Cookie Run: Kingdom is packed with tons of cute Cookies that you can use to clear World Exploration stages, battle other teams in the Kingdom Arena, and take down bosses in Guild Battles. And Dark Cacao Cookie is easily one of the best warriors you can have on your team.

Our group has begun the process of putting all our separate parts together. We have different team member working on things like the player, enemies, map, art etc. It has proved to be difficult to do so as creating a project file that we can all access and make changes to is awkward to say the least. In hindsight, I think our group should've created one universal project from the very beginning and added to it as we went. We will still try to make it work the way we did it but if I was

The Nintendo Switch is known for its robust library of first-party games that prioritize fun and cooperative experiences for audiences of all ages. But what about games for grown-ups? Sure, it’s fun and all to somersault around as a mustachioed plumber who can transform into an elephant, but sometimes all you want is something a little more… challenging; more adult, for lack of a better word. We pooled together our braintrust of gaming connoisseurs to find the best games on the Nintendo Switch for players looking beyond the plethora of family fun-for-all titles the console has to offer. From turn-based strategy games and ruthless roguelikes to fourth-wall-breaking horror and more, we’ve pulled together a list of only the best of the best. Our latest update added Animal Well, Balatro, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Neva, and Unicorn Overlord.

GPT-4, OpenAI's first big upgrade to ChatGPT months after unleashing it on the world, is on its way out. A changelog the company published on Thursday said the model will be retired from ChatGPT on April 30. GPT-4o, which has been available since last May, will fully replace it. Despite GPT-4's significance in modern AI's brief but world-changing history, its sunsetting isn't a great loss for customers. OpenAI says GPT-4o improves on it in writing, coding and STEM. Recent upgrades have boosted the newer model further, enhancing its instruction following, problem-solving and conversational flow. The company describes the multimodal GPT-4o as the "natural successor" to the soon-to-be-retired GPT-4. Despite its upcoming removal from ChatGPT, API users will still be able to access GPT-4 after April 30. The announcement comes as OpenAI reportedly prepares a slew of new models for launch. Reverse engineer Tibor Blaho posted images on Friday (via TechCrunch) that seemingly confirm that o3, o4-mini and GPT-4.1 (including nano and mini offshoots) models are in the pipeline. In February, the company introduced a research preview of GPT-4.5, a better, more natural conversationalist that will serve as a stepping stone to GPT-5. OpenAI's release notes included a nod to the role GPT-4 played in the company's development. "GPT‑4 marked a pivotal moment in ChatGPT's evolution," the notes read. "We're grateful for the breakthroughs it enabled and for the feedback that helped shape its successor. GPT‑4o builds on that foundation to deliver even greater capability, consistency and creativity."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-prepares-to-send-gpt-4-out-to-pasture-163643868.html?src=rss

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I couldn’t tell you what my very first purchase from Amazon was—although I know it was a book and that I purchased it on my 7-pound laptop using a dial-up modem that took several minutes to connect me to Al Gore’s internet. I’m certain I was delighted to receive my purchase about a week later, even though I was paying for shipping. Not only does this memory prove that I have officially reached my “back-in-my-day!” old codger years, but it also shows how quickly consumer expectations can shift. In less than 30 years, online shopping has gone from an occasional novelty that required some consumer effort (waiting on that modem connection was not for the faint of heart) to a rapid process so seamless that even next-day delivery can feel a bit slow. Much of Amazon’s success lies in its promise of fast shipping all across the country (and world). The online marketplace can deliver on that promise because of its massive delivery infrastructure, the logistics of which are truly mind-bending to contemplate. But Amazon would not have become the dominant shopping method if not for one simple thing: free shipping. The expectation of free shipping has helped solidify Jeff Bezos as one of the richest men in the world (with his own marital-aid shaped rocket, which seems to be standard issue for modern oligarchs). Unfortunately, that means free shipping has cost us a lot more than we could have ever imagined. Here’s why I’ve decided to pay for shipping moving forward–and would encourage you to do the same. ‘Free’ scrambles our brains In his 2008 bestselling book Predictably Irrational, behavioral psychologist Dan Ariely breaks down how Amazon’s sales increased when it began offering free shipping for purchases over $30. After instituting this policy in the early 2000s, Amazon customers would willingly spend more money to buy an additional item they didn’t necessarily want or need—just to save themselves $4 in shipping costs. This is not a rational reaction, and yet most (if not every single one) of us has blithely spent more money on two items, one of which we didn’t really want, to avoid paying for shipping. What’s more, when Amazon in France originally rolled out a similar shipping offer for purchases over a certain amount, there was no sales increase. That’s because the French division of Amazon offered shipping for one franc rather than free shipping if you spent more than the purchase minimum. Since one franc was equal to about 20 cents, you’d think that French online shoppers would also jump at the chance to reduce their shipping costs—but pricing the shipping at one franc allowed consumers to recognize the true cost of adding an unwanted item to their shopping carts. Yet once Amazon in France switched to free shipping to match the rest of the company, sales increased dramatically. Prime suspicion Amazon is certainly not the only company to offer free shipping over a certain dollar amount–and there are definitely times when that kind of shipping deal is good for the customer. But the introduction of the Amazon Prime membership in 2005 altered the calculation. For an annual fee of $139, Amazon customers get unlimited, free one-day shipping—with some same-day delivery available. If free shipping over a dollar threshold is a brain-scrambler, Prime membership makes it nigh impossible to recognize how much you’re really paying. Think of it this way: More than 200 million people across the globe pay Amazon $139 annually for the privilege of buying stuff more conveniently from Amazon. That’s $27.8 billion we pay to Bezos’s company—so that we can pay more money to the company when we need books, diapers, clothes, or anything else our little hearts desire. The true cost of free shipping It may seem that I’m just ragging on a successful business vision that truly does save most consumers money. If you’re going to buy things online, you probably would spend more than $139 per year in shipping fees, so why not take advantage of Prime membership? But money is not the only cost worth considering. By making free shipping an expectation, Amazon has also cost us the following: Workers’ rights: One of the ways to cut costs to offer free shipping is to underpay and overwork the workers who make it happen. Fast, free shipping comes with a serious cost to the warehouse workers and delivery drivers tasked with fulfilling that promise. Resourcefulness: When something is cheap and convenient, we tend to ignore other solutions. For example, when I realized my kid had outgrown his swim trunks the day before summer camp, I ordered several new swimsuits from Amazon—even though his older brother probably had something that would fit him. Small businesses: Any small or independent business can’t afford to offer free shipping. Patience: American consumers have been taught to expect immediate gratification in a world where you can order something while sitting on the toilet and receive it within a few hours. Quality: Good things come to those who wait, but mediocre stuff can arrive on your doorstep via next-day delivery. Connection: Commerce used to require interaction with other people. I dislike talking to strangers as much as the next misanthrope, but reducing our need to connect with others can also reduce our ability to do so. The environment: If it’s cheap, easy, and quick to buy something, then it’s also easy to discard it–not to mention the environmental impact of shipping the item to you. The subversive politics of paying for shipping Many Americans have been troubled by the rise of oligarchs (to put it mildly) and have been working on divesting from them. That’s an admirable goal that can be difficult to pull off. But simply committing to paying for shipping will offer many of the same benefits. Specifically, recognizing that shipping is part of the cost of online purchases helps to level the e-tailer playing field. Amazon can afford to give their shipping away for free since the company is raking in your Prime membership dollars and knows that you’ll buy everything from their handy-dandy storefront and app. Small businesses that don’t sell everything under the sun can’t possibly compete. You can support small businesses by including the cost of shipping in your purchase expectations. Paying for shipping also forces you to think about your purchases in a way that one-click overnight free shipping does not. If you’re not willing to pay the $4 required to ship a purchase to your home, do you really want or need that purchase? Additionally, when we look at shipping as a line item that can be cut, the loss of that money will most likely affect the workers responsible for delivering products to you. Deciding that you will pay for shipping helps to protect their jobs and rights and lowers their likelihood of injury. Finally, paying for shipping is a way to reject the culture of constant consumerism on which oligarchs have built their empires. We don’t need to always buy-buy-buy to have a robust economy or a satisfying life–and that is much easier to remember when we’re paying for shipping. Free shipping isn’t free We’re living through the consequences of cheap and convenient online shopping. We can take back our agency with one little change—paying for the cost of shipping.

Ever woken up after a full night’s sleep feeling completely drained? Your typical fitness tracker might show impressive sleep stats, but something doesn’t add up with how you actually feel. This disconnect between data and reality is precisely what the Circular Ring 2 aims to solve, offering unprecedented health insights that truly reflect your body’s condition, not just superficial metrics that tell half the story. Representing a revolutionary leap in wearable health technology, it packs an impressive array of over 13 health features, medical-grade EDC, and a free personalized AI coach into an elegant titanium ring that weighs a mere 4 grams. Unlike bulky smartwatches or other health rings that constantly demand attention, this ultra-light ring silently monitors your vital signs around the clock, delivering comprehensive health data without the extra bulk or subscription fees. The ring has been loved by thousands, raising nearly $2.5 million in a month in funding with around 8,500 supporters, And thanks to its resounding success, it has unlocked stretch goals that include Size 5, Blood Pressure Tracking, and Blood Glucose Monitoring. Designer: Circular Click Here to Buy Now: $239 $550 ($311 off). Hurry, only 4/4936 left! Raised over $2.6 million. What truly sets the Circular Ring 2 apart is its ability to capture your heart’s electrical activity directly from your finger, where signal quality naturally excels. In just 30 seconds, you can access detailed heart rhythm data that most wearables simply can’t provide. Clinical-grade heart monitoring is finally available in a form factor that’s comfortable enough to wear continuously, offering insights that could potentially detect issues before they become serious problems. The ring’s sophisticated AI companion, Kira, transforms raw health data into actionable recommendations tailored specifically to your body. By analyzing over 140 biometric markers, Kira learns your unique patterns and provides personalized guidance to optimize your well-being. Unlike passive health trackers that merely display numbers, Circular Ring 2 actively suggests concrete steps to improve your health based on your individual physiology and lifestyle patterns. Women’s health tracking receives special attention with features that correlate sleep, temperature shifts, emotions, and energy levels with menstrual cycles. The smart Calendar predicts periods and fertile windows while connecting these predictions with actual physiological data, offering deeper insights than typical cycle-tracking apps. This comprehensive approach helps women make informed decisions about training, recovery, and overall well-being based on their body’s natural rhythms. Battery life often determines whether a wearable becomes part of your daily routine or ends up forgotten in a drawer. The Circular Ring 2 excels here too, offering a full week of use between charges. Combined with its premium charging case, you can go nearly a month before needing to plug into a wall outlet—perfect for active lifestyles and frequent travelers who don’t want to worry about daily charging routines. Ring’s security-first approach to data handling is much appreciated in a world where you become the product. Your personal health information remains encrypted and secure, complying with GDPR and HIPAA to meet top global data protection standards and giving you complete control over your sensitive biometric data. Going beyond just physical health, Circular Ring 2 also promotes mental health which comes from knowing that your data is safe and that your privacy is well respected. Fashion-conscious users will appreciate the premium design options available in Obsidian Black, Gold, Silver, and Rose Gold finishes. The sleek titanium construction not only looks sophisticated but also provides exceptional durability while remaining hypoallergenic and waterproof (IP68 rated). This perfect balance of elegance and functionality means you can wear your health tracker with any outfit, from workout gear to formal attire, without compromising your style. No subscriptions, No hidden fees Perhaps most refreshingly, Circular Ring 2 breaks from the industry trend of subscription-based models. All features—including heart rhythm monitoring, sleep analysis, stress tracking, and AI recommendations—come with a one-time purchase. Future capabilities, including blood pressure estimates and glucose trend monitoring, will arrive through free over-the-air updates within a few months after shipping, ensuring your investment continues to deliver value without recurring fees. The Circular Ring 2 is a game-changer that finally delivers on the promise of truly personalized health monitoring. By combining premium titanium craftsmanship, unprecedented heart tracking capabilities, and intelligent AI guidance without monthly fees, this featherlight ring outperforms devices many times its size. Whether you’re tracking fitness goals, monitoring heart health, or gaining deeper insights into your body’s patterns, the Circular Ring 2 works quietly behind the scenes, gathering critical data while you live your life uninterrupted. Click Here to Buy Now: $239 $550 ($311 off). Hurry, only 4/4936 left! Raised over $2.6 million.The post World’s First ECG Smart Ring Raises nearly $2.5 million in funding just within a month first appeared on Yanko Design.

Not many brands could pull this one off

An email sent by the Department of Homeland Security instructs people in the US on a temporary legal status to leave the country. But who the email actually applies to—and who actually received it—is far from clear.

In this tutorial, we demonstrate a complete end-to-end solution to convert text into audio using an open-source text-to-speech (TTS) model available on Hugging Face. Leveraging the capabilities of the Coqui TTS library, the tutorial walks you through initializing a state-of-the-art TTS model (in our case, “tts_models/en/ljspeech/tacotron2-DDC”), processing your input text, and saving the resulting synthesis as a high-quality WAV audio file. In addition, we integrate Python’s audio processing tools, including the wave module and context managers, to analyze key audio file attributes like duration, sample rate, sample width, and channel configuration. This step-by-step guide is designed to cater to beginners and advanced developers who want to understand how to generate speech from text and perform basic diagnostic analysis on the output. !pip install TTS !pip install TTS installs the Coqui TTS library, enabling you to leverage open-source text-to-speech models to convert text into high-quality audio. This ensures that all necessary dependencies are available in your Python environment, allowing you to experiment quickly with various TTS functionalities. from TTS.api import TTS import contextlib import wave We import essential modules: TTS from the TTS API for text-to-speech synthesis using Hugging Face models and the built-in contextlib and wave modules for safely opening and analyzing WAV audio files. def text_to_speech(text: str, output_path: str = "output.wav", use_gpu: bool = False): """ Converts input text to speech and saves the result to an audio file. Parameters: text (str): The text to convert. output_path (str): Output WAV file path. use_gpu (bool): Use GPU for inference if available. """ model_name = "tts_models/en/ljspeech/tacotron2-DDC" tts = TTS(model_name=model_name, progress_bar=True, gpu=use_gpu) tts.tts_to_file(text=text, file_path=output_path) print(f"Audio file generated successfully: {output_path}") The text_to_speech function accepts a string of text, along with an optional output file path and a GPU usage flag, and utilizes the Coqui TTS model (specified as “tts_models/en/ljspeech/tacotron2-DDC”) to synthesize the provided text into a WAV audio file. Upon successful conversion, it prints a confirmation message indicating where the audio file has been saved. def analyze_audio(file_path: str): """ Analyzes the WAV audio file and prints details about it. Parameters: file_path (str): The path to the WAV audio file. """ with contextlib.closing(wave.open(file_path, 'rb')) as wf: frames = wf.getnframes() rate = wf.getframerate() duration = frames / float(rate) sample_width = wf.getsampwidth() channels = wf.getnchannels() print("\nAudio Analysis:") print(f" - Duration : {duration:.2f} seconds") print(f" - Frame Rate : {rate} frames per second") print(f" - Sample Width : {sample_width} bytes") print(f" - Channels : {channels}") The analyze_audio function opens a specified WAV file and extracts key audio parameters, such as duration, frame rate, sample width, and number of channels, using Python’s wave module. It then prints these details in a neatly formatted summary, helping you verify and understand the technical characteristics of the synthesized audio output. if __name__ == "__main__": sample_text = ( "Marktechpost is an AI News Platform providing easy-to-consume, byte size updates in machine learning, deep learning, and data science research. Our vision is to showcase the hottest research trends in AI from around the world using our innovative method of search and discovery" ) output_file = "output.wav" text_to_speech(sample_text, output_path=output_file) analyze_audio(output_file) The if __name__ == “__main__”: block serves as the script’s entry point when executed directly. This segment defines a sample text describing an AI news platform. The text_to_speech function is called to synthesize this text into an audio file named “output.wav”, and finally, the analyze_audio function is invoked to print the audio’s detailed parameters. Main Function Output Download the generated audio from the side pane on Colab In conclusion, the implementation illustrates how to effectively harness open-source TTS tools and libraries to convert text to audio while concurrently performing diagnostic analysis on the resulting audio file. By integrating the Hugging Face models through the Coqui TTS library with Python’s robust audio processing capabilities, you gain a comprehensive workflow that synthesizes speech efficiently and verifies its quality and performance. Whether you aim to build conversational agents, automate voice responses, or simply explore the nuances of speech synthesis, this tutorial lays a solid foundation that you can easily customize and expand as needed. Here is the Colab Notebook. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and join our Telegram Channel and LinkedIn Group. Don’t Forget to join our 85k+ ML SubReddit. NikhilNikhil is an intern consultant at Marktechpost. He is pursuing an integrated dual degree in Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Nikhil is an AI/ML enthusiast who is always researching applications in fields like biomaterials and biomedical science. With a strong background in Material Science, he is exploring new advancements and creating opportunities to contribute.Nikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/This AI Paper from Salesforce Introduces VLM2VEC and MMEB: A Contrastive Framework and Benchmark for Universal Multimodal EmbeddingsNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/Complete Guide: Working with CSV/Excel Files and EDA in PythonNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/Google Releases Agent Development Kit (ADK): An Open-Source AI Framework Integrated with Gemini to Build, Manage, Evaluate and Deploy Multi AgentsNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/This AI Paper from ByteDance Introduces MegaScale-Infer: A Disaggregated Expert Parallelism System for Efficient and Scalable MoE-Based LLM Serving