It combines the expertise of F5 and Nginx with “Shape’s insight from mitigating 1 billion application attacks per day through sophisticated AI, cloud-based analytics, and anti-fraud technologies.”
Google Cloud will supply the game hosting infrastructure, and YouTube will be Activision Blizzard’s exclusive live streaming partner worldwide, excluding China.
Along with a robust network, Activision is planning to tap Google AI to offer curated recommendations for in-game offers and game experiences.
The YouTube portion of the deal includes live broadcasts for popular esports leagues including Call of Duty League (whose inaugural season launches today), Overwatch League (launching its season Feb. 8), Hearthstone Esports and more.
Verizon, Dignitas team on 5G esports training facility
Verizon (NYSE:VZ) is teaming up with Dignitas on a strategic deal to launch a state-of-the-art 5G training facility for esports.
The Verizon 5G Gaming Center will be located at Verizon’s 5G Lab in Los Angeles and measure up at 5,500 square feet.
It will serve as West Coast headquarters for Dignitas and its League of Legends teams.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the largest ownership group in esports, and have our LA Lab be home to the nation’s first 5G esports training facility,” says Verizon Chief Product Development Officer Nicki Palmer.
Google changing search design after ad backlash
Google (GOOG -1.2%)(GOOGL -1.2%) will experiment with different search result designs after allegations that ads now blend in with organic search results.
Some of the designs will eliminate the icon that makes ads look like standard search results.
Google statement: “We’re dedicated to improving the desktop experience for Search, and as part of our efforts we rolled out a new design last week, mirroring the design that we’ve had for many months on mobile. We are experimenting with a change to the current desktop favicons, and will continue to iterate on the design over time.”
Apple gets $400 target on 5G cycle
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives raises his Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) target from $350 to $400, saying the Street is underestimating the “magnitude of the 5G upgrade cycle.”
Ives cites checks with Apple iPhone suppliers that implied that customers want to buy.
The analyst calls the AirPods demand “jaw dropping” and expects upbeat earnings and guidance next week.
Apple will report earnings on January 28.
Apple shares are up 0.3% pre-market to $320.25. The company has a Bullish average Sell side rating.
