Latest news with #File
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Nintendo quarterly revenue surges thanks to Switch 2
The Switch 2 smashed industry records by selling 3.5 million units in its first four days, and Nintendo said Friday it had shifted around 5.8 million consoles in its first month. Image: File Nintendo on Friday said quarterly revenue had more than doubled year-on-year thanks to the Switch 2, which became the world's fastest-selling console after its launch in June. Pent-up demand for the new gadget from the "Super Mario" gamemaker fuelled fan excitement at the release, which saw sold-out pre-orders and midnight store openings. The Switch 2 smashed industry records by selling 3.5 million units in its first four days, and Nintendo said Friday it had shifted around 5.8 million consoles in its first month. "Net sales increased significantly in the first quarter, due mainly to the launch of Nintendo Switch 2," the Japanese company said as it reported a 132% on-year jump in sales for the April-June quarter to 572 billion yen ($3.8 billion). Net profit in the quarter was up 19% on-year. "The launch of Switch 2 has surpassed many people's expectations," and it will be hard for another console to match its strong start, gaming industry consultant Serkan Toto told AFP. "Nintendo should be able to comfortably ride on this momentum through the holidays and into 2026," although a key challenge will be maintaining a consistent supply of popular games, he said. The company says it expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 units by the end of March 2026, a target it left unchanged on Friday. Although the Japanese gamemaker is diversifying into hit movies and theme parks, console hardware remains the core of its business. The Switch 1, a hybrid console that can be used on-the-go or connected to a television, soared in popularity during the pandemic with hit games such as "Animal Crossing". It has sold 152 million units since its 2017 release, making it the third best-selling console of all time after Sony's PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Although the Switch 2 has a bigger screen and more processing power, and new features including controllers that can also be used like a desktop computer mouse, the hybrid concept is the same. It is also more expensive than its predecessor, at $449.99 in the United States, compared to a launch price of $299.99 for the original Switch. The postponed launch of the hugely anticipated "Grand Theft Auto VI" by US publisher Rockstar Games from this year to May 2026 will also be a bright point, Toto said. "If GTA6 launched this year, it would have sucked almost all the oxygen out of the room and made marketing Switch 2 definitely harder for Nintendo," Toto said. AFP
Japan Today
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Tunisians protest against President Kais Saied's authoritarian rule on July 25 anniversary
FILE - In this photo provided by the Tunisian Presidency, Tunisia's President Kais Saied takes oath Monday, Oct.21, 2024 in Tunis following his re-election. (Tunisian Presidency via AP,File) Tunisians took to the streets Friday to protest President Kais Saied, marking four years since he made moves to consolidate his one-man rule in a country once known as the birthplace of the Arab Spring pro-democracy uprisings. On July 25, 2021, Saied suspended parliament, dismissed his prime minister and invoked a state of emergency to begin ruling by decree. Though some cheered his efforts, critics called the moves a coup and said the events marked the beginning of Tunisia's descent toward authoritarianism. Crowds on Friday marched through the capital chanting 'no fear, no terror, power to the people,' carrying portraits of political prisoners and a cage that organizers said represented the state of political life in Tunisia. The country's most prominent opposition figures are behind bars, including Rached Ghannouchi, the head of the Islamist Ennahda party, and Abir Moussi, leader of the right-wing Free Destourian Party. Women led much of the chanting, demanding the release of imprisoned opposition figures from across the political spectrum, including Moussi and attorney Sonia Dahmani. The two are among those who have been imprisoned since Saied's power grab as Tunisia's once-vibrant civil society has gradually been suppressed. Activists, journalists, dissidents and opposition figures have faced jail time, including many who have been charged with undermining state security. July 25 also marks the anniversary of Tunisia's declaration as a republic in 1957. It later became the rallying cry of the pro-Saied 'July 25 Movement,' which pushed for a crackdown on the country's largely unpopular political class. Samir Dilou, a former government minister and member of Ennahda, said Saied had forever changed the day's meaning. 'July 25 used to mark the Republic's founding. Now, it marks its dismantling. Absolute power is absolute corruption," he said. Tunisia's political turmoil has unfolded against a backdrop of economic hardship and deepening public disillusionment. Amnesty International in a report last June wrote that the country's authorities have intensified their crackdown on opposition voices and used vague legal justifications to target marginalized groups. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Metro
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Metallica leads tributes to Ozzy Osbourne after Black Sabbath star's death aged
Ozzy Osbourne has been remembered by fans and friends alike (Picture: Jordan Strauss/ Invision/ AP,File) A string of stars have paid tribute to Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne following his death aged 76. The family of the rock icon released a statement on Tuesday night sharing that he had died this morning. The message, from his wife Sharon Osbourne and their three children – Kelly, Jack and Aimee, read: 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. 'We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.' The musician died aged 76 today (Picture: Kevork Djansezian/ Getty Images) Soon after the news of his death broke, friends and fans of the musician began to pay tribute. Fellow heavy metal band Metallica shared an old photo with Osbourne, simply captioning their post with a broken love heart. Posting a photo with Osbourne and his wife, actor Jason Momoa wrote on Instagram: 'Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP.' Flavor Flav also shared photos of them together over the years. 'Man…real heartbroken over the passing of OZZY OSBOURNE…we go way back and it was a real honor to watch him get inducted into the @rockhall last year. Sending my love and prayers to Sharon and his kids and whole family. RIP 🤍' he shared. Birmingham Labour MP Shabana Mahmood also shared: 'An honour to have celebrated the extraordinary life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne just weeks ago. Devastated to hear the news of his death today. One of the greatest gifts my city gave the world. My thoughts are with his family. In Ozzy's own words: Birmingham forever.' In recent years the Prince of Darkness, who played his final show with his band just a few weeks ago, had faced numerous health problems since 2018, including being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Kelly Osbourne hits out at reports Sharon and Ozzy have 'suicide pact' Arrow MORE: Rock frontman addresses 'deafening booing' at Black Sabbath's and Ozzy Osbourne's final concert
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Short ruled out of first WI T20I
Australia's Matt Short celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England's Jamie Smith. Photo: REUTERS/File Australia on Sunday announced their playing XI for the opening T20I against the West Indies, scheduled to be held later in the day, with Mitchell Owen set to make his international debut and Jake Fraser-McGurk returning to the side as an opener. The team suffered a setback ahead of the five-match series, as all-rounder Matt Short was ruled out due to a minor side strain sustained during training in Jamaica. In his absence, young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has been recalled to the squad and will open the innings in the first match of the series. Short sustained the injury during a training session in Jamaica before the series opener. Following medical assessment, he was withdrawn from the squad and sent home to recover. He is expected to be fit in time for Australia's upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, starting August 10 in Darwin. Fraser-McGurk, who was on standby after initially missing out on selection, steps in after having already replaced Spencer Johnson. The 23-year-old batter has previously featured in seven T20Is, scoring 113 runs at a strike rate of 143.03. Several senior players, including Travis Head, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, are being rested. It is pertinent to mention that the five-match T20I series between Australia and West Indies is set to begin on July 20 in Kingston, Jamaica. The Australian team will face the West Indies in five T20Is matches scheduled in Jamaica and St Kitts. Australia playing XI for the first T20I vs West Indies: Mitch Marsh (c), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis (wk), Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
Newsweek
11-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
IRS Issues Tax Filing Request to Thousands Before Fall Rush
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a request to thousands of taxpayers who sought extensions for their 2024 federal tax returns to file them during the summer months. The IRS emphasized that filing early can help taxpayers avoid the expected fall rush ahead of the October 15 deadline, potentially expediting payment plans or the resolution of issues that may arise during the filing process. The agency promoted its IRS Free File program, which provides free, guided tax preparation online for individuals with an adjusted income of $84,000 or less. The Internal Revenue Service building in Washington D.C. in 2021. The Internal Revenue Service building in Washington D.C. in 2021. Patrick Semansky/AP Why It Matters By encouraging early filing, the IRS seeks to reduce system bottlenecks caused by last-minute submissions in October—a period known for high traffic among extension filers. Missing the filing deadline can trigger penalties, interest and potential complications with future filings. The IRS Free File program's expansion to those earning $84,000 or less reflects ongoing efforts to make tax filing more accessible and cost-effective for everyday Americans. What To Know The IRS Free File program is available around the clock, offering guided, secure federal tax preparation and electronic filing at no cost for many Americans. The IRS' Free File Fillable Forms are also accessible to all taxpayers, regardless of income. These initiatives are designed to streamline the filing process, provide transparency and reduce errors for extension filers. Multiple secure payment methods are available—including IRS Online Account, IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System and major credit or debit cards. Immediate electronic payment confirmation is also provided. Taxpayers unable to pay their full balance may apply for a payment plan online. Short-term plans are available for those who owe less than $100,000, granting up to 180 days to pay. Long-term installment agreements, available for balances under $50,000, offer up to 72 months to pay. While interest and penalties continue, active installment agreements reduce the failure-to-pay penalty by half. What People Are Saying Jay A. Soled, a professor and chair of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems at Rutgers Business School, New Jersey, previously told Newsweek: "Even with the tax-filing extension, interest will apply to any 2024 tax payments received after April 15. This means that unpaid tax-year 2024 tax balances will begin accruing interest, currently at the rate of seven percent per year, compounded daily, after April 15, 2025." Richard D. Pomp, a professor of law at the UConn Law School, Connecticut, previously told Newsweek: "We are currently living through a total state of chaos at the IRS. Whenever possible, taxpayers abroad should file electronically and verify with screen shots and saved files, and copies of all documentation." What Happens Next The IRS is set to continue processing early extension filings over the summer. Its Free File resources are available until the October 15 deadline.
