipate a new Princess Peach game and a port of Luigi’s Mansion 2. Notably, the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4 still holds a “To Be Announced” release date.
SpaceX’s Starlink has revolutionized internet access for millions of people, especially in rural and remote areas. However, the service is now facing a new challenge: network capacity constraints. Recent updates to the Starlink availability map show that several regions in the U.S. have been marked as “sold out,” indicating that demand is outpacing the network’s ability to serve new customers. This has led to growing waitlists and limited availability in key areas. Let’s explore what’s happening with Starlink, why it’s struggling with capacity, and what this means for current and potential users.
Starlink’s Capacity Challenges: A Closer Look
In recent weeks, Starlink’s availability map has been updated to reflect new “sold out” areas, including:
Two regions in Florida
A large area covering Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and northern Georgia
Phoenix, Arizona
These updates mean that new customers in these areas cannot sign up for Starlink’s residential tier, which costs 120permonth∗∗andoffersunlimiteddata.Instead,theymustjoinawaitlistoroptforthemoreexpensive∗∗StarlinkRoamplan∗∗at∗∗120permonth∗∗andoffersunlimiteddata.Instead,theymustjoinawaitlistoroptforthemoreexpensive∗∗StarlinkRoamplan∗∗at∗∗165 per month, which provides mobile internet access across multiple locations.
What Does “Sold Out” Mean?
When an area is marked as “sold out,” it means that Starlink’s network in that region has reached its capacity limit. New customers must wait until SpaceX adds more capacity to the network, which involves launching additional satellites and upgrading ground infrastructure.
Why Is Starlink Facing Capacity Issues?
Several factors are contributing to Starlink’s capacity challenges:
1. Rapid Growth in Subscribers
As of August 2023, SpaceX reported having over 1.4 million Starlink subscribers in the U.S. alone. The service has seen explosive growth due to its ability to provide high-speed internet in areas where traditional broadband is unavailable or unreliable.
2. High Demand in Urban and Suburban Areas
While Starlink was initially marketed to rural users, its success has attracted interest from urban and suburban customers. This has put additional strain on the network, especially in densely populated areas.
3. Limited Satellite Capacity
Starlink’s network relies on a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. While SpaceX has been launching new satellites regularly, the current number may not be sufficient to meet the growing demand. Additionally, some satellites are being retired, further reducing capacity.
4. Competition for Resources
SpaceX is also developing cellular Starlink services for mobile phones, which requires dedicating some satellites to this new initiative. This dual focus may be stretching the company’s resources thin.
What Are the Options for New Customers?
If you’re in a “sold out” area, here’s what you can do:
1. Join the Waitlist
New customers can join the waitlist by submitting a deposit. However, Starlink cannot provide an estimated timeframe for when service will become available.
2. Opt for Starlink Roam
The Starlink Roam plan is a more expensive alternative that allows users to access satellite internet in multiple locations. While it’s not ideal for fixed residential use, it’s a viable option for those who need internet on the go.
3. Explore Other Providers
If Starlink is unavailable in your area, consider exploring other satellite internet providers or traditional broadband options. While they may not offer the same speeds or reliability, they can serve as a temporary solution.
How Is SpaceX Addressing Capacity Issues?
SpaceX is actively working to expand Starlink’s capacity through several initiatives:
1. Launching More Satellites
SpaceX continues to deploy new Starlink satellites to increase network capacity. The company has permission to launch thousands of additional satellites, which will help alleviate congestion.
2. Retiring Older Satellites
To make room for newer, more advanced satellites, SpaceX has been retiring older models. While this reduces capacity in the short term, it paves the way for a more efficient network in the future.
3. Introducing Congestion Fees
In areas with limited capacity, SpaceX has implemented a one-time $100 congestion fee for residential subscribers. This fee helps manage demand and fund network upgrades.
What Does This Mean for Current Starlink Users?
For existing Starlink subscribers, the capacity challenges could lead to:
Slower Speeds: Increased demand may result in slower internet speeds during peak hours.
Higher Costs: The introduction of congestion fees and pricier plans could impact affordability.
Service Interruptions: As SpaceX retires older satellites and upgrades the network, users may experience temporary disruptions.
The Future of Starlink
Despite these challenges, Starlink remains a game-changer in the satellite internet industry. SpaceX’s commitment to expanding its satellite constellation and improving network infrastructure suggests that these capacity issues are temporary. As the company continues to innovate, users can expect faster speeds, greater reliability, and broader coverage.
Conclusion: A Growing Pain for a Revolutionary Service
Starlink’s growing waitlist and capacity constraints are a sign of its success and popularity. While these challenges may be frustrating for new customers, they highlight the immense demand for reliable, high-speed internet in underserved areas. As SpaceX works to expand its network, the future of Starlink looks bright. For now, users in “sold out” regions will need to explore alternative options or wait patiently for service availability.
After 23 years of revolutionizing internet-based communication, Skype is officially retiring. Microsoft, which acquired Skype in 2011, announced that the iconic messaging and calling app will be shut down on May 5, 2025, as the company shifts its focus entirely to Microsoft Teams. This marks the end of an era for a platform that once boasted 300 million users and pioneered voice and video calls over the internet. But what does this mean for Skype’s remaining users, and why is Microsoft making this move now? Let’s dive into the details.
A Brief History of Skype
Launched in 2003, Skype was one of the first platforms to enable voice calls over the internet, transforming how people communicated globally. Its innovative technology allowed users to make free voice and video calls, send messages, and share files, making it a household name long before smartphones and apps like WhatsApp and Zoom became mainstream.
Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, hoping to integrate it into its ecosystem. At its peak in 2013, Skype had over 300 million users. However, as competitors emerged and consumer preferences shifted, Skype’s user base dwindled. By 2023, Microsoft reported just 36 million daily active users—a far cry from its heyday.
Why is Microsoft Shutting Down Skype?
The decision to retire Skype is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to consolidate its communication tools under Microsoft Teams. Teams, which debuted in 2016, was initially positioned as a competitor to Slack, offering a platform for workplace collaboration. Over time, however, Teams evolved into a comprehensive communication tool, integrating chat, video calls, file sharing, and third-party app integrations.
Key Reasons for the Shift:
Streamlining Resources: Maintaining two separate platforms (Skype and Teams) is resource-intensive. By focusing on Teams, Microsoft can allocate more resources to innovation and development.
Declining User Base: Skype’s user numbers have plateaued, while Teams has grown exponentially, now boasting 320 million users.
Market Trends: The rise of smartphones and apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and FaceTime has made Skype less relevant for personal use.
Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: Teams is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, making it a more cohesive solution for both personal and professional use.
What Happens to Skype Users?
Skype users have until May 5, 2025, to decide how to proceed. Microsoft is offering two main options:
1. Migrate to Microsoft Teams
Users can transfer their contacts, chat history, and data to Teams. Microsoft has made this process seamless, allowing users to log into Teams with their Skype credentials and automatically migrate their data. Teams offers additional features like calendar integration, collaborative workspaces, and advanced meeting tools, making it a more versatile platform.
2. Export Your Data
For those who prefer not to switch to Teams, Skype provides a built-in export tool to download chat history, contacts, and other data. However, there’s no direct way to import this data into other platforms, so users will need to manually save important information.
If no action is taken by May 5, Microsoft will retain user data until the end of 2025 before permanently deleting it.
What’s Changing with Teams?
While Teams is a powerful platform, it’s important to note that it lacks some features that were central to Skype’s appeal:
Phone Call Functionality: Teams Free does not support calling mobile or landline numbers, a hallmark feature of Skype.
Skype Numbers: Users will no longer be able to purchase or renew Skype phone numbers, though existing credits can still be used via a Skype Dial Pad integrated into Teams.
Microsoft argues that these changes reflect shifting consumer trends. With the widespread availability of mobile data plans, the need for traditional telephony services has diminished.
The Blurring Line Between Personal and Professional Use
One of the most interesting aspects of this transition is how it highlights the convergence of personal and professional communication tools. Skype began as a consumer product but gained traction in the business world. Conversely, Teams started as a business tool but is now being positioned for personal use.
However, some users may find Teams’ business-oriented branding and features less appealing for casual, personal communication. Microsoft is banking on the familiarity of its ecosystem—tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are used in both personal and professional contexts—to ease this transition.
The Legacy of Skype
Skype’s retirement marks the end of a pioneering platform that changed how we communicate. It introduced millions to the concept of internet-based calls, paving the way for modern apps like Zoom and WhatsApp. While its user base has declined, its impact on the tech industry is undeniable.
What’s Next for Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft is betting big on Teams, not just as a workplace tool but as a comprehensive communication platform for all aspects of life. The company has already rebuilt Teams from the ground up, improving performance and adding new features. With Skype out of the picture, Microsoft can focus entirely on making Teams the go-to app for both personal and professional communication.
A New Chapter in Digital Communication
The shutdown of Skype is a bittersweet moment for many who grew up using the platform to stay connected with loved ones. However, it also represents progress. By consolidating its efforts into Teams, Microsoft is positioning itself to compete in the rapidly evolving world of digital communication.
For Skype users, the next few months will be a time of transition. Whether you choose to migrate to Teams or explore other platforms, one thing is clear: the way we communicate is constantly evolving, and Microsoft is determined to stay at the forefront of this change.
