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The Future of AI in Film:

Any Actor, Any Role, Any Time

Imagine swapping any actor or actress into any movie, past or present.
It sounds unbelievable, but it's quickly becoming reality.
The Future of AI in Film: Any Actor, Any Role, Any Time Imagine swapping any actor or actress into any movie, past or present. It sounds unbelievable, but it's quickly becoming reality.
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  • Basketball Court – Commercial Project

    Modeled and rendered in Blender.

    #3DModeling #Blender3D #BasketballCourt #Render #CommercialWork

    🏀 Basketball Court – Commercial Project 🏀 Modeled and rendered in Blender. #3DModeling #Blender3D #BasketballCourt #Render #CommercialWork
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  • Heroes of Might and Magic IIIs Necropolis Town Recreated in UE5
    cgshares.com
    3D Artist Radim Hurricane Zeifart, known for his work on World of Warcraft cinematics, has once again paid tribute to the legendary turn-based strategy Heroes of Might and Magic III, unveiling a breathtaking 3D recreation of the games Necropolis.The creator shared that the entire production process involved converting Necropolis into a 3D space, populating it with creatures, and adding various environmental effects to enhance the undead atmosphere. In development since 2023, the main focus of the project was to create cinematic-quality characters based on 2D references from HOMM3, with the author noting that it also served as a useful testbed for Unreal Engine 5 workflows.As for the software, Hurricane utilizedUnreal Engine 5, Cinema 4D, OctaneRender, After Effects, and EmberGen, along with Blender, ZBrush, Substance 3D Painter, Substance 3D Designer, Trapcode Particular, and Quixel Megascans. Additionally, 3D print .stl files of in-game figurines from Psaycrow were used to help remaster the units to cinematic quality.Earlier, Hurricane also showcased a UE5-powered recreation of HOMM 3s Castle, with the Necropolis Town project envisioned as the continuation of the series:And here are some of the artists previous cinematics:Click here to see more of Hurricanes works and dont forget to join our 80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Heroes of Might and Magic IIIs Necropolis Town Recreated in UE5 appeared first on CG SHARES.
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  • Here Is What To Expect In Balatro 1.1 Update
    cgshares.com
    LocalThunkOne of the many things that Balatro players look forward to for 2025 is the first major gameplay update for the beloved poker roguelike, which was announced in August last year. Now officially titled 1.1 version, this update will bring new strategies and ideas to the poker roguelike and be free as a thank-you token to the supportive community.Developer LocalThunk shed some light on the content of the upcoming update in a recent interview with Bloomberg. It was probably due to the small incident that made him add 30 more Jokers secretly to fill the discrepancy between the number of Jokers he said to the publisher, Playstack, and what the publisher shared with the public, this time, LocalThunk is slightly more careful about giving accurate information.Im not going to get into exactly whats going to be in it, because that also means I cant pivot if something new doesnt work, he said (Thanks, PC Gamer). I think its healthier if I keep my cards close to my chest, then give you the best version of whatever this new content update is.Although no details were shared, he confirmed a few major changes, including adding new jokers, overhauling an existing Matador Joker, which caused some confusion as it doesnt always work as expected, and adjustments to the Blue Stake, one difficult modifier that will reduce discard by one.By January 21, Balatro had sold a whopping 5 million copies, which means another 1.5 million copies were sold in the month since December 12. It won three awards at the 2024 The Game Awards, including the Best Independent Game of the year.Looking at the future, LocalThunk shares that hed keep focusing on Balatro. I dont have any imminent game ideas I want to make. I have thought of other game ideas in the past, but every time my mind goes down that road, I immediately think, You cant do that right now, youre in the middle of something else, which I think has served me very well.Dont forget to join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Here Is What To Expect In Balatro 1.1 Update appeared first on CG SHARES.
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  • Tracking Script for a Project
    v.redd.it
    Made a quick python script for simulating realistic camera movement. submitted by /u/mr_ekan [link] [comments]
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  • Extremely rare Einstein ring discovered close to Earth
    www.popsci.com
    The ring of light surrounding the centre of the galaxy NGC 6505, captured by ESAs Euclid telescope, is a stunning example of an Einstein ring. NGC 6505 is acting as a gravitational lens, bending light from a galaxy far behind it. The almost perfect alignment of NGC 6505 and the background galaxy has bent and magnified the light from the background galaxy into a spectacular ring. This rare phenomenon was first theorised to exist by Einstein in his general theory of relativity. This wide field shows the extended stellar halo of NGC 6505 and showcases the Einstein ring, surrounded by colourful foreground stars and background galaxies. ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, T. LiShareThe European Space Agencys (ESA) Euclid space telescope has discovered an extremely rare Einstein ring. Einstein rings of light are produced when two galaxies are almost perfectly aligned, with one behind the other from a fixed perspective. They are one of the best examples we have of gravitational lensinga phenomenon that Albert Einstein predicted in 1915. The ring and other findings are detailed in a study published February 10 in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.A close-up view of the centre of the NGC 6505 galaxy, with the bright Einstein ring around its nucleus, captured by ESAs Euclid space telescope. The Einstein ring is formed by gravitational lensing, with the mass of galaxy NGC 6505 bending and magnifying the light from a more distant galaxy into a ring. CREDIT: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, T. Li. Gravitational lensing and Einstein ringsIn space, gravitational lensing occurs when the energy in a massive celestial body like a galaxy cluster creates enough of a curve in spacetime for the path of light around it to appear bent as if by a lens. The celestial body that is causing the light to curve is called a gravitational lens, which should be able to help us detect the light from hidden galaxies.According to Albert Einsteins general theory of relativity, light will bend around objects in space, so that they focus the light the way that a lens does. This resulting gravitational lensing effect is larger for the bigger objects, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters. The lensing means that astronomers can sometimes see the light coming from far away galaxies that would otherwise be hidden. If they are aligned just right, the light from the distant source galaxy will bend to form a ring around the foreground objectcalled an Einstein ring.When we observe a distant galaxy with our telescope, its light may encounter another galaxy on its way to us. The foreground galaxy acts like a magnifying lens, bending the travelling light rays due to its gravity. This is called gravitational lensing. If the background galaxy, the lensing galaxy, and the telescope are perfectly aligned, the image appears as a ringcalled an Einstein ring. Einstein rings were first theorized to exist by Einstein in his general theory of relativity. CREDIT: ESA. An Einstein ring is an example of strong gravitational lensing, Conor ORiordan, a study co-author and astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, said in a statement. All strong lenses are special, because theyre so rare, and theyre incredibly useful scientifically. This one is particularly special, because its so close to Earth and the alignment makes it very beautiful.Studying the gravitational effects of Einstein rings can help scientists learn more about the expansion of the universe, detect the effects of invisible dark matter and dark energy, and probe background sources of light that are bent by dark matter. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.Euclids new Einstein ringThe Einstein ring that Euclid spotted is located in the galaxy NGC 6505. It is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Earth at 590 million light-years away. This is the first time that the ring of light surrounding its center has been detected.The ring situated around the foreground galaxy is made up of light from a galaxy that is further out and more luminous. This background galaxy is about 4.42 billion light-years away and its light has been distorted by gravity as it travels. The far-away galaxy has not been observed before and does not have a name.[ Related: Dark energy fills the cosmos. But what is it? ]I find it very intriguing that this ring was observed within a well-known galaxy, which was first discovered in 1884, Valeria Pettorino, a study co-author and ESA Euclid Project Scientist, said in a statement. The galaxy has been known to astronomers for a very long time. And yet this ring was never observed before. This demonstrates how powerful Euclid is, finding new things even in places we thought we knew well. This discovery is very encouraging for the future of the Euclid mission and demonstrates its fantastic capabilities.Mapping the dark universeEuclid kicked-off its six-year mission on July 1, 2023. The space telescopes primary job is to explore the dark universe, searching for the more subtle effects of weak gravitational lensing. Here, background galaxies appear to be only mildly stretched or displaced. In order to detect this effect, scientists will need to analyze billions of galaxies. Euclid began its detailed survey of the sky on February 14, 2024 and is gradually creating an extensive 3D map of the universe.The space telescope is expected to map more than one third of the sky, observing billions of galaxies out to 10 billion light-years. Astronomers expect Euclid to spot 100,000 strong lenses. However, the team says that finding a gravitational lens like this one so close to home is exciting. Less than 1,000 strong lenses were previously known to astronomers and even fewer have been imaged at high resolution.Euclid is going to revolutionise the field, with all this data weve never had before, said Conor.
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  • Unreal Engine Unlock Door System With Key Code Using Key Pad (ALS #217)
    www.youtube.com
    Project Files: https://www.patreon.com/CodeLikeMe/shop/shootlikeme-unreal-engine-third-person-258727 . Project Files(for members) : https://www.patreon.com/posts/121904183 . In this episode of my third person shooter series, I am going to create a door unlocking system by entering a key code. Here, we will create a UI widget for the keypad and when player goes to a locked door and press E, the Keypad UI will appear and player will be able to insert a key code. If the entered code is correct, door will unlock and open. Otherwise, it will say "CODE ERROR". We have already implemented an intel reading system which can be used to give player the key code as an intel document player can read. CodeLikeMe Third-Person shooter series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNTm9yU0zou4HL7SAyIQoCqJRJ5QeQAl8 // ! https://www.patreon.com/codelikeme Patrons will have access to project files of all the stuff I do in the channel and other extra benefitsJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClb6Jh9EBV7a_Nm52Ipll_Q/join Like my facebook page for more content : https://www.facebook.com/gamedevelopersclub/ Follow me on twitter : https://twitter.com/CodeLikeMe2 Follow me on reddit : https://www.reddit.com/user/codelikeme #CodeLikeMe #unrealengine #ue5 #indiegamedev
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  • Necklace Villa / 1110 Office for Architecture
    www.archdaily.com
    Necklace Villa / 1110 Office for ArchitectureSave this picture! Yohei SasakuraArchitects: 1110 Office for ArchitectureAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:185 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Yohei Sasakura Lead Architects: Hiroto Kawaguchi, Antonin Henrard, Kenta Shimamura More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Dog Villa on Awaji Island: "What Changes and What Remains" On the northern part of Awaji Island, this project is a sea-facing rental villa designed for dog owners. In recent years, the northern part of Awaji has been experiencing a rapid urbanization process, transforming the landscape drastically by adding new cafs and theme park developments along the seaside. Facing such an uncertain and indeterminate context, we wanted to confront these rapid changes with "ambiguity and ambivalence," rather than rejecting them unilaterally or accepting them uncritically.Save this picture!Save this picture!The site reflects the unique topography of the northern part of Awaji Island, where the sea and the mountains connect. With limited flat land, dense housing, and direct proximity to roads and residential areas, the road environment has a direct impact on the site. Therefore, we chose to design a courtyard building that would act as a protective buffer from the noisy road in front and from the close neighbors all around. On the other hand, we created large openings on the front street side to grasp this ever-changing environment as well as the facing sea. These openings quietly draw the reality outside but also operate inside for all the inner spaces to be visually connected, creating interesting perspectives all along the boundary.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!In the courtyard, a gentle hill is created in response to the difference in the steps of the skipped floors, forming a circular flow line through the interior, and exterior, and linking the two terraces. The north-facing terrace provides a bright and peaceful view of the courtyard and distant landscape from the shade, while the south-facing terrace offers a starry sky view after dinner or bathing. These locations, while blocking the view of the surroundings due to the difference in elevation of the building, let in wind and light, forming a "ma-awai" (a shallow space that finds its way between the surrounding buildings).Save this picture!The overall composition takes the shape of a series of beads in which different scales huts are continuously connected to the lines of flow of inner circulation. Inside, the floor height is gradually raised to suppress the dog's barking threats to passing cars, and the living room is placed higher than the car height. The gradual difference in levels between the skipped floors divides the space, creating an environment in which people and dogs can coexist naturally without being separated by any wall. In addition, a small take-out restaurant is located under the living room floor, creating a public space that links the local community to the building and activates the parking in front.Save this picture!The exterior skin of the building is unified with a reddish-brown tone, referring to contextual elements such as neighboring glazed roof tiles, painted cedar boards, warehouse steel facades, and bicycle parking lots. With this project, we aimed to create a place where one can relax in the here and now while resonating with the slight fluctuations of time and environment.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officePublished on February 10, 2025Cite: "Necklace Villa / 1110 Office for Architecture" 10 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026579/necklace-villa-1110-office-for-architecture&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • ISO - Inside Shift Outside House / Ply Architecture
    www.archdaily.com
    ISO - Inside Shift Outside House / Ply ArchitectureSave this picture! Alexander MillerArchitects: Ply ArchitectureAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:330 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Alexander Miller Lead Architects: Benjamin Edwards, Christopher Jeffery More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. ISO is a family home born from a shared passion for Modernism and making. The alterations and additions to the existing dwelling were carefully handled to celebrate the existing form and materiality, carving out the center of the original U-shaped villa to insert a form that captures a Modern lifestyle.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!A delicate balance of public and private, transparency and connection. A balance of volumes and scales push and pull through the project, respondent to the building use. Private zones are constrained to the existing dwellings' framework, compressed to provide intimacy and recluse. The new works are intentionally public, celebrating engagement and leisure; a series of curated sightlines open the dwelling to the surrounding neighborhood, whilst internal layering allows control and operability.Save this picture!Save this picture!The inside and outside are blurred across a series of transparent thresholds. The garden is visually connected and reinforced through all zones of the dwelling. The built form and landscaping have provided inspiration to our client's personal business as furniture makers, encouraging the development of a range of furniture inspired by the dwelling. Macro details observed in the architecture and interiors have informed deliberate aesthetic, tactile, and functional decisions in their work.ISO/ is built on the land of the Kaurna peopleSave this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officePly ArchitectureOfficePublished on February 10, 2025Cite: "ISO - Inside Shift Outside House / Ply Architecture" 10 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026631/iso-inside-shift-outside-house-ply-architecture&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • Google's AI lab CEO said DeepSeek is China's 'best work' he's seen so far but that it showed 'no actual new scientific advance'
    www.businessinsider.com
    DeepMind's Demis Hassabis said DeepSeek's new model is "impressive" but overhyped.Hassabis said it brought "no actual new scientific advance," as firms like his race to develop AGI.He also said many of the techniques used by DeepSeek were pioneered by his team.Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google's DeepMind, said he's impressed by DeepSeek's new AI model but thinks the hype around the Chinese tech is exaggerated."I mean, just briefly, on DeepSeek, it's an impressive piece of work, and I think it's probably the best work I've seen come out of China," Hassabis said on Sunday in Paris, where he's set to attend the AI Action Summit."But it's important to understand that despite the hype, there's no actual new scientific advance there. It's using known techniques," added Hassabis. "Actually many of the techniques we invented at Google and at DeepMind."He cited Alpha Zero, DeepMind's learning system that taught itself chess, go, and shogi to the point where it could beat world champions.Still, Hassabis acknowledged that DeepSeek's new model could make a difference on the "geopolitical scale."The Chinese AI product sent shockwaves through the tech industry last month when it showed that it could rival American models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, threatening to overturn what the markets had believed was a substantial lead held by US firms.DeepSeek also said that it spent a fraction of what American firms were investing in their AI models, shaking perceptions of how much it truly costs to develop and improve advanced machine learning. The model's debut eventually sparked a $1 trillion sell-off in the US market.Meanwhile, Google also said in its earnings on Tuesday that it's planning to spend $75 billion on capital expenditure this year.His team and those at AI powerhouses like OpenAI and Microsoft have been focused on a race to achieve artificial general intelligence, or the point when an AI model can reach or surpass human reasoning.DeepMind, DeepSeek, and Highflyer, the Chinese hedge fund that backs DeepSeek, did not respond to requests for comment sent by Business Insider.
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  • The CEO of a $282 billion chip machine producer takes one easy step to stay calm at the start of a big presentation
    www.businessinsider.com
    ASML's CEO advises people focus on breathing before a big presentation.Other executives, including Marc Benioff and Ray Dalio, have long evangelized about meditation.ASML, a key player in semiconductor manufacturing, is facing geopolitical challenges in China.Dutch semiconductor giant ASML's CEO has a simple piece of advice for anyone going into a big presentation: inhale and exhale."Watch the way you are going to breathe for the first 30 seconds," Christophe Fouquet said on a Norges Bank podcast posted on Wednesday. "If you breathe too fast, then your presentation will go wrong very quickly."The CEO most recently spoke at a series of interviews at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January.Fouquet highlighted some activities that help him avoid stress: listening to music, playing sports, and spending time with his kids.Salesforce's CEO Marc Benioff and Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio are among other executive-level advocates for mindfulness and meditation. Benioff has said that he starts each day by meditating for 30 to 60 minutes."I'm grateful to have learned how to meditate 30 years ago because I learned how to stop the inner critic," Benioff wrote on X in 2019.Dalio has called his meditation practice which he started in 1969, even before founding his hedge fund "the single most important reason for whatever success I've had."ASML, Europe's second-largest tech company, is known for making large lithography machines needed to produce some high-end chips. Its biggest customers are chip manufacturers TSMC, Samsung, and Intel.Fouquet, who has been the CEO since April 2024, is leading ASML through the artificial intelligence boom and a period plagued by uncertainty over geopolitical tensions between the US and China. He has worked at ASML since 2008.The $282 billion company has been under pressure from the Dutch and US governments to further restrict sales of its technology to China one of its biggest markets over security concerns about AI and other technologies.ASML's shares are down nearly 20% in the past year, due to weakening demand from chipmakers.
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  • Nokia Names Intels Data Center and AI Head Justin Hotard as New Chief Executive
    www.wsj.com
    The company appointed Hotard as it moves to diversify and search for new growth areas outside of its traditional telecom operator market.
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  • Watch this surreal aurora footage captured from the space station
    www.digitaltrends.com
    One of the highlights for astronauts who spend time aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is the chance to enjoy breathtaking aurora from some 250 miles above Earth.The space stations X account has just shared some stunning footage showing an aurora captured by a camera on the ISS as it traveled over Canada, from west to east.Recommended VideosThe space station on Jan. 4 soared into a stunning aurora dancing over Canada with city lights dotting the landscape below before orbiting into a sunrise 259 miles above the Atlantic Ocean. pic.twitter.com/xhBJPZm5rm International Space Station (@Space_Station) February 9, 2025Please enable Javascript to view this contentAn aurora also known as the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in the northern hemisphere, and Southern Lights (aurora australis) in the southern hemisphere is a natural display of light in the sky, most often seen in high-latitude regions.The beautiful phenomenon comprises dynamic patterns of brilliant light that appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or dynamic flickers covering much of the sky.Theyre caused by disturbances in the Earths magnetosphere as it interacts with solar winds, with the dramatic effect the result of collisions between fast-moving electrons from space and the oxygen and nitrogen in Earths upper atmosphere.Astronauts on a regular six-month mission at the space station are likely to see plenty of aurora events, so long as theyre looking out of the window as they fly over it.The best place aboard the ISS to see an aurora is from the Cupola, a seven-window module offering panoramic views of Earth and beyond.While the ISS has a number of Earth-facing cameras fixed to the outside of the facility that are constantly tracking events down below, astronauts with a keen photographic eye also enjoy using the stations professional cameras and lenses to try to capture aurora. Current ISS astronaut Don Pettit, for example, recently shared his own footage of one of the light shows.Retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield once offered his own take on the spectacular occurrence, saying: To look at the Northern Lights is like magic. To be in them, to surf on them, thats beyond magic. Its surreal.Editors Recommendations
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  • Zotac outsmarts scalpers by selling GPUs directly to gamers
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Zotac is taking a bold step to combat GPU scalping by selling its latest RTX 50-series graphics cards including the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 directly to gamers through its official gaming Discord server. This initiative is an attempt to ensure that genuine customers have a fair chance to purchase the latest GPUs at MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) without interference from scalpers and bots.To qualify, users must actively engage in the Zotac Discord community by participating in discussions, events, and challenges. Winners are then selected using a random number generator, ensuring a transparent process. Currently, the program is limited to users in the U.S., and while a limited number of RTX 5080 units are available, the RTX 5090 is not yet in stock.RedditZotac has also implemented strict anti-scalping measures to prevent reselling. All GPUs sold through this program have their serial numbers recorded, and any user caught attempting to resell their GPU risks being permanently banned from future Zotac raffles and direct sales events. This zero-tolerance policy reinforces Zotacs commitment to prioritizing real gamers over resellers.Recommended VideosScalping has been a significant issue in the PC hardware market, especially new GPUs, with many high-demand products being hoarded and resold at inflated prices. By offering direct sales to active community members, Zotac is not only making it harder for scalpers but also rewarding its loyal customers with an exclusive opportunity to purchase its GPUs fairly.Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming While it remains to be seen how effective this strategy will be in the long run, Zotacs approach sets an important precedent for the industry. If successful, it could encourage other manufacturers to adopt similar measures to ensure gamers, not scalpers, get their hands on the latest hardware.Editors Recommendations
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  • Last-Minute Valentines Day Brainstorming Via Generative AI
    www.forbes.com
    Generative AI can help come up with an amazing Valentine's Day plan that will bring joy to all.gettyIn todays column, I showcase how you can use generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to help you brainstorm about Valentines Day, even if it is a last-minute desperation maneuver.Heres why this might be important to you. Not everyone necessarily already has figured out their exact plans for Valentines Day (dont feel bad if you are in that boat). Plus, even if you have planned things out, it might be worthwhile to bounce those plans off generative AI in case there are any guffaws or flaws baked into the vital matter at hand. It is better to get a serious gut check upfront than get awkwardly caught in a dire bind on the revered Valentines Day.Bottom-line is that you can leverage generative AI to stay out of the doghouse.Lets talk about it.This analysis of an innovative AI breakthrough is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).MORE FOR YOUDj Vu But With A TwistI previously described seven major ways that you can use generative AI to assist in planning and carrying out a highly successful Valentines Day, doing so in my coverage last year, see the link here.Those always-valuable seven aspects regarding using generative AI consisted of:(1) Knowing what Valentines Day is truly about.(2) Suggestions for Valentine's Day gifts.(3) Ways to celebrate Valentines Day.(4) Boosting romantic prowess in anticipation of Valentines Day.(5) Being lovingly conversational during Valentines Day.(6) How not to ruin Valentines Day.(7) Contingencies if Valentines Day goes amiss.This was the tagline for that Valentines Day posting: Roses are red, violets are blue, and may generative AI be useful to you. The piece was in-depth and covered nearly everything under the sun. Readers enjoyed it.This year, I am opting to take a somewhat different take on the Valentines Day topic. Suppose you arent sure of what you want to do for Valentines Day. The good news is that you can brainstorm with generative AI. Bounce ideas off the AI. Determine what makes sense. Figure out what direction to go.Im sure some caustic smart-alecky pessimists will instantly say that if someone hasnt already ironed out their Valentines Day plans, they are sunk -- it is seemingly far too late in the game to plan something out. Well, please dont listen to those naysayers. There is still time to get your ducks in alignment. You can use generative AI to brainstorm about activities that can be arranged quickly.Finally, for those of you who firmly have Valentines Day plans all figured out, congrats, but are you really sure that youve covered all the bases? Maybe there is a weak link in the chain of lovingness that youve pieced together. No worries. You can use generative AI to double-check your plans. Best to be safe rather than sorry.Using Generative AI Has Your BackBefore we leap into the Valentines Day details, you might find of overall interest that I have been doing a series of analyses on how to use generative AI to improve your life in a wide variety of aspects (see the link here for my ongoing coverage). In each instance, I emphasize that generative AI is not a cure-all, it has demonstrative ins and outs, and the likely best use entails carrying on a dialogue with the AI, plus making sure to watch out for the AI inadvertently generating falsehoods or making errors. I will be covering those salient points in this discussion since they are vital and go hand-in-hand with using generative AI wisely.Okay, with that said, lets get avidly underway.I went ahead and logged into ChatGPT by OpenAI to come up with handy examples. You might find it of keen interest that ChatGPT garners a whopping 300 million weekly active users. That is a staggering amount of usage. If you prefer to use some different generative AI apps, such as Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Meta Llama, thats perfectly fine. They will generate similar results.Here we go.My entered prompt: I need some assistance in figuring out what to do for Valentines Day. Ive been busy and havent come up with anything. Any ideas?Generative AI response: I can help. Are you looking for something romantic, adventurous, or unique?My entered prompt: Something romantic but not clich.Generative AI response: Got it! Do you prefer a stay-at-home experience or going out?My entered prompt: Going out, but I dont want just a fancy dinner.Generative AI response: How about a sunset picnic at a scenic spot with a customized playlist of meaningful songs? Or a mystery date night where you plan surprise stops at places that have special meaning to your relationship?My entered prompt: Yes, I like the mystery date night idea!Note that the AI immediately expressed a sense of empathy or understanding for my expressed concerns. This might seem strange since the AI is a machine and not sentient (we dont have sentient AI yet). Turns out that generative AI can appear to be empathetic via computational wordsmithing, see my discussion at the link here.The AI came out quickly with several useful suggestions that are all reasonable and not somehow odd or outlandish. Another aspect to note is that the AI didnt ridicule me or otherwise play any tomfoolery about my need for assistance. Generative AI is typically shaped to be supportive rather than combative.Keep The Dialogue FlowingYour best bet in getting value from generative AI is to think of AI as a conversational partner.The idea is that you are carrying on an interactive dialogue with AI. Some people do a one-and-done angle whereby they ask a question, get an answer, and do not undertake a dialogue with the AI about the matter at hand. That is a shortchanging of what AI can more fully provide. See my explanation about how to get more out of generative AI conversationally, at the link here.To illustrate the value of engaging in a dialogue, lets continue my discussion.My entered prompt: I like the mystery date night idea! Any insights on making it extra special?Generative AI response: Absolutely! A great way to build anticipation is by creating clues that lead from one location to the next. Would you like to include places that are meaningful to your relationship or just fun surprises?My entered prompt: A mix of both. I want it to feel romantic but also a little playful.Generative AI response: Perfect! You could start with a handwritten note or a small, wrapped gift that contains the first clue. Maybe something nostalgic, like a printed photo of your first date spot or a menu from a restaurant you love.My entered prompt: Thats a fantastic approach. I was thinking of starting at the caf where we met. What should happen there?Generative AI response: You could ask the barista to hand your partner the next clue with their favorite drink. The clue could be inside the cup sleeve or attached to a small gift, like a keychain that hints at the next location.My entered prompt: Thats amazing. Thank you you are a lifesaver!Once again, the AI was reassuring and upbeat.A generative AI conversation can continue for as long as you wish. The other thing you can do is pause your exploration and then continue the conversation at a later date. This is handy so that you dont have to start the conversation over from scratch. The AI will retain aspects of what you have discussed earlier in the conversation, see my explanation of how this works at the link here.Dont Fall For AI HallucinationsGenerative AI regrettably encounters said-to-be AI hallucinations from time to time. These are made-up confabulations that are groundless and fictitious. Bad advice can be dispensed. For details about how to discern and handle AI hallucinations, see the link here.Lets see what this looks like.My entered prompt: Do you have any suggestions for where I could have a romantic dinner?Generative AI response: Of course! How about a private dinner at Lumire dAmour in your town.My entered prompt: Wait for a second. I dont think there is such a restaurant in my town. Thats a famous place that isnt even in my state.Generative AI response: I made a mistake, sorry. You are right that it isnt in your town. I should have been more careful.Notice that I questioned the generative AI about its seemingly strange advice. Fortunately, the AI opted to back down and admitted it was wrong. Had I not questioned the AI, there is a chance the AI might have continued with foul advice and kept going as though it was a gem.The key to all usage of generative AI is to stay on your toes, keep your wits about you, and always challenge and double-check anything the AI emits.More To Keep In MindMake sure to let the AI know whatever constraints you might have such as time available for Valentines Day, a budget limit, etc. Without stipulating those factors, generative AI might conjure up outlandish possibilities that just arent realistic for you.Finally, you can ask generative AI to come up with sentimental notes. For example, heres one that I got during the dialogue above about what to do for Valentines Day: Tonight was a journey, just like us; Filled with laughter, love, and trust. But every path, no matter how far; Leads me right back to where you are.Nice.Ill caution you though about using such missives. Some might get upset that you used AI to devise a love note. The assumption is that you should be able to come up with one from your heart. Now then, the odds are that many would look up those kinds of lovey-dovey notes online anyway. I guess youll need to decide whether using AI crosses the line.If you want to play it safe and avoid something generated by AI, heres a long-time human-devised royalty-free classic that you can use without any tribulation: Forever is a long time, but I wouldnt mind spending it by your side.Good luck and wishing you the best Valentines Day that AI can assist you in devising.
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  • The Best Calorie Tracking App Is Already On Your iPhone
    www.forbes.com
    A calculator app is seen on the screen of an iPhone on December 6, 2017. (Photo by Jaap ... [+] Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesFrom MyFitnessPal to Cronometer, Lose It! and Calory, theres no shortage of calorie counting apps. But heres my hot take: the best app to track your food intake is already on your iPhone (and your Android phone)the Calculator app.Its free, its simple andmost importantlyit does the job as well as any other app in the calorie tracking category. Youll also never have to worry about dealing with ads, permissions, privacy concerns, prompts to subscribe or the temptation of upgrading to a paid tier.Its Already On Your iPhoneIm no stranger to MyFitnessPal and Ive got no squabbles with specialized health and fitness apps, but I found myself succumbing to the culture of over-optimization. I got obsessed with measuring biomarkers, anything from calories, to daily steps and sleep quality. So much so that my quest for optimization was starting to get in the way of savoring the little things.The goal was to improve my life; instead, it only made it less enjoyable.So recently Ive made a conscious effort to simplify things in my lifeespecially when it comes to my phone usage. Less apps, less screen time and less health tracking (or rather, health tracking in moderation).MORE FOR YOUEnter The Calculator AppIve been on a strict diet for the past 15 weeks and so far the Calculator app has been nothing short of great.All you need to do is look at the labels, measure your food and enter the correct amounts. Plus you get to practice basic arithmetic.I work out religiouslyI went to the gym 304 times in 2024, with my longest streak coming at 34 days in a row. But Im not a professional athlete, so I dont necessarily need to track every little detail about my diet, like macros.I do, however, count my calories and protein intake. I eat a protein-heavy diet, so I rarely have to worry about hitting my daily target. Im much more precise with my calorie intake, though. And the Calculator app has been absolutely up to that task.And there has been another positive secondary effect: looking at nutrition value labels has made me more liberal with my meal planning. I actually allow more room for treats and desserts, which has made the overall dieting regimen easier to handle.Looking At The DownsidesObviously, there are downsides to using the Calculator as your primary calorie counting app. For one, it doesnt log your food consumption over timeunless of course youre cool with inputting that data manually in a spreadsheet.Its also not ideal for people who need to get granular with macros. If thats you, then MyFitnessPal is still your pal.But if you like to keep things simple and clean, trust me: the Calculator is the only calorie counting app you needand its already on your iPhone.
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  • Why the UK must lead on data to unlock AIs full potential
    www.computerweekly.com
    OpinionWhy the UK must lead on data to unlock AIs full potentialUnless the data silos in government are addressed, the UK risks falling short of the Action Plans ambitious goals to lead in AI adoptionByElena Simperl and Neil MajithiaPublished: 10 Feb 2025 The UK government holds some of the worlds most valuable datasets, including official statistics, cultural heritage records and NHS health data. These datasets have powered scientific breakthroughs, business innovation, and improvements in public services.With the publication of the much-anticipated AI Opportunities Action Plan, the transformative potential of government data for AI has never been more apparent. However, recent research by the Open Data Institute (ODI) reveals critical shortcomings in how government datasets are prepared and published for AI.Government data and AIs reliability challengeFoundation models (FMs), such as ChatGPT and Gemini, are increasingly used to provide information on public policies and services. Yet, the ODIs research highlights that while these models scrape government data repositories, they often fail to deliver accurate outputs based on them. Instead, models draw on secondary or unreliable sources, such as social media posts or opinion articles, or simply fabricate answers.The consequences are significant. Citizens using AI tools to understand benefit entitlements, for example, may receive misleading or incomplete advice, undermining public trust in both AI and government services. This is particularly concerning given the UK governments emphasis on improving public service delivery through AI innovation.Data deficits in the AI ecosystemThe AI Opportunities Action Plan, authored by Matt Clifford, rightly emphasises the role of the National Data Library (NDL) as a means to unlock government data for AI innovators. Yet, the current state of government datasets presents significant barriers to achieving this vision.ODI analysis of CommonCrawl, a key dataset repository for AI models, found that it scraped 13,556 pages from data.gov.uk as of April 2024. However, these pages rarely contributed to accurate model outputs. Across 195 test queries, models correctly referenced data.gov.uk statistics in only five cases.This issue arises because government data is often not published in AI-ready formats. While technologies such as DCAT are used to make datasets discoverable, scraping infrastructure like CommonCrawl does not fully support these technologies. As a result, AI models rely on less authoritative sources, perpetuating misinformation. The ODIs findings suggest that the UKs ambition to lead in AI innovation could falter unless this disconnect is addressed.Evidence from ODI experimentsThe ODI conducted two experiments to examine how government data supports AI models and, in turn, how AI models are enabled to support residents of the UK.The first experiment analysed how important UK government websites are for AI. Researchers conducted an ablation study utilising a machine unlearning technique to remove gov.uk websites from a selection of FMs' training data.The results revealed a 42.6% increase in models inaccuracy when deprived of gov.uk content, leading to fundamental errors. For example, one test found that models that did not have access to government websites misinformed users about their eligibility for Child Benefit.In contrast, the second experiment found that government datasets are currently unknown to AI models. This experiment, a study of models' ability to recall specific statistics from data.gov.uk, found that out of 195 queries, models accurately referenced official government statistics releases just five times.The conclusion from these experiments was that while government websites are vital for AI accuracy, government statistics datasets are underutilised despite their enormous value and potential in delivering public services. If we want to realise the potential of AI to deliver benefits such as improving care quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness in the NHS, the government must prioritise improving the quality, accessibility, and usability of its data.The path forwardThe adoption of FAIR principles - ensuring data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable - has long been championed by data.gov.uk and remains a strong foundation. Emerging tools like Croissant, a machine-readable metadata format designed for machine learning, can further enhance discoverability and integration into developers workflows. If dataset descriptions are improved, they will be more usable for human and machine users.The government must incentivise responsible data sharing to ensure equitable access to high-quality data. This could include tax incentives for private-sector data sharing, mandates for publicly funded projects to make their data open where appropriate, or even a levy on AI-generated content to fund trusted information sources. We must use privacy-enhancing technologies such as Solid, which offer individuals direct access and control of their data - for example, their well-being and health data - to ensure access to sensitive data without compromising personal privacy, commercial sensitivity, or national security. This could provide important benefits, such as using machine learning to identify personal risk factors for health conditions, enabling preventative action. Data Trusts can be built on top of Solid to aggregate data. This aggregated data can be collated into datasets with Croissant metadata to prepare it for research use.Aligning with the Action PlanThe AI Opportunities Action Plans emphasis on high-quality data and strong governance aligns with the ODIs longstanding commitment to socio-technical solutions integrating advanced data infrastructure with public trust. To support the development of interoperable systems, AI-ready datasets, and privacy-enhancing technologies, the ODI is advocating for a ten-year National Data Infrastructure Roadmap. This roadmap would support the Action Plans focus on driving AI innovation through investing in long-term data infrastructure.Read more about the AI Opportunities Action PlanMajor obstacles facing Labours AI opportunity action plan: Skills, data held in legacy tech and a lack of leadership are among the areas discussed during a recent Public Accounts Committee session.Disjointed industrial strategy a barrier to UK scaleup success: The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee calls on Labour to join-up piecemeal initiatives and cut bureaucracy.However, the Action Plan leaves several gaps unaddressed. It does not fully detail how the National Data Library will incorporate user input or engage diverse stakeholders to ensure it delivers public benefit. There is limited detail about formal standards for data quality and provenance, which are critical for ensuring AI-ready datasets. Furthermore, while the Action Plan highlights the need to support AI innovators, it could more explicitly foster data-centric startups specialising in data preparation and governance tools. We hope these gaps are addressed as the government rolls out the recommendations.International leadership through collaborationThe ODIs research highlights the global importance of data-centric approaches to AI governance. However, few nations prioritise this focus, risking undermining the broader adoption of open and shared data practices. Without robust data-centric governance, the foundations of transparent and accountable AI systems could weaken.The ODI has launched the Global AI Policy Data Observatory to address this. This initiative provides practical resources to support policymakers in developing data-centric AI governance. By offering insights into machine-readable metadata, toolkits for responsible data use, and best practices for transparency, the Observatory aims to strengthen the global evidence base for data-centric AI.Realising the UKs AI potentialAccess to high-quality government data is essential for realising AIs potential in public service delivery. By improving data publication practices and investing in long-term infrastructure, the UK can position itself as a global leader in data provision for AI. This leadership will unlock transformative economic and social benefits, aligning with the ambitions of the AI Opportunities Action Plan.The full report is available to download at ODI Report: The UK Government as a Data Provider for AI.Elena Simperl is the director of research at the ODI. Neil Majithia is a researcher at the ODI.In The Current Issue:Forrester: Why digitisation needs strong data engineering skillsLabours first digital government strategy: Is it dj vu or something new?Download Current IssueSLM series: Editorial brief & scope CW Developer NetworkWill Skills England be allowed to change the course of the Government's inherited policy Titanic? When IT Meets PoliticsView All Blogs
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  • The Art of Choosing Custom Chandeliers for Interior Lighting
    archeyes.com
    SONNET Creative ChandelierLighting plays a crucial role in shaping ambiance and functionality while enhancing the visual appeal of interior spaces. Custom-designed chandeliers are an excellent choice for illuminating any architectural or interior setting, combining elegance with optimal performance.When it comes to expert-crafted designs that blend style with precision, Uluru Lighting stands out as a top choice, offering high-quality custom chandeliers that meet various design and technical needs.This article explains how to select the best custom chandeliers for kitchen islands and dining rooms while outlining key technical considerations such as lighting output and ceiling clearance. The response section addresses common concerns readers may have.The Purpose of Custom Chandeliers in Interior DesignCustom chandeliers serve more than just a functional rolethey act as statement pieces that complement a rooms overall aesthetic. Different types of custom chandeliers can enhance an interior, whether through modern minimalist styles or intricate artistic designs. Their function extends beyond illumination, integrating seamlessly with other design elements for a cohesive and visually appealing space.The Significance of Personalized ChandeliersCustom chandeliers serve as focal points that define the style and atmosphere of a space. These specially designed fixtures can transform interiors by reinforcing a modern aesthetic or making a bold artistic statement.Beyond aesthetics, they must also provide adequate illumination and harmonize with the rest of the design scheme. Several key aspects should be considered when purchasing a custom chandelier.Light Intensity and Color TemperatureA chandelier must produce sufficient brightness at the correct color temperature to effectively enhance the rooms ambiance.For kitchen islands, choose a chandelier with 300 to 600 lumens per square meter to ensure proper task lighting.For a comfortable dining or kitchen environment, select lighting with a color temperature between 2700K (warm white) and 4000K (neutral white).Ceiling Height and Fixture SizeTo achieve a balanced visual effect, the chandelier should be proportionate to the ceiling height and furniture arrangement.The ideal height for a chandelier above a kitchen island is 30 to 36 inches above the surface.For dining tables, chandeliers should be placed 30 to 34 inches above the table to provide unobstructed views.The chandeliers diameter should be about 60% to two-thirds the width of the dining table for proper proportion.Style and Material SelectionChoosing a chandelier that complements the existing decor is essential for creating a harmonious space.Contemporary interiors benefit from chandeliers with clean geometric forms and minimalist aesthetics.Traditional spaces are best suited for chandeliers featuring ornate decorative details.Manufacturers use various materials, including glass, crystal, metal, and wood. For kitchen settings, durable and easy-to-maintain materials are recommended.Installation and MaintenanceProper installation ensures both safety and optimal performance.Professional installation is advised for elaborate chandeliers to ensure secure mounting.Regular cleaning maintains the fixtures shine and functionality.Consider chandeliers with user-friendly maintenance features, such as easy bulb replacement and accessible cleaning components.Enhancing Ambiance with Smart Lighting FeaturesModern custom chandeliers combine elegant design with advanced smart lighting features, allowing users to control brightness and color temperature via smartphone apps.Automated lighting schedules can create a romantic dining ambiance with dimmed lighting or a vibrant kitchen setting for entertaining guests.Uluru Lightings dimmable lighting solutions offer adaptability for any occasion, ensuring the perfect atmosphere.Creating a Focal Point in Interior Spaces Alex Sawyer via Unsplash Polina Kuzovkova via UnsplashA well-chosen custom chandelier is more than just a light fixtureit becomes a striking design element that draws attention and sparks conversation.Crystal chandeliers add elegance to dining rooms.Sleek, modern chandeliers complement minimalist kitchen spaces.Personalized designs from Uluru Lighting integrate seamlessly with unique interior aesthetics, adding a touch of luxury.Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Lighting ChoicesAs sustainability becomes a priority, homeowners increasingly seek energy-efficient lighting solutions.Custom chandeliers featuring integrated LED technology reduce power consumption while offering extended lifespans.Uluru Lightings eco-friendly designs minimize environmental impact without compromising style or functionality.Adding Value to Your Home with Custom ChandeliersInvesting in a handcrafted custom chandelier enhances both the aesthetics and market value of a home.A high-quality chandelier increases buyer interest and resale value.Whether for personal enjoyment or renovation projects, a well-designed fixture enhances the homes overall appeal.Integrating Chandeliers with Other Lighting ElementsSmart home lighting systems allow seamless control over chandeliers and other decorative fixtures, providing effortless ambiance adjustments.Users can transition from bright kitchen lighting for meal prep to soft dining illumination with adjustable controls.Uluru Lighting products integrate seamlessly with modern home automation systems for convenience and efficiency.Q&A SectionWhat should I consider when selecting a modern chandelier?Choose a chandelier that complements your spaces design. Opt for streamlined shapes, subtle ornamentation, and modern materials such as metal, glass, and acrylic. Ensure the fixture enhances the space without overwhelming it.At what height should a chandelier be placed above a kitchen island?The recommended height is 30 to 36 inches from the countertop surface, ensuring sufficient brightness for food preparation while maintaining clear sightlines.How should I clean pendant lights over a kitchen island?Turn off the power before cleaning.Wipe the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth.For stubborn stains, use a mild soap and water solution.Dry the fixture completely to prevent water marks.How can I remove grease buildup from kitchen light fixtures?If possible, remove the fixture and soak removable parts in warm, soapy water.Apply a degreaser spray to non-removable elements.Wipe with a damp cloth and allow it to air dry.ConclusionChoosing the ideal custom chandelier involves balancing design aesthetics with technical performance. Understanding key factors such as light intensity, ceiling height, material selection, and maintenance requirements ensures a well-lit and visually striking space.A custom chandelier serves as a stunning centerpiece, enhancing both modern kitchens and elegant dining areas.For top-quality custom chandeliers, consult Uluru Lighting experts, who specialize in crafting fixtures that merge beauty with functionality.Light in Architecture Leave a comment
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  • The Art of Junling Wang
    www.iamag.co
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
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  • Meet the Render Layers Manager A New Blender Add-on for Organizing Render Passes, Compositor Nodes and More
    www.blendernation.com
    Meet the Render Layers Manager A New Blender Add-on for Organizing Render Passes, Compositor Nodes and More By Robert Rioux on February 10, 2025 Add-ons Blender Bob's Render manager v01 for Blender is good to go - go get it for free! Now you can easily manage your render layers and collections and add Nuke compatibility.This addon will create a new section in the renderder setting that will allow you to create or delete new render layers, change their order, copy and past pass settings.The collection manager shows a spreadsheet that will allow you to turn on/off collections, holdout or indirect.The render layer manager, which is like a speadsheet, turns on and off any render passes and overrides on shaders, world and sampling.The create render node button will setup the compositor nodes in order to export the files as needed.A precomp will be created by adding all the image outputs from the render layer nodes, hence the importance of being able to change their order. The color passes will be saved in Multilayer EXR 16 bits, per render layer (possibility to switch to 32) The data passes and cryptomattes will be in and EXR 32 bits per render layerThe sequences will be saved in a folder named after the render later name.There's an option called Make Y Up. This will modify the normal, position and vector passes so that they work in compositing software that are working Y up, like Nuke or Resolve/Fusion. Note that the image will be named rgba instead of image so that Nuke can read them without the need of a shuffle node.The combine color/Glossy/Trans will combine the three color, glossy or trans passes into one pass, making it easier for compositing.The denoise options offers to denoise all passes, as needed.Special thanks to Tinkerboi and MJ for there awesome support.Link Github: Render Manager
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  • Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Monday, Feb. 10
    www.cnet.com
    Looking forthe most recentMini Crossword answer?Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.The NYT Mini Crosswordhad some stumpers today. You need to know the plural word for a certain spring flower to get 1-Across, and it helps to know French to get 8-Across. 5-Down is also a tough one, as it's referring to a suffix added toword, not a word itself. Need some more help with today's Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times' games collection. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini CrosswordLet's get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers. The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Feb. 10, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: Flowers that bloom in late winterAnswer: CROCI6A clue: Energy fields "read" by psychicsAnswer: AURAS7A clue: Conflict jarringly, as colorsAnswer: CLASH8A clue: Head, in FrenchAnswer: TETE9A clue: Wrathful feelingAnswer: IREMini down clues and answers1D clue: Prickly pears, e.g.Answer: CACTI2D clue: What'll give you an inch, but not a mileAnswer: RULER3D clue: Make a speechAnswer: ORATE4D clue: Detective's assignmentAnswer: CASE5D clue: "Kinda sorta"Answer: ISHHow to play more Mini CrosswordsThe New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day's Mini Crossword for free, but you'll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
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  • How to Train Your Dragon Remake Super Bowl Trailer Teases Fiery Battles for Hiccup and Toothless
    www.ign.com
    Dreamworks live-action How to Train Your Dragon remake swooped into the Big Game with a Super Bowl LIX commercial that shows off even more from the remake of Toothless and Hiccups adventure.Its a brief look at the 2025 film, mostly showing off how the movie will handle some of the classic projects more action-y sequences. That means a better look at dragon flight and more close moments between Hiccup and his scaly partner as they outrun fire-breathing beasts both big and small. The teaser mostly serves to whet moviegoers' appetites ahead of what will surely be a longer trailer this Wednesday.PlayOn the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart, a synopsis for the How to Train Your Dragon remake says. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.Dreamworks revealed a first look at its live-action How to Train Your Dragon with its debut trailer in November of last year. The footage mostly set the stage for Mason Thames to take up the mantle of Hiccup, who was voiced by Jay Baruchel in the original animated movie. That trailer also reintroduced movie fans to characters and locations that they'll remember from the first movie, while also debuting Gerard Butler's return as Stoick the Vast.Well see more from the live-action How to Train Your Dragon when the full trailer premieres this Wednesday. Expect the remake to come to theaters June 13. While we wait for more, you can see all of the biggest Big Game trailers in our roundup.Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
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  • Tutorial to Fine-Tuning Mistral 7B with QLoRA Using Axolotl for Efficient LLM Training
    www.marktechpost.com
    In this tutorial, we demonstrate the workflow for fine-tuning Mistral 7B using QLoRA with Axolotl, showing how to manage limited GPU resources while customizing the model for new tasks. Well install Axolotl, create a small example dataset, configure the LoRA-specific hyperparameters, run the fine-tuning process, and test the resulting models performance.Step 1: Prepare the Environment and Install Axolotl# 1. Check GPU availability!nvidia-smi# 2. Install git-lfs (for handling large model files)!sudo apt-get -y install git-lfs!git lfs install# 3. Clone Axolotl and install from source!git clone https://github.com/OpenAccess-AI-Collective/axolotl.git%cd axolotl!pip install -e .# (Optional) If you need a specific PyTorch version, install it BEFORE Axolotl:# !pip install torch==2.0.1+cu118 --extra-index-url https://download.pytorch.org/whl/cu118# Return to /content directory%cd /contentFirst, we check which GPU is there and how much memory is there. We then install Git LFS so that large model files (like Mistral 7B) can be handled properly. After that, we clone the Axolotl repository from GitHub and install it in editable mode, which allows us to call its commands from anywhere. An optional section lets you install a specific PyTorch version if needed. Finally, we navigate back to the /content directory to organize subsequent files and paths neatly.Step 2: Create a Tiny Sample Dataset and QLoRA Config for Mistral 7Bimport os# Create a small JSONL datasetos.makedirs("data", exist_ok=True)with open("data/sample_instructions.jsonl", "w") as f: f.write('{"instruction": "Explain quantum computing in simple terms.", "input": "", "output": "Quantum computing uses qubits..."}\n') f.write('{"instruction": "What is the capital of France?", "input": "", "output": "The capital of France is Paris."}\n')# Write a QLoRA config for Mistral 7Bconfig_text = """\base_model: mistralai/mistral-7b-v0.1tokenizer: mistralai/mistral-7b-v0.1# We'll use QLoRA to minimize memory usagetrain_type: qlorabits: 4double_quant: truequant_type: nf4lora_r: 8lora_alpha: 16lora_dropout: 0.05target_modules: - q_proj - k_proj - v_projdata: datasets: - path: /content/data/sample_instructions.jsonl val_set_size: 0 max_seq_length: 512 cutoff_len: 512training_arguments: output_dir: /content/mistral-7b-qlora-output num_train_epochs: 1 per_device_train_batch_size: 1 gradient_accumulation_steps: 4 learning_rate: 0.0002 fp16: true logging_steps: 10 save_strategy: "epoch" evaluation_strategy: "no"wandb: enabled: false"""with open("qlora_mistral_7b.yml", "w") as f: f.write(config_text)print("Dataset and QLoRA config created.")Here, we build a minimal JSONL dataset with two instruction-response pairs, giving us a toy example to train on. We then construct a YAML configuration that points to the Mistral 7B base model, sets up QLoRA parameters for memory-efficient fine-tuning, and defines training hyperparameters like batch size, learning rate, and sequence length. We also specify LoRA settings such as dropout and rank and finally save this configuration as qlora_mistral_7b.yml.Step 3: Fine-Tune with Axolotl# This will download Mistral 7B (~13 GB) and start fine-tuning with QLoRA.# If you encounter OOM (Out Of Memory) errors, reduce max_seq_length or LoRA rank.!axolotl --config /content/qlora_mistral_7b.ymlHere, Axolotl automatically fetches and downloads the Mistral 7B weights (a large file) and then initiates a QLoRA-based fine-tuning procedure. The model is quantized to 4-bit precision, which helps reduce GPU memory usage. Youll see training logs that show the progress, including the training loss, step by step.Step 4: Test the Fine-Tuned Modelimport torchfrom peft import PeftModelfrom transformers import AutoModelForCausalLM, AutoTokenizer# Load the base Mistral 7B modelbase_model_path = "mistralai/mistral-7b-v0.1" #First establish access using your user account on HF then run this partoutput_dir = "/content/mistral-7b-qlora-output"print("\nLoading base model and tokenizer...")tokenizer = AutoTokenizer.from_pretrained( base_model_path, trust_remote_code=True)base_model = AutoModelForCausalLM.from_pretrained( base_model_path, device_map="auto", torch_dtype=torch.float16, trust_remote_code=True)print("\nLoading QLoRA adapter...")model = PeftModel.from_pretrained( base_model, output_dir, device_map="auto", torch_dtype=torch.float16)model.eval()# Example promptprompt = "What are the main differences between classical and quantum computing?"inputs = tokenizer(prompt, return_tensors="pt").to("cuda")print("\nGenerating response...")with torch.no_grad(): outputs = model.generate(**inputs, max_new_tokens=128)response = tokenizer.decode(outputs[0], skip_special_tokens=True)print("\n=== Model Output ===")print(response)Finally, we load the base Mistral 7B model again and then apply the newly trained LoRA weights. We craft a quick prompt about the differences between classical and quantum computing, convert it to tokens, and generate a response using the fine-tuned model. This confirms that our QLoRA training has taken effect and that we can successfully run inference on the updated model.Snapshot of supported models with AxolotlIn conclusion, the above steps have shown you how to prepare the environment, set up a small dataset, configure LoRA-specific hyperparameters, and run a QLoRA fine-tuning session on Mistral 7B with Axolotl. This approach showcases a parameter-efficient training process suitable for resource-limited environments. You can now expand the dataset, modify hyperparameters, or experiment with different open-source LLMs to further refine and optimize your fine-tuning pipeline.Download the Colab Notebook here.All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitterand join ourTelegram ChannelandLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our75k+ ML SubReddit. Asif RazzaqWebsite| + postsBioAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences.Asif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Meta AI Introduces Brain2Qwerty: A New Deep Learning Model for Decoding Sentences from Brain Activity with EEG or MEG while Participants Typed Briefly Memorized Sentences on a QWERTY KeyboardAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Kyutai Releases Hibiki: A 2.7B Real-Time Speech-to-Speech and Speech-to-Text Translation with Near-Human Quality and Voice TransferAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Fine-Tuning of Llama-2 7B Chat for Python Code Generation: Using QLoRA, SFTTrainer, and Gradient Checkpointing on the Alpaca-14k DatasetAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/IBM AI Releases Granite-Vision-3.1-2B: A Small Vision Language Model with Super Impressive Performance on Various Tasks [Recommended] Join Our Telegram Channel
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  • Nintendo details plans to meet demand for Switch 2
    www.gamesindustry.biz
    Nintendo details plans to meet demand for Switch 2"We are making preparations to respond as quickly as possible," says firm's presidentImage credit: Nintendo News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on Feb. 10, 2025 Nintendo has shared further details about its plans to meet customer demand for Nintendo Switch 2.In a recent earnings call Q&A, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa told investors that the initial demand would be based on the response of the Nintendo Direct on April 2, which would provide a "closer look" at Switch 2.It will also look at its upcoming hands-on events for consumers for guidance, which begin globally on April 4."As of now, we are taking the risk and proceeding with production to meet as large a demand as possible," said Furukawa. "As was true with the Switch, we believe it will not be easy to rapidly increase production capacity, so based on our prior experience, we are making preparations to respond as quickly as possible."Last July, Furukawa said the firm would combat scalpers by providing enough hardware for retailers to meet consumer demand.Elsewhere in the earnings call, Nintendo's president discussed how the company would balance titles for both Switch and Switch 2.When asked whether consumers can expect new titles released for the Switch or whether it will rely on evergreen titles moving forward, Furukawa noted 2025's release slate including Pokmon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as being available on Switch."Since many people are playing Switch, if we are able to develop appealing software, we would like to continue releasing new titles," he noted. "On the other hand, exclusive games are crucial when launching new hardware."With this in mind, we will consider various ways for Switch and Switch 2 to encourage as many consumers as possible to enjoy our games."
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  • Resistance 4 Pitch Was Rejected by Sony, Says Former Insomniac CEO
    gamingbolt.com
    Insomniac Games is busy with Marvels Spider-Man and Marvels Wolverine (with other Marvel-adjacent properties to reportedly follow). While a new Ratchet and Clank is seemingly in the works, it seems that Resistance, its acclaimed post-apocalyptic shooter franchise, will remain absent.Ted Price, who recently retired as the studios CEO, revealed to the Kinda Funny Gamescast (transcription via WCCF Tech) that Insomniac had pitched the idea of a Resistance 4. However, Sony refused to greenlight it, which he blamed on timing and market opportunity.Resistance 4. We did pitch that one, and it was a wonderful concept. Its just that in terms of timing and market opportunity, it didnt work out. But it was the result of a lot of Insomniac team members being passionate about extending the story further.I believe Resistance has set up a cool alternate history base where anything can happen with the Chimera, where they go and what their origins are. We spent a lot of time working on the backstory and kind of brainstorming on where we could take this in the future, and I love this franchise.I was fortunate enough to be Creative Director of the first few Resistance games, and I will remember many, many moments, good and bad. When it comes to development, it taught us all a lot about how we could elevate ourselves under some pretty heavy and some pretty difficult situations.Could it happen in the future? Price hopes so since he would love to see this story taken further.Its near and dear to my heart. There are so many cool things about it. [] Resistance 3 was intended to end that chapter of the franchise in the way that we ended with Capelli and closed a lot of loops on various smaller story items. We wanted to do that so we would have more options in the future, whether we were to go ahead with more Resistance games or take another turn. When you work on a franchise for a long time, its nice to have a chance to move on to something else. At the same time, its also nice to come back to it. Fortunately, because were part of Sony and Sony owns the intellectual property of Resistance, we will always have that opportunity to revisit Resistance. If it works out again, as a fan, Im going to be pretty excited.The franchise first debuted in 2006 with Resistance: Fall of Man on PS3, taking place in an alternate history where mankind fought against invading aliens known as Chimera. It received strong critical acclaim and commercial success with Insomniac subsequently launching two more titles Resistance 2 and 3. There were also spin-offs like Resistance: Retribution for the PSP and Resistance: Burning Skies on PlayStation Vita.
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  • Your clunky office scanner is so yesterdaythis iOS scanner app has replaced it
    www.macworld.com
    MacworldWhy lose desk space to a physical scanner when you can get an app that does the same job, only better? iScanner is an iOS app that can digitize practically anything, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for $24.99 with code SCAN, but not for much longer (reg. $199).What can iScanner do?This app can scan everything from contracts and receipts to handwritten notes and ID cards, saving them as PDFs, JPGs, and more. Its packed with smart features like automatic border detection and page straightening, so your scans always look clean and professional. The app goes beyond scanning, offering a full PDF editor to sign, annotate, and even secure your documents with a PIN.There are even some clever extra tools. You can use iScanner to solve math problems, count objects, or even measure a space. Its your own point-and-shoot multitool.iScanner is only available for iOS devices. With lifetime access and regular updates, iScanner is built to keep up with you. Its a simple, ad-free way to stay organized, no matter where you are.Use code SCAN at checkout to get a lifetime subscription to iScanner for $24.99you wont find this discounted price anywhere else.Sale ends February 23at 11:59 p.m. PT.iScanner App: Lifetime SubscriptionOnly $24.99 at MacworldStackSocial prices subject to change.
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