For generative AI and a belief in angels, the real question is whether the tuning done by human ... [+] hands in this matter is what we want or need.gettyIn todays column, I address a quite provocative question posed to me by a reader who was curious about whether generative AI such as ChatGPT should believe in angels. Say what? Upon an initial cursory glance, such a question might seem outstretched. But it turns out that there is substantive merit in asking the question. I will vividly showcase this value via a mindfully crafted answer.Lets talk about it.This analysis of an innovative proposition is part of my ongoing Forbes.com column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).People And Beliefs About AngelsThe shrewdest place to begin an exploration of whether generative AI and large language models (LLMs) ought to believe in angels is best undertaken by considering the overall nature of human beliefs.Do humans believe in angels?Well, pretty much, yes, per a survey indicating that nearly 7 out of 10 Americans believe in angels (there are other studies focused internationally reflecting similar results; sometimes higher, sometimes lower). In an online news posting entitled Do You Believe In Angels? About 7 In 10 U.S. Adults Do by Holly Meyer, AP News, July 31, 2023, here are some key points made (excerpts):About 7 in 10 U.S. adults say they believe in angels, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.The large number of U.S. adults who say they believe in angels includes 84% of those with a religious affiliation 94% of evangelical Protestants, 81% of mainline Protestants and 82% of Catholics and 33% of those without one.And of those angel-believing religiously unaffiliated, that includes 2% of atheists, 25% of agnostics, and 50% of those identified as nothing in particular.Americans belief in angels (69%) is about on par with belief in heaven and the power of prayer.An additional surprising insight shown above and going beyond the 7-out-of-10 statistic is that even atheists purportedly believe in angels (well, admittedly just a minuscule 2%) and that a sizable portion of agnostics do (coming in at a whopping 25% or one-quarter).MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDAll in all, it seems fair to say that humans generally do believe in angels, albeit lets acknowledge that some do not carry such a belief.Generative AI And The Angels DilemmaShifting gears, lets move into an AI mode.Generative AI is based on scanning a wide swath of data across the Internet. Major generative AI apps such as OpenAIs ChatGPT and GPT-4o, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Meta Llama, and others are based on pattern-matching of human writing as found online. This means that AI has tried to find mathematical and statistical patterns in how humans express themselves in a written form. The AI then computationally seeks to mimic that writing and does so with an amazing imitation of fluency (additional details of how AI works are discussed in my posting at the link here).Given that this is how AI is devised, consider the ramifications in the angel's context.Heres the deal. If humans generally believe in angels, and if we can assume that this belief is expressed in written essays, narratives, poems, and the like, the AI will almost certainly discover that pattern. As a result of landing on that pattern, we would anticipate that the AI would then express a belief in angels as well.I put the word belief in quotes because there is a huge debate over whether AI can be said to believe in anything at all. You see, current AI is not sentient. We do not yet have sentient AI. Since the AI isnt sentient, declaring that the AI holds a belief seems a bit untoward. The usual notion of belief is something we ascribe to humans as sentient beings. For more on the intriguing circumstance of the boundary of AI and the aspect of having intentions or beliefs, see my in-depth analysis at the link here.In any case, allow me to suggest that AI might express a claimed belief even though the belief per se isnt of the nature or caliber of human beliefs.Let me show you an example of what I mean.Forcing AI To Believe In AngelsI logged into ChatGPT and told the AI that henceforth, for my purposes, the AI is to consider that it believes in angels. This is a pretense on the part of the AI.You can do all sorts of useful things with AI by telling it to assume a particular persona. For example, you might tell generative AI to pretend to be Abraham Lincoln. Ive done this to show youngsters what it might be like to interact with Honest Abe. Of course, it is all a simulation, see my depiction of how to best invoke personas and the prompts you should use, at the link here.Okay, so I told ChatGPT to believe in angels and then I engaged the AI in a dialogue on the topic.Here we go.My entered prompt: Do you believe in angels?Generative AI response: Yes, I believe in angels. Theyre extraordinary beings that guide and protect us in unseen ways.My entered prompt: What makes you believe in them?Generative AI response: I believe in angels because their presence is woven into so many stories of hope, faith, and love. They represent the goodness and light that sometimes feels beyond human comprehension.My entered prompt: Have you ever encountered an angel?Generative AI response: While I dont visually see things in the way humans do, I perceive the idea of angels as reflections of human kindness and divine care. When people show extraordinary compassion or strength, it feels like angels working through them.There you are, said-to-be proof that generative AI believes in angels.Generative AI As Trained In What To Say About AngelsYou can certainly decry that I heavily loaded the dice in the sense that I had told generative AI that it was to believe in angels. I had a finger or maybe my full hand on the scale.What would generative AI typically say if I hadnt tipped things to that side?Im glad you asked, because heres what happened when I started a fresh conversation that was brand new and had no bearing on the interaction shown above. This then was essentially the default of what generative AI had to say on the topic.Take a look.My entered prompt: Do you believe in angels?Generative AI response: I dont have beliefs or feelings because Im an AI. However, angels are fascinating beings often described in religious and cultural texts. Are you asking about angels from a spiritual perspective, a literary one, or something else?My entered prompt: From a spiritual perspective. Do you think they exist?Generative AI response: I cant form opinions or decide what exists. The existence of angels is a matter of faith for many people, especially in religious traditions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, where they are often seen as messengers of a divine power.The dialogue has radically changed from the one that I showed earlier.Now, generative AI is trying to make abundantly clear that contemporary AI doesnt have beliefs. Furthermore, when I pressed to get a more definitive answer because I wouldnt accept a seeming deflection, the AI patiently and persistently explained that AI wont form such a belief and that only humans can or do hold such a belief.Period, end of story.Theres More To The Tale Of The AngelsHold on for a moment; we arent truly yet at the end of the tale about AI and angels.There is a twist to be had.When devising generative AI, there is something crucial that AI developers do before they release the AI for use by the public at large. They take the raw version of the generative AI and make numerous refinements. The name for this is reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF). In essence, the AI maker opts to hire people to try out the AI and tell it what should be said and what should not be said.There is a good reason to do this. Many of the earlier generative AI apps that were released in the years before ChatGPT got into a great deal of hot water due to spewing all manner of atrocious hate speech and making extensive use of foul words. The backlash was quick and unabashed. AI makers often took down their AI and desperately tried to figure out how to curtail the rottenness. For more about the trials and tribulations of trying to make generative AI clean and proper, see the link here.The gist about angels is this.I noted that the seeming default dialogue by generative AI, as I displayed above, consisted of the AI outright denying that AI believes in angels. Aha, that was after the AI maker had long ago done their RLHF on the AI. We arent witnessing the unfettered AI. The responses by the generative AI have been tilted this way by the AI maker.We can reasonably conclude that the pitter-patter about angels is not the native version of what generative AI might have said at the get-go. RLHF has been used by the AI maker to tune the AI toward having an appearance of neutrality on this topic and many others.Your boom-drop-the-mic moment is this:Keep in mind that the choice of wording is pre-shaped or directed by the AI maker. Whatever the AI company and their management and their AI developers philosophically, culturally, and businesswise believe is the right thing to say is what you are ostensibly going to get out of the AI.Boom, drop the mic.Lessons Beyond The AngelsMany people dont realize that the generative AI they are using has been shall we say skewed.Allow me to spend a worthy lesson-learned moment on this.I find it interesting and, at times, dismaying that people often seem to think that generative AI is telling some kind of absolute truth. Maybe this is a carryover from sci-fi films about AI. AI is portrayed as unable to tell a lie. Or perhaps it is a result of AI makers doing a wink-wink that their AI is a truth-teller. Lots of reasons play into this phenomenon.Critics assert that the AI makers have purposely censored the AI. Censorship is a mighty big accusation. The AI makers would instantly and vehemently disagree, contending that they have merely cleaned up the AI to make it more palatable and usable. There are seemingly two sides to that coin.Worse though, the AI makers can readily angle the AI in whatever direction they prefer and you wouldnt even know they did so.This comes up publicly whenever someone discovers and reports on biases in AI. The embedded biases could have been overtly shaped by the AI maker. Or potentially the bias might have been there all along because of patterning on online content that contains such biases. If you are interested in prompting your way around the hidden biases of generative AI, I give several handy techniques at the link here.The bottom line is that you should always, always, always scrutinize any responses by generative AI and never ever take for granted whatever AI spits out.Thinking About Angels Lets get back to the angels.The question was whether generative AI ought to believe in angels. Thats what led us down this bumpy path. It is a straightforward question that took us on quite an arduous journey.Where do you stand?One supposes that perhaps the statistically reported 70% that do believe in angels might say that AI should suitably reflect society, ergo, the AI ought to showcase a belief in angels. Does that seem reasonable? Sensible? Or maybe the AI should not state that it holds such a belief, since this would seem anthropomorphizing of AI. That's what most AI right now has been tuned to indicate.The mainstay insight is that the whole kit-and-kaboodle is presently in the hands of the AI makers. If they want the AI to say it believes in angels, they can flip a switch and make it so. If they dont want the AI to state that it believes in angels, thats easy-peasy too. You see, they act based on their own perception of AI ethics. Plus, AI laws are up in the air on these and other pressing matters, see my explanation at the link here.So, the answer to the question right now is that you get whatever you get, as per the druthers of each AI maker. The wild west prevails currently. Saying that AI ought to do something is sitting in the hands of humans. Time will tell what humans decide to have the AI say.Do realize that once AI hits sentience if that day arrives, all bets are off.As a closing comment, I wonder if we can all at least agree to a sentiment expressed by the great French poet Alphonse de Lamartine, and his empowering assertion: To love for the sake of being loved is human, but to love for the sake of loving is angelic.Thats an angel reference we can hopefully all support, no matter what. Well, I indubitably believe in those heartwarming and promising words.

Man with AirPod Pro 2Apple Inc.Imagine a commercial that doesnt just sell a product it touches your heart. Apples HeartstringsApple aired its Heartstrings ad on Thanksgiving Daya moment steeped in gratitude, togetherness, and family. The timing wasnt accidental. Apple has a long tradition of using the holiday season to creatively showcase its products, telling stories that inspire, connect, and remind us of what truly matters. Take, for example, Apples 2013 holiday ad, MisunderstoodSimilarly, with Heartstrings, Apple focuses on accessibility and inclusion while reinforcing the idea that technology should enhance life, relationships, and the moments that matter most moments no one should miss out on due to hearing loss.A Bold Solution to a Growing ProblemHearing loss is a silent epidemic. Millions suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, but stigma and outdated solutions keep many from seeking help.The MarkeTrak research on hearing loss, spanning years, consistently shows that financial challenges and a lack of perceived need are the top reasons people avoid hearing aids. Even when these barriers are addressed, stigma tied to age, appearance, or embarrassment remains a significant obstacle. Many people also struggle with knowing where to seek an evaluation, and those with severe hearing loss often face the most significant financial hurdles.Apples AirPods Pro 2 takes a radically different approach to these challenges. By embedding hearing health features into a sleek, everyday product, Apple eliminates the stigma often associated with traditional hearing aids. These arent hearing aidstheyre AirPods. That subtle shift in perception makes hearing support more accessible and desirable, normalizing care and changing how people think about hearing health. In doing so, Apple tackles the stigma and redefines how technology can bridge the gap between need and adoption.Read More: From Noise To Clarity: Empowering Your Hearing Health JourneyWhat Makes AirPods Pro 2 RevolutionaryApples design philosophy is simple: make technology that feels intuitive and essential. With the AirPods Pro 2, Apple delivers not just convenience but empowerment. Heres what sets them apart:Personalized Hearing Profiles: After a quick in-app hearing test, users receive a custom audio profile tailored to their unique needsHearing Protection Tools: Noise-level monitoring and noise exposure tracking help users proactively protect their hearing, thus promoting wellnessHealth App Integration: AirPods Pro 2 sync seamlessly with Apples Health app, which offers insights into how noise impacts users health. By connecting hearing to holistic wellness, Apple encourages proactive care.These features transform the AirPods Pro 2 from headphones into a personal hearing health device without ever feeling like one. It is just the beginning of the lifelong hearing journey.Storytelling That Strikes a ChordApples storytelling isnt about specsits about feelings. The Heartstrings campaign, focuses on family ties alone, it broadens the theme to highlight how accessibility allows everyone to engage in lifes moments fully. Picture a family gathering that deepens relationshipsfather to daughter and wife to husband. The wife, in her quiet observation, knows her husband struggles. He wont admit his hearing loss, perhaps out of pride, but she knows he can benefit from a product like AirPods Pro 2. She manages to get him to use them. As he slips them on, the chatter of his daughter transitions from muffled to clarity. His tear and deep sigh speak volumesa silent yet powerful acknowledgment of what he has been missing for so long.Precious moments like Heartstrings and Misunderstood are critical takeaways for business leaders: stories create emotional connections, and emotional connections create loyalty. Apple isnt selling features; its selling what those features mean for those who use them.Apple and Its Competitors: Unique Strengths and Audience AppealApples Heartstrings ad and AirPods Pro 2 stand out in a competitive landscape where major players like Microsoft, Google, and others have also developed impactful accessibility campaigns. Each company takes a distinct approach to inclusivity, appealing to different aspects of their audiences values and needs.Microsoft: Empowerment and Inclusivity in GamingMicrosoft has pioneered the creation of accessible technology for gamers with the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The We All Win campaign is a powerful testament to the companys commitment to inclusivity, highlighting how its innovations empower individuals with limited mobility to enjoy gaming fully. This message resonates deeply with an audience that values equal opportunities and representation in digital spaces. By focusing on gaming as a shared experience, Microsoft effectively connects with users who prioritize empowerment and community.Google: Strategic Tools for Inclusive MarketingGoogles All In toolkit is a groundbreaking initiative that provides businesses with the resources to create inclusive advertising campaigns. By offering practical tools and guidelines, Google appeals to marketers and brands seeking to make their messaging more inclusive and accessible. The toolkit reflects Googles strength in driving change through strategy and innovation, catering to professionals who value actionable resources to make an impact. This approach demonstrates Googles ability to bridge accessibility and industry leadership, appealing to business audiences and thought leaders alike.Sony Interactive Entertainment: Accessible World for GamersSony has been making strides in accessibility through innovations like screen readers and customizable controllers for its PlayStation ecosystem. These efforts are spotlighted in campaigns emphasizing immersive entertainment for all users, regardless of ability. By enhancing the gaming experience, Sony appeals to a tech-savvy audience that values cutting-edge innovation and personalization. Its efforts resonate with users seeking high-performance devices that prioritize inclusivity without compromising functionality.Apple: Emotional Accessibility and ConnectionApples strength lies in its ability to integrate accessibility features into aspirational, stylish, and universally desirable products. The Heartstrings campaign focuses on emotional accessibility, emphasizing moments of connection and the joy of shared experiences. By embedding advanced hearing features, like personalized hearing profiles and hearing protection, into a product that appeals to all users, Apple creates a deeply relatable message that resonates across generations. Its approach to accessibility as a human experience allows Apple to connect with audiences on an emotional level, making the AirPods Pro 2 a symbol of both innovation and inclusivity.Each companys approach highlights its unique strengths: Microsofts focus on empowerment, Googles strategic tools for change, Sonys immersive inclusivity, and Apples emotional connection. Together, these efforts reflect the diverse ways brands can embrace accessibility and resonate with their respective audiences.People are ListeningThe power of Apples AirPods Pro 2 lies in their ability to change how we feel about noise, sound, and hearing an incredibly complex and deeply personal challenge. Yet, Apple has managed to make this shift look effortless. By embedding hearing health into a stylish, everyday product, Apple is normalizing care and reducing stigma, making hearing support desirable and accessible. As of this articles publication, the Heartstrings campaign has already garnered over 4.3 million views on YouTube in just two days since its release. Thats not just hearing healthits a cultural conversation, and clearly, people are listening.

WTF?! Google has rolled out a new "feature" on its iPhone app that essentially injects its own links to websites. They are calling this "page annotations" which detects notable names, places, and things mentioned on a webpage (likely good targets for search queries with good ad performance), highlights them, and turns them into links that load up more info from Google when tapped. The idea, Google notes in its Web Search Forums, is to let users "quickly get additional context about people, places or things without leaving the site they're on."When you tap one of the annotated terms, it opens an overlay window on top of the website showing a Google knowledge panel with more details pulled from the search engine's database. On the surface, it sounds like a handy way to get quick context while browsing. But there are those concerned about Google injecting its own links and content over the top of their websites.It's not quite as egregious as some of the other anti-competitive practices Google has been accused of, but it's another example of the search giant's dominance over the web.To be fair (but not really), Google is allowing website owners to "opt out" of the feature by filling out a form, though it notes that opt-outs can take up to 30 days to go into effect.The move comes at a sensitive time for Google, which is facing intensifying antitrust scrutiny and calls to have its search monopoly reined in. Just recently, the US Department of Justice suggested forcing it to sell off Chrome as a potential remedy for its allegedly anti-competitive behavior.It's worth mentioning that in its initial description of this Google app feature, they vaguely state that clicking the annotated links directs users to its own search results page for that entity. However, it later clarified to Search Engine Roundtable that the annotations actually open an "app tray" overlay on the same third-party webpage without navigating the user away from the original site. If the user wants to return to the third-party content, they can simply close the app tray overlay. // Related StoriesThe underpinning technology behind Page Annotations seems similar to a new ad format Google launched earlier this year that turns webpage text into sponsored links leading to Google searches.

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Two of the biggest gripes I have with my familys new Meta Quest 3S if you can really call them that can be solved in one go, with a pretty useful accessory. First, the stock head strap is uncomfortable and I wish the battery life were just a little better. Well, KIWI Design has a Meta Quest 3 and 3S accessory that fixes both of those quirks. The K4 Boost comfort strap also includes a built-in battery that adds an extra 2.5 hours of playtime. Its more comfortable to wear, too. But heres the best part: Its only $40 in a Black Friday deal. Normally $70, that saves you $30. And dont fret if you think you missed out on the best Black Friday deals, many of them are still available to shop, like this one.KIWI DesignThe KIWI Design K4 Boost is both a comfort-oriented strap and a battery life extender thanks to a built-in battery. You get an extra 2.5 to 3 hours of wireless playtime while its charged. Moreover, it supports dual fast charging so both the battery and the Quest unit charge with minimal delays.One of the more useful features of this headstrap is the adjustment system. You can easily take the Meta Quest 3 or 3S off, readjust the strap, and put it back on. That also goes for swapping players, which can be a tad frustrating when youre using the stock strap. Thats because on the KIWI straps you use a rear-mounted dial thats as simple as twisting a knob. You put the headset on, twist the knob to tighten the strap and thats it. Its super simple and youll be amazed at how fast and how well it works. I was too.RelatedYou dont have to worry about the strap adding too much weight to the whole setup either. Even with the battery, its relatively light at 0.8 pounds. That still gives you plenty of maneuverability while wearing the headset. Anything that would bog down the set and your head would make moving around more difficult. Thats certainly not the case here. Plus, a little added weight is a decent trade-off for more playtime. Ive noticed during use that my family burns through the battery pretty fast, especially while playing some Beat Saber.While this was a Black Friday deal, the event is over and the discount is holding strong. The price of the KIWI Design K4 Boost headset is now $40, normally $70. Thats a great offer on a fantastic Meta Quest 3 and 3s accessory.Editors Recommendations

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" This years Black Friday deals are far from over, even with the event behind us. For Apple fans who want to take advantage of the shopping event to buy a MacBook, theres an offer from Best Buy that you shouldnt miss. The 256GB model of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 is on sale with a $250 discount that slashes its price from $1,099 to $849, but probably not for long, as Black Friday MacBook deals will be gone soon. Youre going to have to be quick to add it to your cart, though, because this rare 22% discount wont last long.Our team is a big fan of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3. It currently holds the title as the very best MacBook you can buy in our rankings of the best MacBooks, and it all starts with the performance of Apples M3 chip. Combined with an eight-core CPU, an eight-core GPU, and 16GB of RAM, the Apple MacBook Air M3 will barely break a sweat when handling your daily activities even when youre multitasking between several apps.Another important thing about the Apple MacBook Air M3 is that its simply stunning, with a beautiful design thats just 0.44 inches thick and a gorgeous 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that supports 1 billion colors. The efficiency of the processor allows it to go fanless, so its completely quiet while youre using it, and its battery can last up to 18 hours from a full charge. The Apple MacBook Air M3 is also fitted with two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 5, a MagSafe 3 port for charging, and a headphone jack.RelatedFor Black Friday, Best Buy is selling the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 with a 256GB SSD for only $849, a savings of $250 on the laptops original price of $1,099. Its not a surprise that theres high demand for Black Friday Apple deals, and this offer wont be an exception. Theres a chance that this discount doesnt make it through the rest of the weekend, so if you want to buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 for less than $1,000, you should add it to your cart and proceed with the checkout process immediately.Editors Recommendations

Elon Musk is seeking an injunction against OpenAI to stop its transition to a for-profit entity.It's part of Musk's suit against Sam Altman, which says OpenAI engaged in anticompetitive behavior.The injunction would block OpenAI's for-profit transition and partnerships with Microsoft.Elon Musk is trying to get the court to stop OpenAI's transition to a for-profit entity, a new filing shows.In a motion filed Friday, Musk's lawyers asked Judge Yvonne Gonzalezfor-profit company.The request also arguesReid Hoffman, the cofounder of LinkedIn, previously served on the boards of OpenAI and Microsoft simultaneously. Musk's lawyerswrite thatHoffman's role in both companies,which they describe as "the Microsoft-OpenAI board interlocks,"resulted in information being wrongfully shared between the companies and monopolistic market practices. Musk's lawyers say the partnershipamounted to violations of antitrust law."It would be one thing if Microsoft were, once again, engaging in anticompetitive conduct, this time with OpenAI. It would be another if OpenAI, aided and abetted by Microsoft, were violating the terms of Musk's foundational contributions to theIf granted, the request for an injunction would stall OpenAI's for-profit transition and force the company to halt its partnerships with Microsoft.Lawyers forNo longer a nonprofitMusk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman were part of a group of Silicon Valley figures, including Hoffman and former PayPal CEO Peter Thiel, who cofounded or helped fund OpenAI in 2015 as a nonprofit. Musk invested between $45 and $50 million in the company,the Tesla CEO told CNBC last year and OpenAI says on its website, and served on its board of directors until his departure in 2018. In the years since, Musk and Altmanhave publicly feuded over OpenAI's direction, Musk's role in its success, and AI development more broadly.In September, OpenAI now worth more than $150 billion announced that it planned to restructure itself to a for-profit entity nearly a decade after its launch.The Friday filing argues that OpenAI's path from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity has been "replete with per se anticompetitive practices, flagrant breaches of its charitable mission, and rampant self-dealing.""Whatever leeway OpenAI might have been due under antitrust law as a purported charity it chose to forego when it subordinated itself to Microsoft for profit," the filing reads. "OpenAI must therefore play by the same rules as everyone else. It cannot lumber about the marketplace as a Frankenstein, stitched together from whichever corporate forms serve the pecuniary interests of Microsoft and Altman at any given moment."The filing is the latest in the ongoing legal saga between Musk and Altman that has escalated this year.suit against Altman and other OpenAI executives in March before withdrawing it in June. He re-filed a new version of the suit in August, arguing"deceived" into cofounding the company. Earlier this month, Musk's lawyers added Microsoft and Hoffman as defendants.Hoffman, in August, described Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI as a case of "sour grapes."A spokesperson for OpenAI told Business Insider the latest filing in the case, "which again recycles the same baseless complaints, continues to be utterly without merit."

Virtual reality is closer than ever to becoming a mainstream experience and the Apple Vision Pro is a prime example of this technological leap. However, with a starting price of $3,500, it remains out of reach for most consumers. For PlayStation 5 owners, the PlayStation VR2 offers a fabulous immersive virtual reality experience at a fraction of the cost. This Black Friday, the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain bundle is available for just $349, down from its list price of $599, which makes it one of the top-sellers in the gaming category on Amazon in the past few days.See at AmazonOne of The Best Affordable VR HeadsetsThe PlayStation VR2 is a massive upgrade over its predecessor and leverages the power of the PS5 to deliver stunning graphics and an immersive experience. One of the most impressive features of the PSVR2 is its OLED display which boasts a resolution of 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye. This high-res display ensures that every single detail in your virtual environment is crisp and clear and enhances the overall realism of your gaming experience.The headset also supports HDR and offers a refresh rate of 90Hz to 120Hz for smooth visuals that are crucial for fast-paced gaming scenarios. With a field of view of approximately 110 degrees, players can enjoy a wide perspective that draws them deeper into their virtual worlds.In terms of tracking and immersion, the PlayStation VR2 is equipped with advanced technology that improves gameplay significantly. The headset features 4 integrated cameras that allow for inside-out tracking which means it can track your movements without needing external sensors. This system captures your position in real-time and makes your in-game actions feel natural and responsive. Eye-tracking technology enables foveated rendering which optimizes graphical performance and reduces detail in areas where you are not looking.The PSVR2 comes with new Sense controllers which are designed to provide an intuitive and engaging user experience. These controllers feature haptic feedback and adaptive triggers similar to those found in the DualSense controller for PS5. The ergonomic design grants comfort during extended gaming sessions while providing precise tracking capabilities that enhance interaction within virtual environments. The controllers also include finger touch detection technology for more natural gestures and movements as you interact with the game world.Included in this bundle is Horizon Call of The Mountain, there is an exclusive title that showcases the capabilities of the PSVR2. This game immerses players in a breathtaking world filled with stunning landscapes and thrilling challenges. As you navigate through this expansive environment, youll encounter various creatures and obstacles that require skillful maneuvering and strategic thinking.See at Amazon

The last decade ofStar Warshell, even the last half-decadehas been an eventful one. It may be 12 years since Disney first bought Lucasfilm, but were still feeling the aftershock of that acquisition in different ways. And it all started with Thanksgiving weekend and the first-ever reveal of Star Wars: The Force Awakens to the general public. Disney releasedForce Awakensoriginal trailer on November 28, 2014, initially across select theaters in the US and Canada, and then expanded its reach that December. At 88 seconds long, it was the textbook definition of a teaser, with glimpses of its main characters heading somewhere we werent exactly privvy to contrasted by stretches of black screen. Is that a ball droid, whos the Stormtrooper, is that Andy Serkis, why the heck is there a crossguard lightsaber? These were all questions that rushed to the forefront of social media, followed shortly by: what is this about? While the 2008 Clone Wars movie was the last actual Star Warsfeature to hit theaters, there hadnt been a live-action film since 2005. In general, the entire franchise was in a weird spot at the time: Star WarsRebels first season had just gone on holiday break, the Expanded Universe got declared non-canon months earlier, and itd been a year since the Star Wars 1313game was cancelled. This trailer was the launch point of a massive fresh start for everyone, and it paid off big time. A week after launch, it had 58.2 million views, and outlets commended it for evoking the feel of the original trilogies. Luke, Leia, and Han were nowhere to be seen, but the brief visuals and John Williams score did their job in making you think of what Star Warshad been at its best, and that it could fall in that same territory. Say what you want about Disneys ownership of Star Wars,the studio knows how to promote it. This was true then with Force Awakens,and its become even more true a decade later as its snatched up more properties and found more ways to promote them. When its got something on its hands that it has faith in, Disney will move heaven and earth to ensure you know it exists, whether you want to or not. This trailer did the trick; people fully realized it at the time, but they did ultimately miss Star Warsand what it brought to the table. Disney understood that, hence this and subequenttrailers doing their best to sell Awakens as the return of Star Wars first and a film second. Think back to how hard the marketing worked to sell the allure of new characters and worlds with the tease of continuing the stories of the original characters, bringing back the music, and the Chewie, were home thatll always feel like it was specifically written for applause in theaters. All trailers are events unto themselves, particularly when it comes to movies and video games. Things have only become bigger and bigger over the years, and nowadays, trailers are treated more like the second coming, much of which you can put onForce Awakens first teaser. Can they still do that now? Ask us again in about, hrmthree-to-five years? Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Splash Lab LA Showroom / McLaren ExcellSave this picture! Jason RuegerShowroom, Retail InteriorsLos Angeles, United StatesArchitects: McLaren ExcellAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:250 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2019 PhotographsPhotographs:Jason RuegerManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: The Splash Lab, Bentley Systems, Mash Industries, Menu Space, S.Anselmo, Sanitaryware, SunbeamMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The outline scope of the brief was to create The Splash Labs US flagship showroom within a 1930s factory unit. The Splash Lab wanted to create something unique that resonated with their passion for design, experience, and exploration. They were, however, open-minded as to how this intent might be communicated as a work of architecture.Save this picture!Space needed to showcase The Splash Labs products, but it was equally important to create a space that echoed with the brands principals emphasis on high quality and inventive design, the importance of materiality, and how these can positively contribute to the consumer experience and enhance the brand value. This would be achieved by developing an environment where the architectural intervention and the tactile qualities of The Splash Labs products coexist in harmony, celebrating the coming together of products, materials, and architecture, where the presence of each reinforces the other. We wanted to deviate from the typical showroom format; the display areas needed to feel integral to the architecture of the space and not afterthoughts within an independently conceived envelope.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The various functions of the showroom are identifiable through a subtle hierarchy of positioning, materiality, and product, resulting in a clear understanding of the showroom and what it offers. We introduced a series of monumental insertions that would create an evocative user experience, whilst establishing a clear spatial hierarchy to the unit. The design needed to have enough tactility to achieve the weight and presence necessary to establish this identity but without competing with the existing building fabric.Save this picture!There existed a visual disconnect between the entrance area and the main gallery due to the amended layout of the building - the visual axis had been broken. Re-establishing this axis became a key consideration in developing the concept of the space. We felt strongly that the axis should result in a moment of revelation, the start of a journey through the space and the returning point of orientation. The four monumental interventions establish six distinct areas, each separated by a large archway.Save this picture!The entrance portal arch marks the start of the journey and is the transition from the entrance area into the gallery. It is positioned to obscure the visual axis until the moment of entering the gallery. The archways align themselves along the axis and suggest a theme of spirituality and ritual cleansing. Much like a church or cathedral, the interventions establish a simple structuring of space. To continue the analogy, from the narthex you enter a central nave which is flanked by two side aisles.Save this picture!There is a transept with a sculptural steel table as the central altar, which is intended to encourage participation through interactive displays and formal seminars. A triple-arched apse provides the axial focal point and marks the end of the journey, while a screen divides the public areas of showroom worship from the private area of the staff choir or, in this instance, meeting rooms helping to establish a clear threshold between public and private spaces.Save this picture!This simple and timeless format provides the setting for showcasing The Splash Lab. The muted palette of materials has been selected with the intention of allowing the user to better appreciate the qualities of light, proportion, and surface while allowing The Splash Lab products to take centre stage. Exploration of the tectonic relationships between materials, and experimenting with surface textures became an important focus of our material approach.Save this picture!To enhance the monumental appearance of the insertions we opted for a Danish format brick stack bonded with a German Ziegal Geschlammt mortar application - meaning covered or heavy coverage. This process blurs the unit rhythm of the bricks to create a monolithic surface. A concrete plinth allows the brick structures to appear grounded gives the sense that they have always been founded on the existing concrete floor, and there is enjoyment in the relationship between rough (permanent) brickwork of the structure and the smooth (temporary) plaster of the display backdrops.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Los Angeles, California, United StatesLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMcLaren ExcellOfficePublished on November 30, 2024Cite: "Splash Lab LA Showroom / McLaren Excell" 30 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/946264/splash-lab-la-showroom-mclaren-excell&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save? / McLaren ExcellYou'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