Image: provided by zoox and xbox, unsplash provided by brandon Morgan, shutter provided by Jim1982, and Seattle Met Composite

Memes are known for producing dopamine likes and impulses, but Xbox proves that they can also develop products.

In October of this year, Microsoft’s Redmond-based gaming brand completely accepted a long-lived Internet joke by releasing a mini-fridge made in the image of its X-series consoles. It was originally an idea on Twitter that gave birth to a three-dimensional device that would occupy store shelves and delivery trucks in the coming months. This is not a traditional product launch. "This is definitely the first time in my career," said Aaron Greenberg, general manager of Xbox game marketing.

In 2020, many people who are very online notice that Xbox’s latest game console is similar to a small refrigerator, the kind that people might find in college dorms and nearby, most likely video game controllers. The gaming giant subsequently made some full-size refrigerators — 6 feet tall and 400 pounds — meeting the design specifications of the console, with its familiar matte black exterior and iconic green interior glow. Snoop Dogg quickly became a genius.

At that time, the refrigerator seemed to be nothing more than a performance marketing campaign-a novelty item designed for a few people. But Xbox has doubled down on this concept this year, promising that if it wins in Twitter’s “brand bracket”, it will produce mini-refrigerators for the masses.

The smaller device created in collaboration with Ukonic is only one and a half times the size of the console, but it can hold up to 12 tanks at a time. The height of the shelf can be adjusted in case gamers want to mix some tall boys with all the Red Bulls and monsters. It's not just a gateway to drinking; the USB port ensures that owners can recharge their devices nearby.

Twitter users are not pretending to be that interested. Online reservations start on October 19 and are sold out in seconds or minutes, depending on who you believe (robots may be involved). But those who wish to get their hands are not unlucky. In the United States, these refrigerators will be available in Target stores as early as December (priced at $99.99). Greenberg pointed out that Xbox will expand its availability in 2022.

Until then, other game lovers will have to wait patiently. Although their concept may have broken the Internet, it does not solve our current supply chain dilemma. Expect delays.

Microsoft and Amazon get the most attention here, but the outposts of the tech giants Google and Facebook are still the most important. For the latter people employed in the Seattle area (approximately 7,000 workers), leaving Mark Zuckerberg’s mothership may be a good month.

At the beginning of October, a company whistleblower revealed her identity and there was a maintenance error. Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp disappeared for several hours. The temporary shutdown of social media highlights society’s collective addiction to these platforms, and Frances Haugen’s “Facebook paper” showing their abuse of power. As the month went on, the news media reviewed more documents. Their conclusions — including Facebook’s efforts to control content outside the United States — are chilling, if not so surprising.

The company changed its company name to Meta at the end of October and introduced a fantastic and terrifying "meta universe", which undermined some of the Internet claims of the rest of us. Thanks, Mark.

It is difficult to track Amazon’s holdings, so you might miss the company’s acquisition of a startup that produces driverless cars in 2020. The startup Zoox will now test self-driving cars in Seattle, using our inclement weather and hilly landscape as a useful challenge for its hardware and software. In case of any problems, the Toyota Highlander fleet will have manual driving, which does not completely alleviate the concerns of safety advocates.

There is a cultural issue with Rocket Launcher Blue Origin. According to Geekwire, the Alliance of Women Founders under the new name (Graham and Walker) will now have a venture capital arm to support female-led startups. Speaking of: The technology news website held its annual summit earlier this month. Andy Jassy talked about some things about the Seattle City Council there.

Hi! This is a monthly column that recapitulates the news at the intersection of local technology and culture—something you might miss in this ruthlessly fast and often quite vague innovation cycle. But even beat writers can't keep up with everything. Did you know that what a startup in Seattle does at a party doesn't make your eyes dull? Company misbehaving? Developers trying to crack the Mercer light cycle? We are interested. Send your tips to [email protected] or @bybencassidy on Twitter. DM is always open.