Global Payments released a modular, countertop point-of-sale (POS) platform for Genius to serve merchants of all sizes, per a press release. The platform can run as a countertop device, customer-facing display or kiosk, or a wall mount. Launching flexible devices could help lure back merchants looking for value, especially SMBs hoping to slowly build out their POS base platform as they grow. However, economic uncertainty is tamping down consumer spending—and hitting hardest the small- and medium-sized businesses that are most likely to seek out modular solutions. Pairing AI software solutions with customizable POS platforms could help entice merchants that want to automate the busywork from their businesses and reclaim time for critical tasks.

The news: Block’s Square will be Live Nation Canada’s exclusive provider of payments. Our take: Partnering with Live Nation Canada offers Square a space to test out its newest tech on large crowds in a confined space expecting fast turnaround times.

The news: The gaming industry is doubling down on handheld consoles. Nintendo’s Switch 2 shattered single-day sales records with an estimated 3 million units sold at launch, outpacing the Sony PS4’s historic numbers. Meanwhile, Microsoft announced its first handhelds—the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X—partnering with Asus to blend Xbox and PC gaming in a portable format. They’re expected to launch during the holidays. Our take: As cloud and console experiences merge into portable form, game design and ad models are set to evolve fast—opening up fresh real estate for marketers, game studios, and tech platforms alike.