Meet the art of Chang Li, a freelance Chinese artist living in Hong Kong. wlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopChang Liwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlopwlop

Kiss From A Rook-seYep, Dragon Age: The Veilguard modders are definitely cooking now: they've covered Solas' bald bonce in big wet sloppy kisses and clown makeupThey've also slapped his face on The Inquisitor's pyjamas, because why not?Image credit: EA/Pinacoladamatata/Queenschadenfreude News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Nov. 19, 2024 Over the past few days, the dam has peroperly broken on Dragon Age: The Veilguard modding, with folks finally starting to be able to do stuff that isn't just reshades or Rook presets. Anyway, we've now hit that blessed point where mods that're pretty funny are starting to arrive - such as one that covers the Dread Wolf himself in lipstick.As we reported yesterday, a new tool has made it possible for Veilguard modders to start more easily doing stuff like add in their own custom textures, opening up the possibility for some slightly more advanced work, even if it's still very much early days yet.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. So, naturally, modder Pinacoladamatata has woken up, looked in the mirror, and said sometjing like: 'Right, time to cover the head of everyone's favourite folically challenged (spoiler alert) Elven god in smooches, like he's just had to let his very overenthusistic grandma give him a goodbye head kiss before he leaves to go do a ritual'.Enter 'Kisses for Solas', which does exactly what you'd expect, coating the head of your best weird dream convo buddy in snog marks that he hasn't chosen to wash off. Maybe he thinks they make intimidating war paint.Anyway, this isn't the first mod that's done this to Solas, with Pinacoladamatata citing OfficiallyJewls' 'Kisses for the Dread Wolf (Solas)' for DA: Inqusition as a direct inspiration. That mod in turn was inspired by this bit of fanart, because of course it is (we here at VG247 don't judge).Anyway, that's not the only Veilguard mod involving Solas Pinacoladamatata's recently put out. They've also done 'Have You Seen This Man- Inquisitor outfit recolor', which slaps Solas' kiss-covered face on The Inquisitor's weird pyjama-like clothes, rimmed by a meme-esque caption asking if anyone's seen him. Fashion.Thankfully, other Dragon Age modders are up to less strange stuff, such as, er, covering Solas' face in clown makeup, as queenschadenfreude's 'Clown Solas 2 Veilguard Boogaloo' does. They even got permission from the author of the classic Inquisition mod that does the same thing.So, all of those are a thing. If you've been playing through Veilguard and think everyone in it's just being too bloody nice, you should read this feature, as you'll probably agree with it.

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube785kUpdate [Wed 20th Nov 2024, 5:45am]: Bandai Namco has now confirmed the 'Future Saga Chapter 2' DLC for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 will be arriving this week on 21st November 2024.Players will have access to the God of Destruction Belmod, Jiren (Full Power, Ultra Supervillain), and Goku (Mini). Additional new content includes a new extra mission, four new parallel quests, seven new skills, new costumes and accessories, more Super Souls, and more loading screen illustrations (via Gematsu)."Witness the clash of will as it travels through time and space. Jiren Ultra Supervillain, God of Destruction Belmod, and Goku (Mini) from Dragon Ball DAIMA will join the fight when Chapter 2 of the FUTURE SAGA DLC releases November 21!"Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube785kWatch on YouTube Along with this, season seven of Dragon Ball: The Breakers has now officially launched for Switch and other platforms.It ties in with the game's second anniversary and includes the addition of the new raider Gamma 1 & Gamma 2. More updates are also on the way - the new skill "now it's my turn!" for "Gohan (Adult) (Beast)" and "Shenron's Gift" will be added to "Piccolo (Orange). You can also get a jacket and some stamps.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube785kOriginal Story: The new Dragon Ball Daima anime series launched last week and as part of this, there's some new themed content on the way to multiple Bandai Namco games.First up, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot will be receiving some new DLC, officially titled 'Daima: Adventure Through the Demon Realm' with part one "coming soon".Next up, Goku's (Mini) version from the Dragon Ball Daima universe will be joining the Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 'Future Saga Chapter 2' DLC. There will also be a free trial period for a limited time:"Goku (Mini) from Dragon Ball DAIMA will be joining the fight in the #DBXV2 FUTURE SAGA Chapter 2 DLC! A free trial campaign for Goku (Mini) will be held for a limited period. Grab the Power Pole and go on a rampage!"Bandai Namco is also offering Dragon Ball Daima content (and eventually additional DLC fighters) in its new game Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (released on PlayStation, Xbox and PC last week).Here's a summary of the new anime series Daima (via Crunchyroll) which features original work, story and character designs from Akira Toriyama, who passed away earlier this year:"Goku and company were living peaceful lives when they suddenly turned small due to a conspiracy! When they discover that the reason for this may lie in a world known as the "Demon Realm", a mysterious young Majin named Glorio appears before them."Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube785kEpisode one of Dragon Ball Daima is now available on streaming services like Crunchyroll and can be watched with subtitles. Last month, Bandai Namco also rolled out a balance patch for Dragon Ball FighterZ. "Coming soon"Read the 21 pages of patch notes now!"Tackle life with as much energy as Goku! I'll try to do the same!"Will you be checking out any of the Daima content coming to these Dragon Ball games? Have you watched the first episode yet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.<products id="6742">Related GamesSee AlsoShare:03 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesMario & Luigi's Future In Doubt As A Potential Sony Acquisition EmergesMust... consolidate...New Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Update Leaves The Switch BehindLa-li-lu-le-lower resolutionReview: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (Switch) - Square Doesn't Drop The Ball, Just Some FramesThe wait is finally overThe First Review For Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Is InFamitsu rates it

An update to online play.Nintendo has released its second update for Super Mario Party Jamboree today bumping the latest build up to Version 1.1.1.This latest update addresses a "bug" linked to online play, where there was a certain type of glitch taking place in certain circumstances. You can see the full explanation courtesy of Nintendo's official support page. Here's the full rundown:Read the full article on nintendolife.com

In BriefPosted:6:35 PM PST November 19, 2024Image Credits:Janice Lee / Coldwell Banker RealtyYou have a few hours left to bid on this burned-out husk in San FranciscoHouses in San Francisco are notoriously expensive, with the average home price hovering around $1.26 million. Its no wonder that a fire-ravaged shack priced at $299,000 in one of San Franciscos southernmost neighborhoods saw at least 20 people tour the property this past weekend, according to The San Francisco Standard.Potential buyers were asked to sign a liability waiver before stepping foot into the buildings scorched remnants, notes the outlet. The real estate agent representing the property a fixer-upper gem that was reportedly inhabited by squatters before it caught fire expects it to fetch more than its asking price, too. (All bids were due on Tuesday.)Of course, buyers in San Francisco are used to even ramshackle buildings costing a small fortune. In early 2022, before many tech workers who left the city amid the pandemic returned, a moldering, a 122-year-old Victorian advertised as the the worst house on the best block of San Francisco sold for nearly $2 million.Topics

Nike, a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, showcased its new Air Max 1000 at ComplexCon in Las Vegas. This is the companys first shoe produced almost entirely through 3D printing. The project was developed in collaboration with Zellerfeld, a Berlin-based company known for its expertise in 3D-printed footwear, which emphasizes customization and sustainability. While the shoes are not yet available to the public, 1,000 pairs were made accessible through a raffle preorder at the event.Inspired by the original Air Max 1 from 1987, the Air Max 1000 retains the visible air cushion in the heel, a signature feature of the line. Unlike traditional models, the air cushion itself is not 3D printed. Instead, the shoe employs a single flexible material created through 3D printing. This material varies in density and texture, providing a firm outsole for support and a more flexible upper for comfort. The design eliminates the need for laces, allowing the shoes to be easily slipped on and off.A side view of the 3D-printed Nike Air Max 1000 highlights its intricate detailing and flexible structure. Photo via Nike.John Hoke, Nikes Chief Innovation Officer, highlighted the significance of this advancement: The Air Max 1000 allows us to explore manufacturing solutions that were previously impossible, opening up new creative possibilities. The precise contouring achieved through 3D printing was unattainable with conventional manufacturing methods, enabling more intricate and customized designs.Initially showcased in a bright red colorway, additional variants in orange, white, blue, and black with a green air cushion were later revealed at ComplexCon. Pricing details remain undisclosed, but similar 3D-printed models on Zellerfelds website range from $159 for sandals to nearly $400 for high-tops. Nike has not announced plans for a broader release, keeping the Air Max 1000 exclusive for now.The Nike Air Max 1000 offers a bold and innovative design crafted with advanced additive manufacturing techniques. Photo via Nike.3D Printings Role in Shaping Footwear ManufacturingNikes Air Max 1000 reflects broader trends in 3D printed footwear, where the balance between scalability and customization is a critical focus. Elastium, a 3D printing footwear startup, recently partnered with LaLaLand, Californias largest shoe manufacturer, to implement hybrid production models. Their No-MMOQ (Minimum and Maximum Order Quantity) approach combines 3D printing with conventional manufacturing to cut production costs by up to 80%. The collaboration allows for localized, on-demand production, addressing challenges like high investment costs, supply chain inefficiencies, and the need for sustainable practices.Meanwhile, Lore Cycle, in collaboration with Ohio-based Lubrizol, has developed the Lore Two, a fully customized cycling shoe. Using 3D scans of individual feet, Lubrizols 3D printing division creates a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) upper tailored to each riders biomechanics. This approach ensures optimal fit, power transfer, and comfort.Robert Karklinsh, Founder of Elastium. Photo via Elastium.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive contentFeatured image shows The Nike Air Max 1000. Photo via Nike.

Durable cladding options in natural, sintered, and composite stone.(Courtesy Solancis)LimestoneSolancisCompleted in 2022, the Lantern project in London (formerly known as Stephenson House) uses a ventilated exterior facade in Solancis Rosal Dunas natural limestone from Portugal.(Courtesy Megaker)Natural & Sintered Stone FacadesMegakerMegaker offers high-performance natural stone and sintered stone facades that deliver a diverse range of construction solutions, including ventilated walls, cladding, and curtain walls. (Courtesy Neolith)Sistema StrongfixNeolithThe Strongfix system is a mixed hidden longitudinal fastening system that works by the compression exerted by the system on the back of the Neolith tile. The combination of the Strongfix system and the sintered stone panel creates a rainscreen system that is fireproof, waterproof, graffiti-proof, and maintenance free.(Courtesy Lapitec)Sintered StoneLapitecMade in Italy, this 100 percent sintered stone is resistant to extreme temperatures, thermal fluctuations, UV rays, and corrosion from saltwater or chlorinated water. Its large slabs can reach up to approximately 5 x 11 to reduce joints and seams. (Courtesy Petrarch Panels)Petrarch Composite StonePetrarch PanelsPetrarch Composite Stone Rainscreen Cladding is composed primarily of reconstituted marble that is recycled instead of discarded. Like natural stone, Petrarch exterior architecture panels will endure extreme environmental conditions, vandalism, and exposure for years.

Olena - stock.adobe.comNewsCMA clears Google over Anthropic partnershipThe UK competition watchdog has finished its initial investigation into Googles partnership with Anthropic, with no follow-up on the cardsByCliff Saran,Managing EditorPublished: 19 Nov 2024 16:01 The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has said Alphabets partnership with Anthropic does not qualify for investigation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002.In October 2023, Alphabet invested $2bn in OpenAI rival Anthropic. The artificial intelligence (AI) startup has also received $4bn funding from Amazon.The CMA is concerned that the foundational model sector is developing in ways that risk negative market outcomes. In particular, the likes of Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Apple have the market dominance to buy up or shut down competition. It is also worried that partnerships between these major technology providers and developers of AI foundation models may limit choice and be anti-competitive.In September, the CMA concluded its investigation of Microsofts hiring of key staff from Inflection, finding that Inflection AI was not a strong competitor to the consumer chatbots Microsoft has developed directly in partnership with OpenAI.Discussing the outcome of the latest investigation, Joel Bamford, executive director of the CMA, wrote on LinkedIn: Our investigation has shown that Google has not acquired the ability to materially influence Anthropics commercial policy and therefore the partnership does not meet the jurisdictional threshold for UK merger control to apply.He described the conclusion of this latest investigation as another decision by the CMA which provides greater clarity for businesses and their investors.In a summary of its findings from the phase one investigation into the deal, the CMA said it did not believe Google had acquired material influence over Anthropic as a result of the partnership. The CMA said it looked at the risk of Google exercising influence over Anthropic at shareholder and/or board level, along with an assessment of Googles own Vertex AI product.The available evidence did not indicate that Google has the ability to exercise material influence over Anthropic through the partnership, the CMA concluded.The CMA said it had considered the fact that Anthropic and Google offer two of the leading foundational AI models globally. However, given Anthropics turnover is below the 70m threshold, which is one of the criteria it takes into account when assessing whether to look further into a deal, pursuing this thread of investigation was not necessary.The CMA is also looking at whether it should investigate Amazons partnership with Anthropic, due to the $4bn funding the AI startup received from Amazon.Some industry experts believe the CMA should continue looking at the foundation model market. Josh Mesout, chief innovation officer at Civo, said: While the CMA has decided not to pursue an investigation into the Anthropic/Alphabet partnership, the broader concerns raised in the investigation about potential market concentration in AI remain valid.Over-dependence on a handful of major firms could still stifle innovation, limit consumer choice and potentially lead to a monopoly that favours Big Tech. Even without a formal investigation, it is the responsibility of everyone in the industry to ensure the AI market remains fair, competitive and conducive to ongoing technological advancement.Read about other CMA investigationsCMA offers potential solution to Vodafone and Threes merger issues: Remedies Working Paper published by UK competition watchdog into merger of leading telcos says deal may proceed if appropriate remedies are implemented.AWS and Google slam Microsoft for claiming its cloud licensing tactics are not harming them: The CMA published the summary hearings from Microsoft, AWS and Google this week, which revealed all three had quite a lot to say on the Redmond software giants cloud licensing practices.In The Current Issue:Interview: Rahul Todkar, head of data and AI, TripadvisorGartner Symposium: Why the chance of digital success is randomDownload Current IssueClearly smart, SAS acquires Hazy: A wider vision for synthetic data CW Developer NetworkI guess the trainings down in Africa, CNCF & Andela skill-up 20,000+ IT pros CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

This one-hour course helps teachers learn gen AI basics. Here's how to access it.

Westend61/Getty ImagesPreviously, I discussed how Google's decision to merge ChromeOS and Android marks a critical moment for the company. While this merger is a positive step forward, it raises an important question: Can Android truly evolve into a desktop-class operating system for touchscreen laptops? Google faces challenges and opportunities as it reimagines Android for larger devices and productivity-focused workflows.Android compatibility is already integrated into most Arm and x86 Chromebooks. However, the quality of this experience varies significantly among different devices and applications. Some Android apps run seamlessly on Chromebooks, providing smooth functionality that feels native to a laptop. In contrast, other apps suffer from performance issues or compatibility quirks, such as unoptimized scaling, touch input problems, or limited support for keyboard and trackpad use.Also:The best Black Friday deals live nowFor Android to succeed as a laptop operating system, Google must address these inconsistencies directly.The challenge: Android's history with larger screensSince its debut on tablets in 2010, Android has struggled to adapt to larger screens. Developers, incentivized by the massive smartphone market, often neglected tablets, leaving users with apps that felt like stretched-out versions of their phone counterparts. While Google has improved developer tools in recent years, the Play Store still has a limited selection of apps optimized for tablets or Chromebooks compared to Apple's robust iPad ecosystem.This issue is compounded by OEM customization, where manufacturers implement their own skins, pre-installed apps, and design tweaks on Android devices. Samsung's One UI, for instance, offers features and designs that deviate significantly from stock Android, creating inconsistent experiences across devices. While these modifications can add value, they also exacerbate fragmentation, which ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes famously called Android's "Toxic Hellstew" a decade ago.Since then, Google has made strides to streamline updates and reduce fragmentation through initiatives like Project Treble, a framework designed to simplify Android's update process by separating the OS from OEM customizations. While Treble has improved the situation since its introduction seven years ago, it hasn't been a silver bullet -- OEMs still play a significant role in the update pipeline, and delays remain common. This inconsistency undermines user trust and complicates Google's efforts to unify Android across devices.What Google needs to do1. Refactor Android for larger screensHaving used Android devices extensively across form factors -- from phones to tablets to Chromebooks -- I've always found its interface serviceable, but never truly optimized for larger screens. While Android can do a lot, its current implementation falls short of competing with MacOS, Windows, or iPadOS when offering a cohesive, productivity-focused experience. The interface requires a major overhaul if Google is serious about Android as a desktop-class operating system.Also: How to run Android apps on LinuxWindow management: This is one of the first things that needs to change. On a laptop, users expect the ability to open multiple apps in resizable, draggable windows with an intuitive taskbar to keep everything organized. Android's split-screen functionality, while functional on phones and tablets, feels clunky and rigid on Chromebooks. It lacks the fluidity of MacOS or Windows, where multitasking is second nature.Navigation:Android's gestures are designed primarily for touchscreens, but a laptop requires more flexibility. A seamless experience across touch, trackpad, keyboard, and stylus inputs is critical, yet Android struggles to integrate these tools naturally. For instance, switching between apps with a trackpad often feels like a workaround rather than a built-in feature.Multi-display support:Plugging in an external monitor often reveals how unprepared Android is for multitasking on larger setups. Without proper scaling and flexible window arrangements, the experience feels more like a hack than a polished solution. In this area, Google could take notes from MacOS, which makes managing multiple displays feel effortless.Quick settings and notifications: These features, which have always been designed for mobile devices, need to be rethought entirely for laptops. Imagine an interface similar to MacOS's Control Center that offers quick access to essential settings without cluttering the screen. Android's current implementation is functional but doesn't feel tailored for a productivity environment.2. Redesign multitasking: Android's Achilles' heelMultitasking has always been one of Android's weakest points on larger screens. As someone who relies heavily on multitasking to juggle work apps, video calls, and research tools, I've found Android frustratingly rigid. The split-screen functionality locks you into fixed arrangements, making it difficult to work efficiently.Also: The best iPads: Expert tested and reviewedFor Android to thrive on laptops, it needs true flexibility in app arrangement. Imagine dragging and dropping app windows anywhere on the screen, resizing them freely to fit your workflow. Persistent app states are also critical -- users shouldn't have to reopen their apps and set up their workspace every time they reboot. Borrowing ideas from MacOS's Mission Control or Windows' Task View, Android could also introduce virtual desktops to help users separate workflows into dedicated spaces.3. Build a thriving app ecosystemOf course, none of this matters if Android apps don't evolve to match the demands of laptops and tablets. A robust app ecosystem is the backbone of any operating system, and while Android has a massive library of apps, they're overwhelmingly optimized for phones. These apps often feel like scaled-up versions of their mobile counterparts on larger screens.Google has the tools to fix this. Enhancing developer resources like Jetpack Compose and Android Studio could make creating adaptive apps easier and more intuitive. Developers need ready-made templates and better simulation tools to test their apps across a variety of screen sizes and input methods.Also:The best Android tablets: Expert tested and reviewedBut tools alone won't solve the problem. Google must incentivize developers with real rewards -- monetary grants, reduced Play Store fees, or even special promotional features for apps that meet optimization standards. Imagine a Play Store badge for "Best on Tablets" apps prominently displayed to attract downloads. Additionally, Google could provide developers with detailed performance metrics, offering insights into how their apps perform on Chromebooks and tablets and helping them identify areas for improvement.4. Improve performance: The non-negotiable foundationPerformance is another area where Android needs to improve. Running Android apps on Chromebooks often feels inconsistent -- some apps run flawlessly, while others struggle with lag or compatibility issues. For a laptop experience, this simply isn't acceptable.One solution is to ensure native app support for both ARM and x86 architectures, eliminating the need for emulation. Native performance guarantees smoother multitasking, faster load times, and a more reliable experience overall. Additionally, Google must introduce laptop-specific APIs that take advantage of hardware features like styluses, high-precision trackpads, and multi-touch displays. Hardware acceleration, especially for windowed apps, would further enhance responsiveness and make Android a more viable competitor to MacOS and Windows.5. Leverage Gemini AI: The future of productivityThe functional areas mentioned above are opportunities for Google to catch up to MacOS, iPadOS, and Windows. However, one area where Android could surpass its competitors is in artificial intelligence, particularly with Google's Gemini AI, which has significant potential. Although Gemini is still a relatively new technology, it is clear how it could turn Android laptops into powerful productivity tools.Also: What is Gemini? Everything you should know about Google's new AI modelImagine smart multitasking assistance that learns your habits and suggests app pairings for split-screen setups. For example, if you regularly take notes during video calls, Gemini could automatically open your preferred video conferencing app alongside your note-taking app. Context-aware workflows could adapt settings or recommend apps based on your current task, such as suggesting photo editing tools when you're importing images.Gemini's AI could also revolutionize content creation by adding features like auto-summarization in Google Docs, intelligent formatting suggestions, or real-time collaboration tools. For users who prefer hands-free interaction, AI-driven gestures and voice commands could make navigating apps or presenting slides more intuitive.Perhaps most exciting is Gemini's potential for system optimization. By monitoring resource usage, it could recommend ways to improve battery life, allocate processing power more effectively, or even predict performance bottlenecks before they occur.Why now is the time for Google to actAs Apple and Microsoft refine their ecosystems, Google risks falling further behind. The merger of ChromeOS and Android represents a chance to rethink Android's role in the computing landscape. By addressing its long-standing challenges -- including fragmentation and app ecosystem gaps -- Google could position Android as a true alternative to MacOS, iPadOS, and Windows.Also: The best laptops: Expert tested and reviewedThe future of hybrid computing depends on how well Google tackles these challenges. Will Android rise to meet the demands of modern laptops, or will it remain confined to the sidelines of innovation? Google's next steps could redefine the industry -- or cement its place as a mobile-first platform struggling to scale.Google