Various third-party publishers unveiled their titles for the Nintendo Switch 2, including 2K, with Gearbox president Randy Pitchford confirming Borderlands 4 for the platform.Its out later this year, and with a dedicated State of Play this Spring, well likely learn more about its gameplay changes and additions. Other noteworthy titles from the publishing label include Visual Concepts WWE 2K and NBA 2K, though it didnt confirm whether these are the latest entries.This seemingly implies that the next iterations for both franchises are bound for the Switch 2, which makes sense for NBA 2K since its sequel has yet to be announced. However, with WWE 2K25 recently released, it would likely have to wait until next year to reveal the sequel.Time will tell, so stay tuned for updates. Borderlands 4 is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on September 23rd with a Switch 2 release date yet to be confirmed. Check out the latest trailer highlighting all the new Vault Hunters. You can also learn more about its dynamic world and seamless travel between zones.

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025Posted by Jim ThackerAdobe releases After Effects 25.2html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Adobe has released After Effects 25.2, the latest version of the compositing software for motion graphics, post-production and VFX work.New features include the option to preview HDR projects, and High Performance Preview Playback, a rework of the caching system to make it possible to play back longer compositions.The softwares 3D workspace has also been updated, with the option to import 3D assets in FBX format, and to use videos and animated compositions as sources for environment lights.https://www.cgchannel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/250402_AfterEffects252_HighPerformancePreviewPlayback.mp4Reworked caching system makes it possible to preview longer projectsOne of the most significant changes in After Effects 25.2 albeit one that takes place under the hood is High Performance Preview Playback.Rolled out in beta in January, the rework of After Effects caching system enables the software to use the disk cache for rendered preview frames, rather than storing them solely in RAM.The resulting increase in cache capacity should make it possible to preview longer projects without having to wait for frames to render, and to preview projects at higher resolutions.The feature is activated by default, with After Effects automatically balancing between the disk cache and RAM.Preview comps in HDR with support for two common HDR formatsThe release also reflects the increasing availability of HDR displays, even in non-specialist laptops, making it possible to preview compositions in HDR.Artists can now import HDR media, place it in a composition, and preview the result in HDR.The beta build displays HDR video in a range of standard formats in HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and PQ (Perceptual Quantizer) color spaces.Users can preview HDR output on a local display, or an external display via Mercury Transmit. The changes should make it more practical for editors and motion graphics artists to work on HDR projects within After Effects, although many artists still rely on Adobe Media Encoder to export HDR content, as discussed in this thread on Adobes Community site.https://www.cgchannel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/250402_AfterEffects252_Create3DLayerInstance.mp4After Effects 25.2 features updates to 3D workflows, including support for the FBX file format, animated environment lights, and new commands in the Layer menu (shown above).Support for FBX files and animated environment lightsThe release also continues Adobes ongoing overhaul of 3D workflows in After Effects, finally adding support for the FBX file format.Users can now import 3D assets into compositions in FBX format one of the most common formats for stock assets as well as OBJ and glTF/GLB files.The update also makes it possible to use videos, animated compositions or other layers as Environment Lights, in addition to HDRIs in HDR and EXR format.The change should result in more contextually accurate lighting for 3D assets, and should open up new workflows, particularly for motion graphics artists.Workflow improvements include the option to set the compositing options for 3D models from the Properties Panel: for example, whether they cast or accept shadows, or accept lights.The Properties Panel can also be used to access embedded animations in imported models.In addition, there are three new commands in the Layer menu for common 3D operations, like controlling a light with a camera, applying 2D effects to 3D models, and creating an Environment Light background layer.Other interface and workflow improvementsSmaller improvements include the option to change the color of panel backgrounds, and the color and size of the transparency grid.There are also new commands for creating Nulls from Points.Creating a null makes it possible to animate positional properties like the gradient points of Shapes, effect points, and Puppet Pins independently from their own layers.Price and system requirementsAfter Effects 25.2 is available for Windows 10+ and macOS 12.0+ on a rental-only basis. Single-app After Effects subscriptions cost $34.49/month or $263.88/year.In the online documentation, the update is also referred to as the April 2025 release or After Effects 2025.2.Read more about the new features in After Effects 25.2 in the online release notesHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.Latest NewsAdobe releases After Effects 25.2Check out the new features in the compositing app, including High Performance Preview Playback and updates to 3D workflows.Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025Autodesk releases Mudbox 2026Digital sculpting software gets its fifth consecutive 'minor update', but the cost of monthly subscriptions falls back to 2022 levels.Tuesday, April 1st, 2025Otoy releases OctaneRender 2025.1Check out the new features in the next major production version of the GPU renderer, including new decal and lens effects systems.Tuesday, April 1st, 2025Poly Hammer releases Meta-Human DNA add-on for BlenderIntriguing new tool lets you create or edit Unreal Engine MetaHuman characters directly inside Blender. Now available in beta.Monday, March 31st, 2025Check out virtual cinematography tool Radical VCamNew tool lets you control any camera inside a shared, browser-based 3D scene using a phone or tablet. Can be used for free.Monday, March 31st, 2025Chaos launches Chaos Arena'First ever path-tracing solution' for virtual production lets studios render existing V-Ray assets on LED walls in real time for in-camera VFX.Monday, March 31st, 2025More NewsLumion unveils Lumion ViewMaster the art of Virtual Makeup Design with Neville PageAutodesk releases Arnold 7.4.13DGS Render 3.0 lets you paint 3D Gaussian Splats in BlenderAdobe releases Photoshop 26.5Autodesk releases MotionBuilder 2026Autodesk releases 3ds Max 2026Autodesk releases Maya 2026 and Maya Creative 2026Autodesk adds Golaem 9.2 to its Media & Entertainment CollectionZen Masters releases Zen UV 5.0Peregrine Labs ships Yeti 5.2Check out new open-source 3D character generator CharMorphOlder Posts

Four Civilian Astronauts Capture Imagery of Earths Icy Poles on Fram2, the First Crewed Mission to Polar OrbitThe mission, funded and commanded by a cryptocurrency entrepreneur, was launched by SpaceX on Monday and has grabbed headlines for its flight path The Fram2 mission captured this view of polar ice from orbit. SpaceXSpaceX launched a crew of four private astronauts into space on Monday, on the first human mission to orbit on a trajectory that passes above both the Earths poles.The people aboard the companys Crew Dragon capsule include cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chun Wang of Malta, film director Jannicke Mikkelsen of Norway, robotics researcher Rabea Rogge of Germany and adventurer Eric Philips of Australia. The trip was financed by Wang, who paid an undisclosed amount of money to SpaceX.Called the Fram2 missionafter the Fram, a Norwegian ship that explored the South Pole in the 20th centurythe rocket took off from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, around 9:47 p.m. Eastern time March 31. Then, it did something out of the ordinaryit flew south. The Fram2 crew are the first humans to be launched on a polar orbit.From left to right: Eric Philips, Rabea Rogge, Jannicke Mikkelsen and Chun Wang. SpaceXNo previous crewed mission has taken this trajectory, which requires large amounts of power, leading to a significant loss of performance for that launch vehicle in terms of how much mass it can put into orbit, said Craig Kluever, an aerospace engineer at the University of Missouri, to Jackie Wattles at CNN last week. Despite these challenges, the rocket lifted off without issue.Usually, launches from Kennedy Space Center fly east or northeast to avoid populated areas of Florida and Cuba. SpaceX said for this mission, it made modifications to the flight software that would allow the capsule to be moved away from those regions in the event of an emergency as it traveled south, writes Scott Neuman for NPR.Upon reaching space, the private astronautsall of whom are on their first space flighthad a bit of adjusting to do. The first few hours in microgravity werent exactly comfortable. Space motion sickness hit all of uswe felt nauseous and ended up vomiting a couple of times, Wang posted on social media.We had a movie night watching our own launch and went to sleep a bit earlier than scheduled. ... By the second morning, I felt completely refreshed.During their three- to five-day trip, the Fram2 crew will conduct 22 science experiments that include taking the first X-ray of the human body in orbit and growing oyster mushrooms. On their first day in space, the team connected with ham radio enthusiasts in Europe and worked on a study about how human cognition adapts to the spaceflight environment within the first few hours of reaching space, per SpaceX.The missions new flight trajectory will unlock new possibilities for human spaceflight and provide a deeper understanding about our planet and its polar regions, according to a statement from Fram2.But scientists point out that most of the experiments on board dont require a polar orbit, according to Qasim Nauman and Isabella Kwai of the New York Times, and the trip, some say, isnt that scientifically remarkable.Its run of the mill as far as I can tell, says Bleddyn Bowen, a researcher of space politics at Durham University in England, to the New York Times.LIVE: SpaceX launch of the Fram2 missionWatch on The polar orbitwhich is a common course for satellites, but unprecedented for humansmight mostly serve to draw attention to the mission, per CNN, and it recognizes the crews interest in polar exploration.This is a private mission. You need something to say thats different and exciting about it, says Christopher Combs, an aerodynamics researcher at the University of Texas at San Antonio, to CNN. Its interesting that nobodys ever actually done a true polar orbit, and its great that weve got commercial providers that are making space travel increasingly routine.He adds that the mission is a notch above gimmick, but not exactly a groundbreaking milestone.The mission will end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, which no human crew for SpaceX has done before. The companys flights usually land off the coast of Florida, reports Josh Dinner for Space.com, but the company is moving its landings to the West Coast to minimize the odds of its space debris causing any damage.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

Nintendo revealed during todays Switch 2 Direct that its offering enhanced editions of several of its popular Switch games on the new system. These Switch 2 Editions are available as standalone titles, and also as upgrade packs for existing games. Among the titles revealed to have both original Switch launches and Switch 2 Enhanced Editions were The Legend of Zelda titles Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, which will be available on the Switch 2 at launch.The Switch 2 Enhanced Editions of the games come with several features that, appropriately, enhance the gameplay experience. For example, both Zelda games have a feature called Zelda Notes, which helps users navigate the world and find in-game locations with commentary from the Princess herself. The Switch 2 edition of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond comes with Quality (4K at 60 fps) and Performance (full HD at 120 fps) modes and also allows users to aim Samuss arm cannon with the Joy-Con 2s mouse controls.Other Switch 2 editions feature new DLC for their games. Super Mario Party Jamboree has new modes centered around the Switch 2s built-in microphone and mouse controls, as well as the optional proprietary camera. It also has Jamboree TV, which features Bowser Live, a game show-like experience featuring physical movement. It launches on July 24. Similarly, Kirby and the Forgotten Lands Switch 2 edition features an exclusive DLC called Star-Crossed World, which launches on August 28.The only other game confirmed to have a Switch 2 edition at launch is Pokmon Legends: Z-A, which will have enhanced resolution and frame rates. Nintendo implied that other games could have Switch 2 Enhanced Editions announced at some point in the future. The Enhanced Edition features are also available as purchasable upgrades to existing versions of the game.GB DailyStay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox dailyRead our Privacy PolicyThanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here.An error occured.

Anthropic launches Claude for Education with Learning Mode that teaches critical thinking rather than providing answers, partnering with top universities to transform AI's role in education.Read More

Nintendo Switch 2 will launch for $450 on June 5Games and hardware functionality revealed for Nintendo's new consoleImage credit: Nintendo News by Samuel Roberts Editorial Director Published on April 2, 2025 The Nintendo Switch 2 will release on June 5, the console manufacturer revealed in its Direct livestream today. The price for the base Switch 2 unit was confirmed as $450 (or 396 in the UK), with pre-orders opening on April 9.Alongside improved graphics and audio, the Nintendo Switch 2 includes a suite of new online and hardware features, like enhanced Joy-Con 2 controllers that support a mouse interface. Held in place magnetically on the handheld, once detached the two Joy-Con 2s can be placed on their side and used to point at the screen in mouse-like fashion.Nintendo also revealed GameChat for Switch 2, an online social feature that enables screensharing and live chat for up to 12 players. The GameChat interface is brought up using the new C button on the Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the console's in-built microphone means it doesn't require a headset to use.A newly-revealed Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is also compatible with GameChat, and arrives on June 5 alongside the system. Some games can use the players camera feed as a feature. Using GameChat will eventually require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription but itll be free from launch until April 2026.Despite being equally as thick as the original Switch, the Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen, supporting up to 1080p 120fps in handheld mode. When docked, the Switch 2 can also reach up to 4K resolution, with the dock's in-built fan keeping the system cool.Theres also an additional USB-C port on top of the Nintendo Switch 2, besides the existing one at the base of the system, which can be used with the camera peripheral. Like the Switch, the Switch 2 support physical game cards. A new virtual game card system will also let players lend or borrow compatible games.The company showed new software for the Switch 2 like launch game Mario Kart World, which features a larger, connected setting for Nintendo's racing series. Another title arriving on June 5 is digital game Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which lets players explore a 3D map of the Switch 2 and learn more about its functionality, including minigames that demonstrate how different features like the mouse controls work.Watch on YouTubeOther notable Switch 2 exclusive games will release after launch, like July 17's 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza, FromSoftwares 2026 multiplayer game The Duskbloods and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which is coming in late 2025.Nintendo also shed light on how backwards compatibility will work with original Switch games. While the library of existing digital and physical Switch games is compatible with the system, certain titles will feature paid Upgrade Packs for extra features.These include Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda titles Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild. These upgrades include enhanced visuals and new gameplay or quality-of-life additions. Standalone versions of existing Switch games that package in these upgrades will be called Nintendo Switch 2 Editions.Certain titles, too, like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokmon Legends: Z-A, will launch on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. On Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4 includes a choice of quality and performance modes for the game, suggesting Nintendo will use similar graphics options to those on PS5 and Xbox Series consoles for certain titles.GameCube games will also be added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier of the subscription service, exclusively for Switch 2 users. F-Zero GX, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Soulcalibur 2 comprise the launch line-up, with further titles promised down the line.Third-party support was also highlighted during the livestream, with games like Elden Ring, Hades 2, Street Fighter 6, Yakuza 0: Director's Cut, Civilization VII, Split Fiction, Project 007, Borderlands 4 and Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition among the many games coming to the system.Some third-party Switch games will also offer paid upgrades for Switch 2, with Civilization VII among them at launch.The console will launch as both a standalone unit and as a bundle with a digital version of Mario Kart World. The official Nintendo US website cites an MSRP of $79.99 for the newest Mario Kart entry, which suggests a price bump for first-party titles.We'll keep you updated as Nintendo reveals more on the Switch 2 in the run-up to June 5.

TechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.Unity promises to deliver 'battle-tested' Switch 2 supportUnity promises to deliver 'battle-tested' Switch 2 supportThe engine maker wants to help developers 'push the power' of the Switch 2 without compromising performance.Chris Kerr, News EditorApril 2, 20251 Min ReadImage via NintendoThe Nintendo Switch 2 will be hitting shelves on June 5 and engine maker Unity has outlined how it will support developers targeting the next-generation platform.The company explained support for Switch 2 will be made available "soon" in Unity 6 and will enable developers to seamlessly build, port, optimize, and deploy their projects on the console.It said developers will be able to leverage performance optimization tools such as the Universal Render Pipeline (URP), Spatial-Temporal Post-Processing (STP), and GPU Resident Drawer to "push the power" of the Nintendo Switch 2 without compromising performance.It has also promised improved multiplayer capabilities that expand on its existing Nintendo Switch support, which feels particularly notable given Nintendo placed multiplayer and social features front-and-centre during its Switch 2 showcase.Enhanced developer documentation for Nintendo Switch 2 will be rolled out to make it easier for developers to get to grips with the platform.Unity also intends to make it easier for devs to port titles from the Nintendo Switch to Switch 2 by ensuring full compatibility with key features in Unity 6including the new input system, Build Profiles, and Incremental Build Pipeline.According to Unity CEO Matthew Bromberg, the company has already "battle-tested" its production capabilities through hands-on development of a unnamed Switch 2 launch title.Related:"The valuable feedback obtained during the development process provided learnings that will drive further enhancements to the Unity engine for those developers building new games for this gaming system," he added.Unity noted that any users looking to target the platform must be an approved Nintendo Switch 2 developer.Read more about:UnityNintendo Switch 2NintendoAbout the AuthorChris KerrNews Editor, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, andPocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

After years of rumors, Nintendo has finally announced a release date for the Nintendo Switch 2. The long-awaited follow-up to the Switch will be available on June 5th for $449.99. Although the console wont ship until later this year, the Switch 2 will be available for preorder in the US from select retailers starting on April 9th, as both a standalone console or bundled with Mario Kart World for $499.99.As predicted, the Switch 2 features a larger 7.9-inch LCD display, with support for 108op resolution and HDR, 256GB of built-in storage, and up to 6.5 hours of battery life. The Joy-Cons are bigger, too, and now magnetically attach to the console instead of relying on a pair of sliding rails to snap into place. Each also offers mouse-like functionality with select games, and the right Joy-Con sports a C button, which can be used for in-game chat features, screensharing, and other actions.RelatedAs for games, the Switch 2 will launch with Mario Kart World, along with third-party games like Split Fiction and Cyberpunk 2077. The console will also be backward-compatible with original Switch titles and support enhanced versions of select Switch 1 titles, including Below, weve rounded up all the preorder information you need if you want to be one of the first to get your hands on it. Well be updating this post regularly as more information becomes available, so bookmark this page if youre keen on learning more ahead of launch.How to preorder via NintendoThe only confirmed retailer as of now is the My Nintendo Store, which comes with a string of eligibility requirements one of which requires you to register your interest in advance of April 9th. To do so, youll need to sign in with your Nintendo Account and choose which console configuration you prefer (and which accessories). Afterward, youll receive an invitation email when its your time to make a purchase, assuming youve satisfied several other conditions.Nintendo Switch 2$450$450The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a 7.9-inch display with 1080p resolution and HDR support. It also features improved processing power and larger Joy-Con controllers, which magnetically attach to the sides of the console.$450 at Nintendo$500 at Nintendo (Mario Kart World bundle)As of right now, the reservation process is limited to Nintendo Account holders in the US and Canada who are at least 18 years old. Invitations will be valid for 72 hours and be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Nintendo; youll also need to have purchased a Nintendo Switch Online membership for a minimum of 12 months and have logged 50 hours of gameplay on the original Switch as of April 2nd, 2025, to be eligible. Whats more, you must have opted in to share gameplay data with Nintendo (you can see if youve done so in the privacy section when logged into your Nintendo account).Once invitations have been sent to Nintendo Account holders who have met these criteria, Nintendo says it will send invitations to remaining eligible registrants on a first-come, first-served basis. Unsurprisingly, the invitations will be non-transferable and will be sent to the email address you used while registering your interest with Nintendo. Console and accessory purchases will be limited to one per eligible Nintendo Account, at least during the initial invitation period, with the first batch of invitations going out on May 8th, 2025.Additional invitations will follow periodically, though Nintendo hasnt specified details beyond that.How to preorder elsewhereAs mentioned above, Nintendo is the only retailer thus far that has provided any insight into how preorders will work when they open on April 9th. That said, you can already sign up at Best Buy and GameStop to receive notifications about the upcoming console and games. Presumingly, this will also include preorder details, once available.Like with previous launches, we anticipate that Amazon, Target, and Walmart will all have limited stock of the console as well, though, despite Nintendo taking risks to ensure it can meet demands, reports indicate US retailers might not have enough Switch 2 consoles to meet preorder demands. With any luck, Nintendos stringent reservation requirements will thwart any would-be scalpers.See More:

Sony has a replacement for its current flagship QD-OLED TV, the extremely well-received A95L. Thats the model that was crowned King of TV at last years Value Electronics TV Shootout, which Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel served on the judging panel for.The new model is called the Bravia 8 II. Sony claims that it has 125 percent the peak brightness of the A95L and 150 percent of last years Bravia 8, which will remain on sale as an OLED-but-not-QD option. It has a similar design to the A95L, and Sony even says itll be cheaper though pricing information wont be shared until later in spring. The guiding mission of the Bravia lineup, according to Sony, is to deliver the most authentic cinema experience possible in the living room. Yosuke Nakano, from the companys product planning department, claims the Bravia 8 II has the most faithful reproduction of the professional monitor look of any TV in the industry.The Bravia 8 II. Image: SonyTo that end, at a recent demonstration session at its Tokyo headquarters, Sony put the Bravia 8 II up against the A95L, Samsungs S95D, and LGs G4, along with even more formidable competition: Sonys own BVM-HX3110 reference monitor, which youd normally find on movie sets and studios for the most accurate HDR color grading possible. If you havent seen one of these in person before, I kind of recommend not seeking one out, because it will ruin all other screens for you. It costs nearly $40,000 and has 4,000 nits peak brightness. It looks absolutely out of control, and I would dearly love to have one on my desk.Thats what Sony is shooting for with the Bravia 8 II. Does it get there? Well, no. The BVM-HX3110s higher brightness gives HDR footage an almost surreal look thanks to its finer control over contrast. But in each TVs filmmaker mode, which is supposed to deliver the most accurate color possible, Sony got much closer than Samsung or LG. As the owner of a couple of LG OLEDs myself, I was actually a little surprised at how washed out and green-tinted the G4 tended to look in comparison. Now, Sony wont have chosen demo footage that might trip up its own displays, and its also at an obvious advantage when it comes to emulating the color reproduction of the BVM-HX3110. But Sony really is the market leader for reference monitors by some distance, so that still feels like a fair and relevant target. I would not be shocked if the Bravia 8 II turns out to be another winner by King of TV metrics.The Bravia 5. Photo: Sam Byford for The VergeSony is also updating several other products in its home theater range. The Bravia 5 rounds out Sonys lineup by bringing Mini LED backlighting to the midrange its replacing the X90L, which uses full-array local dimming rather than Mini LED, and consequently Sony says the Bravia 5 has up to six times more dimming zones. This line comes in sizes from 55 to 98 inches, the upper end of which is larger than any OLED Sony sells. Sony showed off the Bravia 5 against the X90L as well as Samsungs QN85D QLED set. Also part of this demonstration was the BVM-HX310 reference monitor, which is similar to the BVM-HX3110 but only reaches 1,000 nits peak brightness. The Bravia 5s control over backlighting and blooming was clearly better than its predecessor, and it looked to be a more robust solution than Samsungs as well. Sony also made a point of demonstrating its AI noise reduction feature, which is the kind of thing Id normally run away from but have to admit was quite impressive it did a good job of cleaning up old footage from Friends and Home Alone in real time. Unsurprisingly, the Bravia 5 couldnt come close to the BVM-HX310, since Mini LED still suffers in comparison to OLED when it comes to blooming and viewing angles. It also wont match the Bravia 7, which is staying in the lineup and offers 100 percent the brightness and 25 percent more dimming zones. But at least in this demonstration, the Bravia 5 made the most convincing attempt to reproduce colors and contrast as well as you could reasonably expect from a mid-range Mini LED TV.The Bravia 2 II. Photo: Sam Byford for The VergeSony is also introducing a new entry-level TV for the US, somewhat confusingly called the Bravia 2 II; the original Bravia 2 wasnt actually sold in the US before. This is a fairly standard LED TV that comes in sizes from 43 to 77 inches, but youll get similar image processing and software integration to the rest of Sonys Bravia range.If youre more of a projector person, Sony is adding the new Bravia Projector 7 to its range, joining the higher-end 8 and 9 models. The Projector 7 is pretty close to them spec-wise, reaching 2,200 nits in brightness and supporting 4K 120Hz. One difference is that the 7 has a standard lens, not the advanced crisp-focused optics seen in the 8 and 9. The Bravia Projector 7 is replacing the well-reviewed VPL-XW5000ES, which is a $6,000 projector, so even though this is an entry-level product its an entry to a very expensive category. Still, it did look impressive in a demo against its closest competition from JVC, so Id expect this to be a strong option for people considering a home theater setup. Finally, Sony is introducing some new audio options to integrate with its Bravia TVs. The Bravia Theater Bar 6 is a 3.1.2 soundbar with upward-firing speakers, the Bravia Theater System 6 is a 5.1 setup-in-a-box with a less capable soundbar, and the Bravia Theater Rear 8 is a pair of wireless rear speakers. All of these products can be paired to Bravia TVs and controlled with the Bravia Connect mobile app.As mentioned, Sony doesnt yet have pricing details for any of its new Bravia products thatll come sometime this spring.See More:

Ucupaint Turning Blender into Substance Painter / News / April 2, 2025 Ucupaint is a completely free and open-source add-on for Blender that when combined with Blenders existing painting tools adds a Substance Painter like experience. This enables you to easily texture your 3D objects directly inside Blender, with new more sophisticated layering tools and more.Features of Ucupaint include:Stack images, vertex attributes, generated textures, or many other types into layers and masks.All Ucupaint nodes are contained inside a single node group and can be connected to any other nodes.Channels in Ucupaint are flexible, add or remove them based on your needs.You can add modifiers like a color ramp or math operation for quick adjustments.Works well with multiple objects using the same material.Decal supportAbility to load images from asset browser or file browserUDIM is detected automatically based on UV islands.Bake final channel images and easily arrange them so most exporters can read them.Easily set up transparency by enabling alpha channel in a single click.Bake AO, multires, other objects normal, and more.You can add drivers or keyframes to most Ucupaint inputs.Support realtime displacement and even vector displacement map.Preview mode to check your layers or channel colors.Pack baked channel results into a single image using a custom bake target (useful for creating ORM texture or DirectX normal).And so much more.Key LinksUcupaint Extension PageGitHub RepositoryAdobe Product Alternatives GuideYou can learn more about Ucupaint for Blender and see it in action in the video below.