🐶 Plufl, the human dog bed

Happy Tuesday! It’s October 24 — people are talking about Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, a new human-sized dog bed, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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🎮 In the news: Microsoft acquires Activision

Microsoft completed its $69b deal to buy Activision Blizzard. The acquisition makes Microsoft the third-biggest gaming company in the world.

🎮 EssentiallySports celebrated the purchase: This is great for gamers. It could bring new innovation to fan-favorite titles like Call of Duty.

🎮 The President of Microsoft said the purchase helps Microsoft compete in the gaming industry, and competition is good for consumers.

🎮 But Inverse disagreed: The purchase is bad for the gaming industry. It could mean layoffs and less innovation. And a Microsoft-Activision studio could neglect critical success over commercial success.

🎮 MarketWatch was also pessimistic: The deal just made Microsoft more of a big tech behemoth. It symbolizes a regulatory shortfall in the tech industry.

🐶 Cultural trend: Plufl, the human dog bed

The Plufl is a huge, human-sized version of a dog bed. You can take a nap in it by yourself, or cuddle up with your dog. Is it worth the hefty price tag?

🐶 Wired writes that Plufl, a human-sized dog bed, is perfect for people looking to cozy up on the floor — if you can look past the $400 price tag.

🐶 Rover agrees: The Plufl is well worth the cash. The comfort factor really can't be beat — it’s way better than chilling on the couch.

🐶 Sleepopolis says it isn't for everyone, though: If you have mobility issues, or like to sleep off the ground, then look elsewhere.

🐶 CNN’s verdict: The bed provides a nice napping experience, but it's really only worth it for people with a lot of space and a big budget.

Quick hits

🇮🇱 Hamas released two Israeli hostages — Yokheved Lifshitz and Nurit Yitzhak — for “humanitarian reasons”. (The Guardian)

🧑‍⚖ Bob Menendez pleaded not guilty to charges of acting as an agent of Egypt while chairing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (The Guardian)

⚾ The Texas Rangers knocked out the Houston Astros to advance to the team's third ever World Series appearance. Texas has never won the World Series. (CNN)

🐕 Bobi, the world's oldest dog ever, died at 31 years old. (AP News)

That’s it for today. Reply to [email protected] with any feedback, or ideas for tomorrow’s topics!

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)