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Local News

Sony Launches Pioneering Access Controller For PS5, Revolutionizing Gaming For Disabled Players

In a groundbreaking move, Sony has unveiled the Access Controller, a high-tech device tailored for disabled gamers, marking the first of its kind designed specifically for the PS5. 

Alvin Daniel, Senior Technical Program Manager at Sony Interactive Entertainment, highlighted the controller’s uniqueness, emphasizing its immediate usability without the need for additional accessories. 

Working in collaboration with accessibility experts AbleGamers, Sony focuses on customization, recognizing the diverse needs of disabled gamers. Addressing common issues such as thumbstick, button pressing, and controller grip, the Access Controller offers a versatile solution for a wide range of impairments. This innovation reflects a significant stride in making gaming more inclusive, underlining the industry’s commitment to mainstream accessibility for all.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Attorney General Issues Warning Amidst Massive Comcast/Xfinity Data Breach

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging vigilance among consumers as a significant data breach affecting Comcast/Xfinity customers nationwide comes to light. The breach, disclosed by Comcast on December 18th, exposed personal information of over 35 million Xfinity customers, including usernames, passwords, and additional sensitive details. 

The intrusion, attributed to hackers exploiting a Citrix software vulnerability, occurred in October. Nessel advises affected customers to promptly change passwords not only on Xfinity accounts but also on other platforms using similar credentials. Comcast is actively notifying customers through multiple channels and has initiated a password reset requirement. 

Nessel’s consumer protection team is prepared to assist Michigan residents facing identity theft consequences. Concerned Xfinity customers can contact Comcast at 888-799-2560 for further information.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Apple Races Against Time To Salvage $17 Billion Smartwatch Business Facing U.S. Ban

As a U.S. ban looms just days away, Apple Inc. is undertaking an urgent rescue mission for its $17 billion smartwatch business. The impending ban, slated to hit on Christmas, stems from a dispute with Masimo Corp. over alleged patent infringement related to the smartwatch’s blood oxygen level measurement feature according to Time.com. 

Apple engineers are intensively reworking algorithms to address the contested technology, modifying how it calculates oxygen saturation and presents data to users. This high-stakes engineering effort, unprecedented for Apple, could severely impact one of its major revenue streams domestically. 

Unless the White House intervenes before December 25th, an International Trade Commission ban will take effect. While settlement with Masimo is an option, Apple is presently focused on technological modifications and seeking regulatory approval.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Breakthrough Arrest Made In 40-Year-Old Cold Case Murder Of St. Clair County Woman

In a significant development, authorities announced Monday morning that an arrest has been made in the decades-old cold case homicide of 21-year-old Karen Umphrey in St. Clair County. 

Douglas Laming, 70, from Fort Gratiot Township, is currently in custody taken by St. Clair County Sheriff’s detectives. Umphrey’s life was tragically cut short in 1980, when her body was discovered in the State Game Area in Beards Hills.

Collaborating with the Michigan State Police and forensic genetic genealogy experts at Othram, investigators unearthed crucial information previously deemed unattainable. Detective work spanning four decades included interviews with individuals connected to both victim and suspect. Laming now faces charges of felony murder, he awaits a court appearance for a probable cause conference on December 26th at the St. Clair County Detention and Intervention Center.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Last-Minute Christmas Ideas For Kids, Teens, And Adults

As the Christmas holiday looms ever closer, here are a few last minute gift ideas for people of all ages to enjoy. 

Adults

Keep the festive beats alive with a stylish portable Bluetooth speaker. Perfect for home, backyard, or on-the-go entertainment. The Roku Streaming Stick is a perfect present for those embracing the streaming era.

Teens

While it may seem impersonal, let your teens indulge in their desires. Gift cards provide the freedom to choose, ensuring a smile on their faces Christmas morning.

Children

Elevate indoor fun with a Hover SoccerBall. It’s a safe way for kids to be active while staying out of the cold. For a more creative experience, Crazy Forts add a new twist to the blanket fort, turning family time into creative building adventures.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Catapult Student Tech Pitch Competition Calls On Region 6 Eastern Michigan Students To Innovate And Win Big

Aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts in Eastern Michigan’s Region 6 are invited to showcase their creativity in the Catapult Student Tech Pitch Competition. 

Organized by The Underground and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the event encourages university and college students to present STEM-based solutions to real-world challenges using science, technology, engineering, math, or AI. 

The competition, accepting pitch applications from December 18th, to January 10th, 2024, offers a total prize pool of $12,000. With live rounds in Flint and Port Huron, the initiative aims to foster a new wave of technology-based businesses, providing a platform for students to transform innovative ideas into tangible solutions. 

Eligible participants can learn more and apply at: startunderground.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell