Meta has released a new collection of AI models, Llama 4, in its Llama family on a Saturday, no less. There are four new models in total: Llama 4 Scout, Llama 4 Maverick, and Llama 4 Behemoth. All were trained on large amounts of unlabeled text, image, and video data to give them broad visual understanding, Meta says. The success of open models from Chinese AI lab DeepSeek, which perform on par or better than Metas previous flagship Llama models, reportedly kicked Llama development into overdrive. Meta is said to have scrambled war rooms to decipher how DeepSeek lowered the cost of running and deploying models like R1 and V3.Scout and Maverick are openly available on Llama.com and from Metas partners, including the AI dev platform Hugging Face, while Behemoth is still in training. Meta says that Meta AI, its AI-powered assistant across apps including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, has been updated to use Llama 4 in 40 countries. Multimodal features are limited to the U.S. in English for now.Some developers may take issue with the Llama 4 license. Users and companies domiciled or with a principal place of business in the EU are prohibited from using or distributing the models, likely the result of governance requirements imposed by the regions AI and data privacy laws. (In the past, Meta has decried these laws as overly burdensome.) In addition, as with previous Llama releases, companies with more than 700 million monthly active users must request a special license from Meta, which Meta can grant or deny at its sole discretion.These Llama 4 models mark the beginning of a new era for the Llama ecosystem, Meta wrote in a blog post. This is just the beginning for the Llama 4 collection. Image Credits:MetaMeta says that Llama 4 is its first cohort of models to use a mixture of experts (MoE) architecture, which is more computationally efficient for training and answering queries. MoE architectures basically break down data processing tasks into subtasks and then delegate them to smaller, specialized expert models.Maverick, for example, has 400 billion total parameters, but only 17 billion active parameters across 128 experts. (Parameters roughly correspond to a models problem-solving skills.) Scout has 17 billion active parameters, 16 experts, and 109 billion total parameters.According to Metas internal testing, Maverick, which the company says is best for general assistant and chat use cases like creative writing, exceeds models such as OpenAIs GPT-4o and Googles Gemini 2.0 on certain coding, reasoning, multilingual, long-context, and image benchmarks. However, Maverick doesnt quite measure up to more capable recent models like Googles Gemini 2.5 Pro, Anthropics Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and OpenAIs GPT-4.5.Scouts strengths lie in tasks like document summarization and reasoning over large codebases. Uniquely, it has a very large context window: 10 million tokens. (Tokens represent bits of raw text e.g. the word fantastic split into fan, tas and tic.) In plain English, Scout can take in images and up to millions of words, allowing it to process and work with extremely lengthy documents. Scout can run on a single Nvidia H100 GPU, while Maverick requires an Nvidia H100 DGX system or equivalent, according to Metas calculations.Metas unreleased Behemoth will need even beefier hardware. According to the company, Behemoth has 288 billion active parameters, 16 experts, and nearly two trillion total parameters. Metas internal benchmarking has Behemoth outperforming GPT-4.5, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and Gemini 2.0 Pro (but not 2.5 Pro) on several evaluations measuring STEM skills like math problem solving. Of note, none of the Llama 4 models is a proper reasoning model along the lines of OpenAIs o1 and o3-mini. Reasoning models fact-check their answers and generally respond to questions more reliably, but as a consequence take longer than traditional, non-reasoning models to deliver answers.Image Credits:MetaInterestingly, Meta says that it tuned all of its Llama 4 models to refuse to answer contentious questions less often. According to the company, Llama 4 responds to debated political and social topics that the previous crop of Llama models wouldnt. In addition, the company says, Llama 4 is dramatically more balanced with which prompts it flat-out wont entertain.[Y]ou can count on [Lllama 4] to provide helpful, factual responses without judgment, a Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch. [W]ere continuing to make Llama more responsive so that it answers more questions, can respond to a variety of different viewpoints [] and doesnt favor some views over others.Those tweaks come as some White House allies accuse AI chatbots of being too politically woke. Many of President Donald Trumps close confidants, including billionaire Elon Musk and crypto and AI czar David Sacks, have alleged that popular AI chatbotscensor conservative views. Sacks has historicallysingled outOpenAIs ChatGPT as programmed to be woke and untruthful about political subject matter.In actuality, bias in AI is an intractable technical problem. Musks own AI company, xAI, hasstruggledto create a chatbot that doesnt endorse some political views over others.That hasnt stopped companies including OpenAI from adjusting their AI models to answer more questions than they would have previously, in particular questions relating to controversial subjects.

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After more than a decade in development, Middle-earth Extended Edition has launched into version 1.0 for The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth. Unfortunately, Battle for Middle-earth isnt available to purchase digitally, although you can find it used on eBay for the price of a new PlayStation 5 title. This mod has been a long time coming, but it adds the finishing touches on a project that has expanded a beloved RTS far beyond its original scope.Battle for Middle-earth was developed by Danger Close Games and released in December 2004. Middle-earth Extended Edition started development eight years later in 2012, and its developer Rohirim91 released the mod piecemeal as they completed different aspects of it. Todays release is the first in four years, but it more or less marks the mod as complete. That said, Rohirim91 hasnt stated whether they intend to continue to work on the mod. Recommended VideosThe release isnt marked with celebratory language, but instead reads as a routine update. Rohirim91 provides instructions on how to get the mod to run and writes, Middle-earth Extended Edition returns with an expanded set of playable maps, new features, polished campaigns and AI, balance changes and bugfixes. BFME 1 Patch 1.06 required.Image used with permission by copyright holderThe mod is a prime example of what makes gaming such an engrossing hobby. Its a work of passion, forged over the span of 13 years for a game thats now 21 years old. While you cant buy Battle for Middle-earth digitally, there has been a petition to bring it to GOG. If youre interesting in lending your voice to that effort, shoot the GOG team an email and let them know youd like to see it.RelatedAnd if youre a fan of this old-school RTS, you can download the most recent version of the mod here. It adds multiple factions, new maps, and tweaks the enemy AI to be much improved over its original version. In many ways, it breathes new life into a game that can feel quite dated at times, and it even changes the campaign missions to be truer to Lord of the Rings lore. Editors Recommendations

Elon Musk has faced backlash over his work with the White House DOGE Office. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images 2025-04-05T22:22:48Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Elon Musk on Saturday defended the work of the White House DOGE Office.Musk spoke remotely to a meeting of Italy's League Party, saying DOGE is "attacked like crazy.""We're only cutting the most obvious terrible expenses that make no sense," he argued.Elon Musk on Saturday defended the White House DOGE Office, arguing that the task force is "extremely transparent." Musk has faced a growing backlash over his work to reshape the federal government."We're very transparent with the Department of Government Efficiency," Musk told Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini virtually at a meeting of Italy's League Party."Any action that we make, we post on the doge.gov website, and we post on our X account, so it's extreme transparency," he said.Musk described the challenges he's faced while implementing President Donald Trump's vision of a leaner government."It's very difficult to reduce the size of the bureaucracy and government spending," he said. "It comes with immense opposition, even when the things that we are cutting make no sense at all.""We're only cutting the most obvious terrible expenses that make no sense," he said. "Nonetheless, we get attacked like crazy."Since its formation in January, DOGE staffers have upended myriad departments and agencies, from the Departments of Treasury and State to the Social Security Administration, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and USAID.A new report from the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that DOGE's actions have led to over 216,000 firings throughout the federal workforce.Pushback against Musk and DOGE, meanwhile, has swelled among the general public. Nationwide protests called the "Tesla Takedown" targeted the company he leads last week. At the nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations this weekend, Musk was again the focus of many protesters.Musk's influence may be waning amid the growing backlash. On Tuesday, he suffered a major political loss as Susan Crawford, the Democratic-backed candidate in theWisconsin Supreme Court race, easily defeated conservative judge Brad Schimel. Musk's America PAC poured millions into the race to support Schimel.This week was also a highly consequential one for Trump, as the president on Wednesday rolled out his "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of trading partners which has drawn broad criticism and caused one of the worst market sell-offs in recent memory.Notably, while speaking with Salvini on Saturday, Musk said he wanted to see a "zero-tariff" system between the United States and Europe, a surprising break from the rhetoric coming from the Trump White House."I hope it's agreed that both Europe and the United States should move ideally, in my view, to a zero-tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America," Musk said. "That's what I hope occurs."Recommended video

By Matt Novak Published April 5, 2025 | Comments (17) | Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of the so-called Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) as prisoners stand, looking out from a cell, in Tecoluca, El Salvador, on March 26, 2025. Photo by Alex Brandon / POOL / AFP The acting head of FEMA was recently given a lie detector test to determine if he leaked information to the press about the Trump regimes plans to destroy the federal disaster agency, according to a new report from Politico. And while that may seem like a really bizarre thing to do to a senior official whos supposed to be conducting crucial government work, its just another footnote in Americas rapid descent into fascism. FEMA acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton was given the lie detector test after he had a meeting on March 25 with Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota and current Secretary of Homeland Security. Also in the meeting, according to Politico, was Corey Lewandowski, an adviser to President Donald Trump whos reportedly working as a special government employee, not unlike Elon Musk. The disclosure of the meeting, reported by CNN on March 26, was apparently considered a betrayal. The Department of Homeland Security appeared to confirm that the lie detector test took place in a statement to Politico, warning that leakers would be prosecuted. But the result of the lie detector test wasnt exactly clear. Under Secretary Noems leadership, DHS is unapologetic about its efforts to root out leakers that undermine national security. We are agnostic about your standing, tenure, political appointment or status as a career civil servantwe will track down leakers and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, a DHS spokesperson told Politico. President Trump has not nominated a permanent FEMA administrator, and Hamilton is a former Navy SEAL who has worked in the federal government for the past decade, including at the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department. As the New York Times pointed out when Hamilton was appointed to the role shortly after Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, Hamilton was considered an odd choice for the head of FEMA given his lack of experience in disaster response.The news about DHS lie detector tests comes as FEMA is in hot water over withholding financial assistance to blue states, or those that voted for Democrats in the 2024 election. A federal judge ordered a halt to federal funding freezes by FEMA that were holding back money to at least 19 states. And on Friday, that judge ruled that the order had been violated. What happens after that? It appears the judge hasnt found the Trump regime lawyers in contempt yet, so nothing happens. At this point, the judge has just issued another order, telling them to obey the previous order. And that seems to speak to the asymmetry right now happening with the rule of law on one side and the Trump regime on the other. These folks are sending U.S. residents to El Salvador without trial and making top officials take lie detector tests. Then you have judges doing little more than saying Pretty please obey our orders. Its not great.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Lucas Ropek Published April 4, 2025 By Matt Novak Published April 4, 2025 By Matt Novak Published April 4, 2025 By AJ Dellinger Published April 4, 2025 By Matt Novak Published April 3, 2025 By Lucas Ropek Published April 3, 2025

PLP City Range / ASWASave this picture! Soopakorn SrisakulArchitects: ASWAAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:2750 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2025 PhotographsPhotographs:Soopakorn Srisakul, Phuttipan AswakoolManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: TOA Lead Architects: Phuttipan Aswakool + Chotiros Techamongklapiwat More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Situated within the tranquil and upscale neighborhood of the Thonglor area in Bangkok, the PLP City range presents an innovative mixed-use facility designed primarily as a state-of-the-art golf simulation center. The building's striking facade is crafted from a combination of concave and convex precast concrete panels, serving aesthetic and functional purposes. These uniquely shaped modules generate a dynamic interplay of shade and shadow throughout the day, ingeniously echoing the graceful arc of a golf swing and creating a visual representation of the sport itself. Steel elements accentuate the entrance and future retail spaces on the ground floor, purposefully designed to mimic the sleek form of a golf driver and featuring semi-reflective materials that enhance their modern appeal.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!With the six-function stories, each floor has a specific function, ensuring efficient space utilization while catering to a diverse clientele. The ground floor welcomes visitors with a spacious main lobby and future retail area, complemented by on-site parking facilities to accommodate guests. Ascending to the second floor, visitors will find a youth indoor golf simulation area tailored for young athletes, complete with a small but cozy canteen that provides refreshments and a place to relax between sessions.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!On the third floor, the experience elevates further with a VIP golf simulation bay, luxurious VIP rooms, and a bar area that offers a more exclusive environment for serious golfers seeking enhanced privacy and comfort. One of the standout features of the building is the fourth floor, which boasts a semi-outdoor chip, a putting green area, and a multi-sport court. This floor is designed to take advantage of natural ventilation, allowing an open-air feel while providing key golfing practice facilities.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The fifth and sixth floors have been prepared as bare-shell double-volume spaces with panoramic views of the Thonglor area for the owners' residences, which creates unique opportunities for residents to live near recreation and leisure activities.Save this picture!To address the critical issue of managing natural lightan essential consideration for maintaining the optimal functionality of golf simulation equipmentconcave and convex precast concrete panels were carefully selected as the primary construction material. These panels are engineered to provide an opaque interior that supports the sophisticated technology of the simulators. The building's design ingeniously incorporates a transparent curved glass opening strategically located at the corner of the building, positioned above ground level to maximize views and influx of natural sunlight, thereby enhancing the overall experience for guests while maintaining the necessary internal conditions for the golf simulations.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Bangkok, ThailandLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeASWAOfficeMaterialConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on April 05, 2025Cite: "PLP City Range / ASWA" 05 Apr 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028759/plp-city-range-aswa&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

Two prominent scientists who study multiple sclerosis Dr. Alberto Ascherio and Dr. Stephen Hauser are co-winners of a 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.

I made it through a tough journey ( not the modeling) but mostly in texture painting, and shading, but I'm happy after all I could generate our old washing machine, seeking for feedback ( I neglected adding more details, I'm rendering in CPU and Blender started to go crazy ) submitted by /u/khaledhaddad197 [link] [comments]