Learn Body Retopology the Right Way With This Comprehensive Walkthrough By Dikko on April 11, 2025 Videotutorials Dikko writes:In this comprehensive walkthrough, discover the best tips I have for retopology of a body sculpt that is super efficient for animation.This video shows the process in real time, with no timelapses or skips, so you don't miss out on any crucial information or methods.

Stressy Spell "I thought the project might fall apart": The Baldur's Gate 3 Stardew Valley mod Swen Vincke likes "almost got scrapped" just one month into development "Somehow, the right people just kept showing up when we needed them." Image credit: Larian/XunHe1145 News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on April 11, 2025 While Baldur's Village - the Stardew Valley mod with a town full of Baldur's Gate 3 characters - recently survived an accidentally served DMCA takedown from Wizards of the Coast, it might never have gotten that far if things had played out a little differently. As main developer XunHe1145 has revealed in an interview with modding site Nexus Mods, the creation that's earned ringing endorsements from Larian CEO Swen Vincke himself narrowly avoided biting the dust when its development was barely out of the blocks. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "This project almost got scrapped a month in," the modder said, "The project started with only two people. When the other developer, who was responsible for coding, left for personal reasons, I thought the project might fall apart. I had zero modding experience — I had to look up coding tutorials in order to save this project. And I ended up paying out-of-pocket for some help until we opened donations." Luckily, help was around the corner in the form of another modder with the handle Yudeling, who joined the Baldur's Village team along with a friend and helped take some of the stress off of XunHe1145. "Later, we found our event scripter and our localization lead," the modder continued, "And somehow, the right people just kept showing up when we needed them. None of us had related experience, but we made it. That still feels unreal." It's the kind of story you hear a lot when it comes to ambitious modding projects that people are dedicating their free time to on a volunteer basis - which makes it even more special when something like Baldur's Village, Fallout: London, or Skyblivion (assuming everything goes to plan with the latter this year) makes it over the full release line. Further on in the interview, XunHe1145 said that the mod's team is currently "still recovering from the shock" of that WotC DMCA debacle I mentioned earlier, but they're still working away on two major focuses. "A key storyline centers on Karlach’s heart, as we aim to have her find a way to fully restore it," they explained, "In our BG3 endings, Karlach had to return to Avernus to keep her heart stable. Wyll chose to become the Blade of Avernus. These two joined forces in Avernus and have been slaying monsters nonstop. We wish they can return and enjoy a peaceful pastoral life, even just for a little while. "This storyline has been in development, but it is quite large and complicated and therefore requires time to refine. Our focus is divided between Halsin’s romance and Karlach’s heart quest, advancing both simultaneously." Have you given Baldur's Village a go and are you keen to play these fresh encounters with everyone's favourite shaggable bear and golden retriever from hell its team's working on? Let us know below!

"That DLC is available as a separate purchase".Amid all the Switch 2 excitement, there has been some confusion over the exact nature of the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Reports now suggest that all the game and upgrade data comes on the cart, although with customer service and store reps offering conflicting information, we're still waiting to hear directly from Nintendo for 100% confirmation.It seems that the folks over at IGN (thanks, Eurogamer) have managed to get an answer to another big question, though — whether or not the Champion's Ballad and Expansion Pass DLC for Breath of the Wild would be included in the Switch 2 version.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

A complete list of all the known layoffs in tech, from Big Tech to startups, broken down by month throughout 2024.

Breakdown & Showreels Secret Level: Crossfire – Environment by Platige Image By Vincent Frei - 11/04/2025 The city is a character of its own! In Crossfire, an episode of the animated anthology Secret Level, Platige Image brings an entire CGI metropolis to life. From intricate architecture to dynamic traffic, every detail fuels the high-stakes action. Watch the making-of now! WANT TO KNOW MORE?Platige Image: Dedicated page about Secret Level: Crossfire on Platige Image website.Tim Miller: Here’s my interview of Tim Miller, Creator & Executive Producer of Secret Level. © Vincent Frei – The Art of VFX – 2025

Stratasys, the renowned Israeli manufacturer specializing in polymer additive manufacturing, introduced new hardware and materials during RAPID + TCT 2025, held April 8–10 in Detroit, Michigan. The company unveiled the Neo800+, a stereolithography 3D printer designed for high-speed precision, and PolyJet ToughONE, a photopolymer intended for functional testing and production-grade performance. Live demonstrations of the Neo800+ highlighted the printer’s capabilities for large-format builds. ToughONE was featured in dedicated strength tests, including drill and pull testing, and a working air hockey table built with 3D printed components. These exhibits aimed to demonstrate the potential of additive tools for functional end-use applications. At booth #2501, the company presented a full manufacturing setup featuring six 3D printers operating across five different technologies. Over 120 printed parts were shown, including components relevant to sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, and industrial equipment. In addition to hardware and materials, the exhibit included software and post-processing tools used to streamline manufacturing from print preparation to final finishing. Stratasys also featured the CALLUM SKYE, a low-volume electric vehicle developed using its technologies. The vehicle served as a case study for additive-enabled workflows spanning design, tooling, and part fabrication. Stratasys booth at RAPID + TCT 2025, featuring the CALLUM SKYE electric vehicle. Photo via CALLUM. “Additive manufacturing stands at an important crossroads as manufacturers across the globe decide on the right path forward during a period of opportunity, risk, and uncertainty,” said Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys. “The need for AM has never been greater, and the team looks forward to discussing in Detroit the clear advantages of integrating additive into the manufacturing floor to lower costs, increase efficiency, and overcome challenges such as supply chain stability.” Several additional materials and systems were previewed for the company’s Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and P3 DLP platforms. These announcements were framed around high-demand applications in industrial, electronics, and medical manufacturing. This shift from prototyping to production is being observed broadly across the additive industry. Stratasys Logo. Image via Stratasys. Product availability timelines for the Neo800+ printer and PolyJet ToughONE material have not yet been disclosed. Further technical updates are expected at upcoming trade shows later in the year, including events in Europe and Asia. RAPID + TCT 2025 highlights industrial consolidation and on-site production trends This year’s RAPID + TCT 2025 featured a wave of hardware and materials announcements pointing to the industrialization and decentralization of additive manufacturing. ATO Technology, a Polish developer of ultrasonic atomization systems, presented the ULTRA FREQUENCY SYSTEM for high-precision metal powder production, along with new versions of its ATO Cast and ATO Sieve tools. The company’s modular ecosystem enables in-house alloy development, powder recycling, and closed-loop workflows using feedstocks that include commercial rods, scrap, and custom ingots.  HP also used the show to demonstrate the scale and versatility of its additive manufacturing ecosystem. A collaboration with Blazin Rodz illustrated how its Multi Jet Fusion platform supports custom automotive production, while a new flame-retardant PA 12 developed with Evonik offered material advances aimed at regulated industries. Additional presentations featured HP’s work in prosthetics, circuit protection, and digital design through its AI-powered Text-to-3D tool.  HP blueflite’s drone. Photo via: HP Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards? Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights. Featured image showcase Stratasys booth at RAPID + TCT 2025, featuring the CALLUM SKYE electric vehicle. Photo via CALLUM. Anyer Tenorio Lara Anyer Tenorio Lara is an emerging tech journalist passionate about uncovering the latest advances in technology and innovation. With a sharp eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Anyer has quickly made a name for himself in the tech community. Anyer's articles aim to make complex subjects accessible and engaging for a broad audience. In addition to his writing, Anyer enjoys participating in industry events and discussions, eager to learn and share knowledge in the dynamic world of technology.

The Dhaka-based architect and previous AR Emerging winner will join the jury in London in November The Friendship Hospital in Satkhira, Bangladesh, by URBANA. Credit: courtesy of URBANA Kashef Chowdhury co-founded the Dhaka-based firm URBANA in 1995, leading the practice as principal since 2005. The practice’s projects address Bangladesh’s watery landscape: as Niklaus Graber wrote in the AR in 2019, ‘Chowdhury has developed an architecture which leaves room for water, but offers protection against it too.’ Recent projects include the Kuakata cyclone shelter and Friendship Hospital, for which URBANA won the AR Emerging awards in 2012. The cyclone shelter in Kuakata, Bangladesh, by URBANA. Credit: courtesy of URBANA AR Emerging awards 2025 Find out more and apply today Submit by 16 May 2025 to save £100 on your entry Entry deadline: 27 June 2025 Inaugurated in 1999, the AR Emerging awards support young architects and designers at a key stage in their career, promoting their best work to a worldwide audience. The awards recognise excellence in an overall body of work, rather than a singular project: entrants are asked to submit a small portfolio rather than an individual completed building. Shortlisted projects will be featured in a special edition of the AR and all finalists will present their work to our acclaimed judging panel in London this November to win the £5,000 prize. Previous winners include A Threshold, Comunal Taller de Arquitectura, Carla Juaçaba Studio, Sou Fujimoto, Klein Dytham, Anna Heringer, Bjarke Ingels, Thomas Heatherwick, Li Xiaodong and Frida Escobedo. Find out more about last year’s winning and commended projects here. 2025-04-11 AR Editors Share

Calls for advanced dispute resolution meetings by victims of the Post Office Horizon system have been ignored by the Department of Business and Trade

Vizio might not be the most popular TV brand on the market, but it still offers decent picture and audio quality if you want a midrange or budget-friendly model. With features like QLED panels for better color accuracy and contrast, VRR support for console gaming, and high refresh rates, Vizio TVs hold up pretty well against more expensive competitors from Samsung, Sony, and even Hisense or TCL. And with screen sizes ranging from as small as 24 inches to more popular options like 50- and 65-inch models, you'll find the right fit for just about any space. What is the best Vizio TV right now? I chose the Quantum Pro 50-inch as the best Vizio TV you can buy with its 120Hz refresh rate, support for both Chromecast and Apple AirPlay, and Wi-Fi 6E compatibility for faster, more reliable wireless internet connectivity. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Vizio Quantum Pro as well as my other picks for the best Vizio TVs.Also: The best TVs under $1,000 Sort by All The best Vizio TVs of 2025 Show less View now at Sam's Club The Vizio Quantum Pro uses a QLED panel to create over 1 billion colors as well as enhanced contrast compared to LED models. With both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, TV binge-watchers and movie buffs alike will get a more immersive experience. Console gamers will appreciate the 120Hz base refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium VRR for up to a 240Hz refresh rate in 1080p. The Quantum Pro also has support for popular virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri for hands-free use of your new TV. Plus, with support for both AirPlay and Chromecast, you can share videos, photos, and music from your Android and iOS mobile devices.Vizio Quantum Pro tech specs: Screen size: 50 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant Pros Great picture and audio AMD FreeSync Premium VRR support Wi-Fi 6E compatibility Cons No G-Sync support Sizes 50-, 65-, 75-inchTV Technology LED with local dimmingSmart TV Yes (SmartCast)Resolution 4KHDMI Ports 4 The Vizio Quantum Pro uses a QLED panel to create over 1 billion colors as well as enhanced contrast compared to LED models. With both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, TV binge-watchers and movie buffs alike will get a more immersive experience. Console gamers will appreciate the 120Hz base refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium VRR for up to a 240Hz refresh rate in 1080p. The Quantum Pro also has support for popular virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri for hands-free use of your new TV. Plus, with support for both AirPlay and Chromecast, you can share videos, photos, and music from your Android and iOS mobile devices.Vizio Quantum Pro tech specs: Screen size: 50 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you're looking for an ultra budget-friendly TV, the 24-inch Vizio D-Series is worth a look. For under $150, you'll get 1080p full HD resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and built-in voice controls via Alexa. You can also share media from your Android or iOS mobile devices with Chromecast and AirPlay support for more ways to keep family and friends entertained. Console gamers will love the AMD FreeSync VRR support for preventing screen tearing as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless setups.Vizio D-Series tech specs: Screen size: 24 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 1080p | HDR: N/A | Audio: N/A | Voice controls: Alexa Pros Under $200 AMD FreeSync VRR support Bluetooth support Built in voice controls Cons Not 4K No G-Sync support No HDR or audio enhancements If you're looking for an ultra budget-friendly TV, the 24-inch Vizio D-Series is worth a look. For under $150, you'll get 1080p full HD resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and built-in voice controls via Alexa. You can also share media from your Android or iOS mobile devices with Chromecast and AirPlay support for more ways to keep family and friends entertained. Console gamers will love the AMD FreeSync VRR support for preventing screen tearing as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless setups.Vizio D-Series tech specs: Screen size: 24 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 1080p | HDR: N/A | Audio: N/A | Voice controls: Alexa Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Vizio HD smart TV is an almost perfect choice for an inexpensive second screen in your bedroom, kids' playroom, or other spaces. With a retail price comfortably under $250, you'll still get great features like a 60Hz refresh rate, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio setup, and access to free live TV via the Vizio WatchFree+ app. It also features support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home devices for hands-free voice controls. With the Vizio Home app, you'll have full control over your smart TV, including launching apps and searching media.Vizio HD Smart TV tech specs: Screen size: 32 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60hz | Resolution: 720p | HDR: N/A | Audio: N/A | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant Pros Very affordable Bluetooth connectivity Voice assistant support Cons Only 720p Voice controls require third-party speaker The Vizio HD smart TV is an almost perfect choice for an inexpensive second screen in your bedroom, kids' playroom, or other spaces. With a retail price comfortably under $250, you'll still get great features like a 60Hz refresh rate, Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio setup, and access to free live TV via the Vizio WatchFree+ app. It also features support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home devices for hands-free voice controls. With the Vizio Home app, you'll have full control over your smart TV, including launching apps and searching media.Vizio HD Smart TV tech specs: Screen size: 32 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60hz | Resolution: 720p | HDR: N/A | Audio: N/A | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Vizio V-Series is a great choice for console gamers looking for an upgrade on a budget. The 65-inch screen uses an LCD panel for bold, bright colors and sharp contrast, while Dolby Vision support gives you enhanced details. While it doesn't support Dolby Atmos, you'll still get great audio with DTS Virtual:X processing.The 60Hz refresh rate is almost perfect for casual players, and basic VRR support helps prevent screen tearing and stuttering, which can ruin your fun. A dedicated gaming menu lets you adjust picture settings and VRR for better control over your play.Vizio V-Series tech specs: Screen size: 65 inches | Panel type: LCD | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: DTS Virtual:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant Pros VRR support Dolby Vision HDR Great price Cons No Dolby Atmos Sizes 43-, 50-, 55-, 58- 65-, 70-, 75-inchTV Technology LEDSmart TV Yes (SmartCast)Resolution 4KHDMI Ports 3 The Vizio V-Series is a great choice for console gamers looking for an upgrade on a budget. The 65-inch screen uses an LCD panel for bold, bright colors and sharp contrast, while Dolby Vision support gives you enhanced details. While it doesn't support Dolby Atmos, you'll still get great audio with DTS Virtual:X processing.The 60Hz refresh rate is almost perfect for casual players, and basic VRR support helps prevent screen tearing and stuttering, which can ruin your fun. A dedicated gaming menu lets you adjust picture settings and VRR for better control over your play.Vizio V-Series tech specs: Screen size: 65 inches | Panel type: LCD | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: DTS Virtual:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the tariffs in the US? The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production. Televisions, many of which are manufactured in these nations, may experience price increases of up to 20%, making them less affordable for consumers. Manufacturers contemplate relocating assembly operations to countries with tariff exemptions, but such moves involve logistical challenges and substantial costs. Companies like Samsung, which produces a significant portion of their TVs in Mexico, anticipate being less affected than competitors relying heavily on Chinese manufacturing.  Overall, consumers should brace for higher prices and potential shifts in product availability within the home entertainment market. What is the best Vizio TV? I chose the Vizio Quantum Pro as the best Vizio TV you can buy, with its 120Hz refresh rate, QLED panel, and support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision HDR for a more immersive experience. It also supports both AirPlay and Chromecast for sharing media from your iOS and Android devices as well as voice controls via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.Best Vizio TVPriceScreen sizeHDR/AudioVizio Quantum Pro $428 50 inches Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos/DTS Virtual:X Vizio D-Series 24 $130 24 inches N/A Vizio HD Series $120 32 inches N/A Vizio V-Series 65 $510 65 inches Dolby Vision, DTS Virtual: X Show more Which is the right Vizio TV for you? If you're considering multiple Vizio TVs for your next home theater upgrade or as a second screen addition to your home, you'll want to consider what you'll use it for the most. For example, if you're a movie buff or TV binge-watcher, you'll want a higher refresh rate as well as Dolby Vision HDR support for enhanced contrast and better detailing. On the other hand, if you're a console gamer, you'll need a TV with a decent refresh rate as well and a model with VRR support to help keep your game from skipping and screen tearing.Buy this Vizio TV...If you need...Vizio Quantum Pro A well-rounded Vizio TV for use as your main screen to stream movies and shows or games on consoles. Vizio D-Series 24 An ultra budget-friendly smart TV with plenty of features you've come to expect as standard, like voice controls. Vizio HD Series A basic smart TV for use as a second screen in your bedroom, kids' playroom, and other spaces. Vizio V-Series 65 A Vizio TV for gaming on consoles, with support for Dolby Vision HDR and VRR over HDMI 2.1. Show more Factors to consider when buying a Vizio TV: If you're set on a Vizio TV for your next home theater upgrade, here are a few factors to consider before you buy:Price: Vizio TVs are more budget-friendly than brands like Samsung or Sony, but that doesn't mean you don't still need to set a budget. This will keep you from overspending and help you get the best value for your money.Picture and audio quality: Vizio offers 4K UHD, 1080p full HD, and 720p standard definition models. If you want to prioritize picture quality, you'll want to spring for a midrange full HD or 4K model to take advantage of features like HDR support.Smart features: Vizio offers smart TVs with features you've come to expect as standard, like preloaded streaming apps and voice assistant support. However, you'll want to double-check that the model you have your eye on has all the features you want and none you'll never use to get the best value for your budget.Connectivity: Just because your smart TV has Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, that doesn't mean you won't also need other ways to connect devices. Make sure the model you choose has enough USB and HDMI ports to connect all of your most-used devices. Show more How we test TVs While researching every Vizio TV featured on this list, I kept these criteria in mind:Price vs Value: Just because a TV is considered budget-friendly--like most Vizio models are--that doesn't mean you have to compromise on features you want. Many Vizio TVs retail for well under $1,000 and still offer things you've come to expect as standard, like preloaded streaming apps and Bluetooth connectivity.Smart features: Not all smart TVs are created equal, and spending more on a TV is great if you want to prioritize picture quality, but it may also mean getting a TV weighed down by features you'll never use. Make sure to double-check what apps and external devices like Alexa speakers are supported so you don't end up with a TV that either does too much or not enough.Brand comparison: Vizio may not be as popular of a TV brand, but their models hold up decently well when compared to similarly priced TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and Hisense. You'll still get 4K options, plenty of support for external devices like game consoles and Blu-ray players, and even some premium features like Dolby Atmos support and VRR for gaming.Find out more about how we test TVs at ZDNET.  Show more FAQs on Vizio TVs Is Vizio a good brand of TV? While a Vizio TV isn't going to exactly wow you with its picture and audio quality, they're still decent options for midrange and budget models if you just need a decent, all-purpose TV for your living room or a cheap-but-still-good second screen in your bedroom. Show more Can I control a Vizio TV with my phone? Yes! With the Vizio mobile app, you can use your smartphone to search for something to watch and launch apps. You can also use it as a secondary screen to continue watching even when you leave the room. Show more More Vizio TVs to consider ZDNET’s TV Guide TVs Roundups TV Models Reviewed and Compared TVs Explained ZDNET Recommends

AI is transforming the worlds of fashion and retail.Canva Welcome to my first installment of this new series. The rationale behind it is simple. AI is evolving so rapidly—and with such seismic effects on business and society—keeping up is no longer optional. In that spirit, here are some of the top stories and why they matter to you. #1 Google launched Agent2Agent The Story: It’s Monday morning. As an AI-powered recruiter you work smarter, not harder. You log into your company’s dashboard on your phone. It tells you three critical roles have been sourced, vetted, and scheduled for interviews—all without a single direction from you. What happened? First your AI agent reviewed your client’s needs. Next, another AI agent culled candidates off LinkedIn using live market data. Yet another AI agent background-checked those candidates, clearing the top picks. Importantly, none of these agents were built by the same company. In the past this would be a problem. They wouldn’t be able to “talk” to each other. Not anymore—enter Agent2Agent (A2A), Google’s new open protocol. Why It Matters: A2A gives AI agents a shared language. Suddenly, bots can communicate and collaborate across platforms like never before. Welcome to the Internet for AI workers. AI agents from Salesforce, PayPal, SAP, and 50+ others can now sidestep the old Tower of Babel problem. MORE FOR YOU To put it another way: They now speak the same operational tongue. Moving forward, agents won’t just automate tasks within their own spheres. They will form multi-agent swarms much like The Avengers, solving complex, cross-platform problems in real time. Just don’t let them drop the Infinity Stones into the wrong hands. #2 Walmart Supercharges Fashion Trends—Courtesy of AI The Story: What if future fashion could be predicted with AI oracle abilities? Here’s how it will work. A major clothing label like Sonoma decides it cannot waste any more money as clothes linger for ages on packed racks. After all, weeks—if not months or even years—can elapse between the moment a fashion influencer drops a viral video and the time it takes to get product(s) to stores. By then a fashion trend will have died—and with it—revenue. This is the problem Walmart’s new AI tool, Trend-to-Product solves. It compresses design and development timelines. Now instead of waiting for fashion trends or even chasing them, the massive retailer is setting them, combining fast-fashion alacrity with data-driven precision. If we accept the premise AI now knows our tastes better than we do, it’s all about giving customers what they want—before they even know they want it. Why It Matters: Again, Walmart’s Trend-to-Product AI Tool works proactively. How? It scours social media, search trends, and purchasing data to act as a modern fashionista Cassandra. Its crystal ball discerns patterns to predict what styles will blow up—then guides the requisite design, sourcing, and inventory decisions in double time. Years ago, Walmart adapted and revolutionized Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery for retail, making them a global logistics powerhouse. Now, they’re evolving again to speed up conversion rates. Their AI tool portends a next level shift in retail agility. Clothing manufacturers can now glimpse into the future, enabling unprecedented go-to-market nimbleness. Imagine cutting your timetable from six months to six weeks. It mitigates the risk of overproduction and unsold inventory—long the albatross around so many retailers’ necks. More, it enables hyper-responsiveness to consumer behavior, enabling businesses to capitalize on fashion’s fickleness with minimal lag. Where will predictive analytics go next? My money’s on entertainment. What if prescient AI could suggest the next big movie based on scouring the zeitgeist for a wave before it crests? #3 AI Gets a Seat at the Top: White House Demands Federal AI Leaders The Story: Everyone knows government moves at glacial speed. That’s why no one at the Department of Transportation expected their backlog of infrastructure grant applications to get through review without it taking months. And months. That was until a newly appointed Chief AI Officer took the reins. We’ll call him Chuck. In the name of efficiency, Chuck rolled out an AI protocol that slashed review times by 80%. Suddenly, applications were flying by, getting stamped good-to-go or unapproved in weeks, if not days. Meanwhile, across town, the Department of Health and Human Services had its own systemic problems. Medicaid fraud patterns continue to proliferate, escaping the notice of human workers doing their best to spot such trickery. That was until a newly appointed Chief AI Officer took the reins. We’ll call her Becky. Becky directed AI’s powers of pattern detection to super use, detecting scams and cons that once evaded human notice. Why It Matters: Fictional for now, these breakthroughs aren’t isolated—they’re part of a sweeping White House directive. Every federal agency must now have a Chief AI Officer. Meant to modernize government operations and cut red tape, it reminds me of another story I published this week on how the corporate sector is also using AI to go on the compliance offensive: Overwhelmed By Compliance? AI Could Save Your Business. Now that government is busy unlocking the kind of efficiency private industry is also tackling, it’s important to ask the question: how long until the public starts to demand AI leaders over human politicians? That’s not as farfetched as you might think. Last year Eric Schmidt, Henry Kissinger and Craig Mundie published Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit, examining how AI will empowers humanity to address its monumental challenges in novel ways. The authors wonder when people will abdicate more authority to AI as it becomes increasingly intertwined in every aspect of life. “Today’s human leaders should prepare to be the first in a line of human sovereigns to face the struggle of locating a balance between leveraging the advantages—and, in some cases, the need—for AI in governance without going so far as to succumb to total dependency, instead finding the proper synthesis between the extremes of despotism and anarchy, merging the will of humans, the knowledge of machines, and the wisdom of history.” Caution is still needed. While AI’s ability to fix government inefficiencies is impressive, we must be cautious not to over-rely on it. More, we need to ensure its ethical deployment. We don’t want a situation where generations from now, citizens cannot recall a time where AI wasn’t running everything. ***** That’s it for this week. Tune in next for the latest developments. In the meantime, here’s to making us all smarter in the Intelligence Age.