The Morning After: Thursday, December 8, 2016

Hey, good morning! Last night, Nintendo showed off the Switch and its debut mobile Super Mario game, Microsoft laid down some big plans for 2017 and 10,000 Sprint stores are turning into PokéStops.

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Nintendo successfully built a "Mario" title that makes perfect sense on a phonePreview: "Super Mario Run"

We've played Nintendo's first real smartphone game (and so can you -- starting today a demo is available at your local Apple Store) and can confirm: it's just as much fun as everyone hoped it would be. We've played Nintendo's first real smartphone game (and so can you -- starting today a demo is available at your local Apple Store) and can confirm: it's just as much fun as everyone hoped it would be. "Super Mario Run" integrates the character's traditional gameplay into an auto-runner format, as players tap the screen to make him jump, hover or wall-jump through the levels. Once that's mastered, the Toad Rally multiplayer system adds a surprising level of depth. Interested? The $9.99 game arrives on iOS December 15th (Android next year), and as Reggie Fils-Aime explains, it's just the beginning.

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It's going to be an interesting year
Microsoft's big plans for VR, AR and Windows 10 on ARM

Microsoft's plans for 2017 are coming into focus, and they're going to involve using the words "mixed reality" repeatedly. First, it's released recommended PC specs for using those $300 Windows VR headsets on the way from Dell, HP and Lenovo. There's also a Project Evo in the works with Intel to deliver systems ready for 4K gaming, Windows Hello and smooth mixed-reality experiences like HoloLens.

Finally, it's readying a version of Windows 10 that runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon mobile CPUs. Don't think of this as another stripped-down Windows RT effort however -- it's a full OS, capable of running both legacy x86 Windows programs and newer universal apps. The first PCs using it could be on their way as soon as next year.

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Finally, a reason to go to a phone store.
Sprint stores are turning into PokéStops and Gyms

10,000 locations are being added to the US' Pokemon Go world -- and they're all Sprint stores. It's the country's first sponsored location deal, and it's unlikely to be the last. Don't forget: new Pokemon are coming.

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Now we just need a device with it built-in
Bluetooth 5 is faster, longer-ranged and (almost) here

Bluetooth version 5's specifications have been cemented, clearing the way for device makers to use it in everything from phones and wearables to smart home equipment. It's a huge upgrade to the version before it, and should ensure future Bluetooth headphones don't choke on signal fumes. Useful at a time when all the headphone jacks are disappearing from our phones.

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Like iMessages but with no obligatory iPhone
T-Mobile Digits brings calls and texts to all your devices

The Uncarrier's new Digits program lets you add multiple numbers to your phone, and then use them across all your devices. Those who join the trial will need to have at least Android 5.0 or iOS 9 installed on their phones, and/or Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome on their Macs or PCs, but then your texts and calls will work across all said compatible devices.

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It's selling faster than the PS3 did.
Sony has sold 50 millions PS4s and PS4 Pros

Console gaming continues to power on. Combining PS4, PS4 Pro and the new slim version console sales, Sony has sold 50 million consoles in just over three years. In comparison, it took the company over four years to hit the same milestone with the PS3.

But wait, there's more...

• Nintendo's Switch might play GameCube games
• Rumor: Apple is in talks to offer movie rentals two weeks after they debut in theaters
• Technology is coming for your retail jobs
• BBC tests 4K iPlayer with 'Planet Earth II'