TC Daily Newsletter 07/14/16

Twitter turns into TV, NES makes a surprise comeback and Line's IPO has sizzle, all in today's top tech news.

1. Twitter is live-streaming all the things

Twitter is getting really serious about live-streaming - it announced a partnership with Pac-12 university sports today to broadcast its content on the social network. Earlier this week, it revealed a similar deal with Bloomberg, and it also has streaming arrangements in place with the NFL, and CBSN, and is in talks with others.

Crazy thought: if Twitter can manage to quietly replace traditional television, it will have pulled off one of the most amazing pivots in tech history.

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2. Nintendo gets cute with a NES classic edition

The NES has a special place in the hearts of many a tech fan, and now it's coming back. Nintendo dropped a special surprise today – a miniature version of the NES called the NES Classic Edition, which will sell for $59.99 when it goes on sale on November 11.

The little dude has 30 games pre-installed, and customers can get a second controller for $9.99 if they want to play with a friend. Way to hit the nostalgia feels Nintendo, between this and Pokemon Go.

3. My favorite Pokemon is the 'Adrevenue'

Speaking of Pokemon Go, it's about to get ads. Niantic CEO John Hanke revealed what many (myself included) predicted: businesses will be able to sponsor locations beginning soon, letting companies and business owners pay to drive foot traffic in the form of players to their locations. Looks like places that happen to be near popular in-game spots are already seeing benefits, too.

4. Your Line primer ahead of tech's biggest IPO this year

Mobile messaging app Line had an impressive IPO today, with a 30% jump in share prices after opening at $42. It's the largest tech IPO of the year, and if you're looking to understand why, Jon Russell has you thoroughly covered. Plus, cute cartoon animals.

5. Android Pay goes down under

You've got a new way to pay, Australians – Android Pay launched in Australia today, after an initial debut only last month in Singapore. Android Pay launches with 25 bank partners on board, but only one of the bigs: ANZ, which is also the bank that played nice with Apple on the launch of Apple Pay in Australia earlier this year.

6. All eyes on Thiel at the RNC

Investor Peter Thiel is speaking at the Republic National Convention next Thursday, which should be interesting to say the least. Thiel has been in the news a lot this year, mostly because of his financial support of the lawsuit filed (and won) by Hulk Hogan against Gawker for publishing his sex tape.

Thiel is an often outspoken right-wing voice when it comes to politics, and we've got a breakdown of his public positions on the issues, and how they compare to those of Trump, the presumed Republic presidential candidate.

7. Eddy Cue doesn't say much about content plans

The Hollywood Reporter had a chance to sit down with Eddy Cue, Apple's SVP of internet software and services, and he said... not very much. Cue basically reiterated what Apple has been saying all along about media and its approach with Apple TV – we want all the content, and apps are the way to deliver it. In terms of original content, he basically said what we already know – that they're doing stuff with Apple Music, because it makes sense.