Sony forms business alliance with Elden Ring firm but doesnt buy all of itMichael BeckwithPublished December 19, 2024 11:24amUpdated December 19, 2024 11:24am Looks like Elden Ring is staying multiplatform after all (FromSoftware)A team-up between Sony and Kadokawa seems more focused on accelerating movie and TV adaptations than making Elden Ring a PlayStation exclusive.Last month, it was reported that Sony was gearing up for a potentially massive acquisition, of Elden Ring developer FromSoftware and its parent company Kadokawa Corporation.Kadokawa itself later confirmed Sony had expressed interest in acquiring further shares in the company. This, of course, reignited debates about monopolies and further consolidation of the industry, especially since Sony would be getting more than just one game developer.Sony and Kadokawa have now confirmed theyve reached an agreement, and the result isnt as dramatic as some feared but will see the two collaborating far more closely on multimedia initiatives, like film and television.Ultimately, Sony isnt buying out Kadokawa in its entirety, so dont expect any future Elden Ring sequels or spin-offs to suddenly go PlayStation-only.However, Sony is buying more shares in Kadokawa; 12,054,100 of them to be exact. This is set to cost Sony approximately 50 billion yen, which is about 252 million.Sony originally only had a 1.93% stake in Kadokawa, but these additional shares will bump that stake up to 10%. That will make the PlayStation company Kadokawas largest shareholder, according to a joint statement from both companies, giving them more influence than anyone else over the companys future.The pair are calling this a strategic capital and business alliance agreement, with the goal being to maximise both companies IP value globally and facilitate wider and deeper collaboration. Other Kadokawa properties include visual novel series Danganronpa (Spike Chunsoft)While this does make it easier for Sony to negotiate more FromSoftware exclusives (like Bloodborne and the original Demons Souls) their primary interest in the deal seems to be in assisting Kadokawa with adapting its franchises into film and/or TV. So, expect any Elden Ring movie or anime spin-off to be a Sony production.The companies exact words are, In the future, the two companies plan to discuss specific initiatives for collaboration, such as initiatives to adapt Kadokawas IP into live-action films and TV dramas globally, co-produce anime works, expand global distribution of Kadokawas anime works through the Sony Group, further expand publishing of Kadokawas games, and develop human resources to promote and expand virtual production.As a reminder, Kadokawa also owns a number of businesses throughout the entertainment sector, including not just video game companies, but anime studios,andpublishers for manga and light novels.More TrendingIn fact, it was speculated Sonys interest in Kadokawa was primarily to gain more control of the anime business. A Bloomberg report from November claimed Kadokawa wanted a full takeover from Sony, but the latter only wanted to extract their anime and gaming related assets.This lines up with Sonys statement that it has no plans to buy further shares in Kadokawa, although it could always change its mind later down the line.While the exact implications of the partnership remain unclear it does now make it impossible for Microsoft, or any other PlayStation rival, to acquire FromSoftware, which is likely to have also been a motivation although not one Sony would admit in public.Its speculated that they acquired Bungie for similar reasons, which is somewhat borne out by their rough treatment of the studio since then. Theres already an Elden Ring manga, so a movie or anime isnt too unreasonable (Kadokawa)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

ReturningDoctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies might have pioneered modernDoctor Who holiday specialsChristmassy monsters, high spectacle, an occasional amount of Kylie Minoguebut its arguable that it was his successor, Steven Moffat, that really nailed the balancing act of what a good Doctor Who Christmas story should be. The answer, paradoxically, is not really a great sci-fi story all that muchor at least, thats not as important as a swath of earnest, almost cloying sentimentality about the romance of the season. This years offering, Moffats first Christmas script since 2017s Twelfth Doctor send off Twice Upon a Time, mostly succeeds in that balancing act with an interestingly time-twisting Doctor Who adventure festooned with festive charmone that really leans on the latter to help make up for a few missteps in the former. Joy to the World, airing next week on Christmas Day, has a few parallels to Ncuti Gatwas full-fledged debut as the 15th Doctor in last years holiday episode, The Church on Ruby Road, in so much that it relies on an array of charming performances to try and mask when its story doesnt quite cohesively come together. It trades the fantastical bent of creepy baby-snatching goblins for more traditional sci-fi aesthetics as the Doctor shacks up in a futuristic Time Hotel for the holidays, offering temporal gateways to Christmases across human history. It also leans heavy on that seasonal aesthetic too, with plenty of snow, tinsel, and trees, feeling much more of the season rather than simply being any old episode that happens to air near the end of December. BBC/Disney Intrigued by the mystery of a strange suitcase that seems to be fatally swapping between hosts at the hotel, it is in this festively timey-wimey scenarioand via the Time Hotels aforementioned gatewaysthat the Doctor crosses paths with the lonely Joy (Nicola Coughlan), as she checks into a run-down hotel in London during Christmas 2024. The mystery of why Joy becomes so important to the Doctors latest adventure is actually put aside for a good chunk of Joy to the World as it takes a sideways step into exploring the ramifications of the Time Hotels gateways, and the temporal paradoxes that come with them. Its all perfectly Moffat-y, a blend of laughs, time-twisting story telling, and the almost mandatory melancholy that comes with his best outings as a writer, as the Doctor finds himself thrust into the life of another lonely woman along the way (Steph de Whalleys Anita, perhaps secretly the breakout star of Joy to the World). Its a killer Doctor Who story idea, one that also deftly touches on the Doctors own loneliness after parting ways with Ruby. It just so happens to be appropriately seasonally stuffed inside another Doctor Who episode that is well, not quite given the time to breathe into something as interesting. Joy to the World makes up for those structural shortcomings with Joys storyline by really allowing that element of the episode to be where it goes all out on the sentimentality of the festive season, with a climactic narrative high on heart-tugging emotional drama to make up for the fact that its playing a bit fast and loose with the logistical underpinnings, especially contrasted with the plot-within-a-plot the first half of the episode of is devoted to. For the most part it works, thanks to stellar performances from Gatwa and Coughlan, and will particularly strike a bittersweet chord for people going through Christmas without loved ones. But if you find yourself particularly immune to Doctor Whos sentimental charm offensives at this time of year, you might find the culmination of it all a little wantingand wondering just how the episode might have been if it stayed with that initial plot-within-a-plot as its main idea. BBC/Disney But even if you dont find yourself resonating with the emotion of it all, theres still at the very least a good chunk ofgreatDoctor Who to be found in Joy to the World, even if its not the ultimate focus of the episode. Theres enough here to satisfy either anyone looking for a great Doctor Who idea, or someone who just wants something big and Christmassy to swell their heart with seasonal spirit as they sit down with over the festive periodand at this point in Doctor Whos long history of holiday specials, that we can still get stories that manage to balance both is a welcome little gift under our collective trees. Doctor Who returns to Disney+ around the world and on the BBC in the UK and Ireland on Christmas Day, December 25. 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.

Its not every day that an actor in a successful live action anime project gets to sit down and interview its creator in their native tongue, but Netflixs One Piece star Iaki Godoy did just that ahead of the shows second season. In a recent video from Netflixs Still Watching YouTube Channel, Monkey D. Luffy actor Godoy sat down with Eiichiro Oda on the set of One Pieces Cape Town location in South Africa to discuss what lies ahead on the Grand Line in season two, and how Luffy became a beloved character. I got to see some actual filming, and especially the props, massive sets, special effects, the making of the wigs and costumes, the stunts, Oda said. I saw so many things and was truly touched by everyones dedication. When Godoy giddily asked Oda if he thought the acting was good, Oda responded in kind saying, It was. Naturally, Godoy exploded in infectious giggles, making Oda chuckle in return. Godoys subsequent question, posed in remarkably fluent Japanese despite only beginning to learn the language in January, inquired of Oda why he made the events in season two so challenging to adapt, given that the Straw Hats first season was already an immense undertaking. Another question, mind you, that made Oda chuckle when Godoy remarked on how huge and crazy their adventure was before making it to the Grand Line. Its tough. Im very tired, Godoy said.In that universe, the Grand Line is the harshest of the seas. We need to shock audiences. Thats why there are giants, and, of course, lots of bounty hunters, Oda replied, teasing the adventures that lie in wait in the upcoming season. This needs to be a season full of new, surprising elements. Thats why its more challenging. Godoys final question asked Oda how he came up with Luffy and made him such a depth-filled and endearing character, despite seeming like a simple fellow upon first blush.Luffy is an ideal child for me. When you become an adult and join a company, you cant always do what you want. Entering society often means losing freedom. Luffy has a childs heart, so he does whatever he wants, Oda said. That aspect is probably, for adults already toiling in society, and to children about to enter society, what makes Luffy so appealing. Oda wasnt remiss in throwing a compliment Godoys way congratulating him on bringing Luffy to life and energizing audiences worldwide. The two then share a loving embrace. Its very sweet. Netflix Alongside Godoy, returning cast members on the voyage of Netflixs One Piece live-action series include Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, Taz Skylar as Sanji, Ilia Isorelys Paulino as Alvida, Jeff Ward as Buggy, and Michael Dorman as Gold Roger. One Pieces second season will also see a crop of new faces from the anime make the jump to live action. Key among the new faces along the journey (and the actors who will be bringing them to life) are: Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday (Nefertari Vivi) Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0 (Crocodile) Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha Lera Abova as Miss All Sunday (Nico Robin) Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra Brendan Sean Murray as Brogy Callum Kerr as Smoker Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5 Clive Russell as Crocus Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9 David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3 Jazzara Jaslyn as Miss Valentine Julia Rehwald as Tashigi Rob Colletti as Wapol Ty Keogh as Dalton Werner Coetser as Dorry Maintaining their usual secrecy, Netflix and Tomorrow Studios have not yet disclosed the actor who will bring the Straw Hat pirates doctor, Tony Tony Chopper, to live. All weve seen of the hard working reindeer is a shot of him from behind, confirmingto some fans dismaythat he wont be a muppet but a little CGI dude. Hopefully the next One Piece sit-down (or teaser trailer) will show off Chopper in all of his cute glory. Netflix In io9s review of season one, we lauded the Netflix show for not requiring viewers to have invested in the anime to appreciate it, writing, The show was clean. It was slick. Everything fit together, and at the end of the season, despite Luffy yelling again, I wanted a second season. In tandem with a second live-action season, Netflix also has plans in motion for a remake of the anime, titled The One Piece, animated by WIT Studio. In short, nows as good a time as any to get into One Piecebe it through the manga, live action show, the ongoing anime, or its upcoming remake. 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.

pCloud is famous for its all-aroundness. Its fast and secure but also easy to use and privacy-focused. This Holiday season, pCloud has dropped its prices massively, letting you save up to 60%. To be frank, this is the cheapest pCloud offer weve seen in years!If youre seeking highly secure storage that wont compromise on transfer speed at an approachable price, pay attention to these pCloud limited-time deals.View at pCloudUp to 55% Off on pCloud Lifetime StoragepCloud is all about securing your files for a lifetime, so you wont have to pay each month or year. Instead, the Holiday sale focuses on these two plans:Family 2 TB at $399, 55% offFamily 10 TB at $1,049, 53% offBoth plans are titled Family because theyre suited to FIVE users. Moreover, both plans allow you to allocate a specific amount of storage to each family member for added convenience.pClouds Family plans are backed by features like:Secure file sharingAutomatic syncing and backupsThorough file managementTLS/SSL file encryptionApps for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOSTo claim pClouds 55% off deal, simply use one of the buttons in this article, sign up, and set up pCloud on your devices. We strongly recommend the 10 TB option because of its MASSIVE price drop.Outside this time-limited deal, pClouds 10 TB plan is much closer to $2,000. Now, its only about $1,050, making it the most affordable cloud storage for a lifetime.60% Off on pCloud Lifetime 3-in-1 Family BundleIf you need more than storage, pCloud has this 3-in-1 bundle that consists of:5 TB of cloud storageEncryptionPass FamilyEssentially, youre getting 5 TB of storage with zero-knowledge encryption and a password manager. Like before, pCloud allows the plan to be enjoyed by 5 users.However, the bundle is 60% off and costs only $799 a one-time payment.Beware that this bundle isnt pClouds standard plan, so it wont be there forever. The end of the Holiday season will mark the termination of both offers and return to normal.Get pCloud 3-in-1 Family Bundle At 60% OffpCloud Is Risk-Free: Try It Out NowWith the three discounted plans, pCloud has positioned itself highly on the totem pole.Compared to its rivals, this company went out of its way to honor us with Lifetime deals that dont cost a fortune. Best of all, pCloud is risk-free and offers a 14-day refund policy.You can test its premium version, see how you like it, and be refunded if need be.Alternatively, pCloud offers the best free cloud storage with up to 10 GB of space. Being fast, reliable, and still impressively secure, this one wont disappoint you either.Still here? Dont be too hesitant; the clock is ticking. Board the hype train.

The Mori House / SHED Architecture & DesignSave this picture! Rafael SoldiHouses, RenovationPortland, United StatesArchitects: SHED Architecture & DesignAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:3715 ftPhotographsPhotographs:Rafael Soldi, SHED Architecture & DesignManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Gaggenau, Louis Poulsen, Lutron, Allwood, Ann Sacks, BM, BUILD, Benjamin Moore, Big Branch Woodworking, Bosch, Brendan Ravenhill, Brizo, DWR, Emtek, Eric Pfeiffer, Graff, Intrepid Marble and Granite, Jonas work room, Kohler, Kolbe, +7 More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Originally designed by prominent Pacific Northwest architect Saul Zaik, this 1963 mid-century modern house is remodeled for a young, minimalist family.Save this picture!SITEThe Mori House sits on a gently sloped, forested site off a quiet road in the west end of Portland, Oregon. It has a detached garage/studio structure and elevated decks for entry and connection to a detached tea house pavilion.Save this picture!PROGRAMSaul Zaik originally designed the house for his friend and next-door neighbor, interior designer Howard Hermanson. The new owners, a young couple with design ambition and knowledge of Saul Zaik, are drawn to an "East meets PNW" modernist minimalism with clean lines, clear alignments, and natural materials. Design goals for the project were to maximize natural light and views of the forest and sky, reconfigure the existing spiral stair vertical circulation, create clear separation to private program areas, and increase the usability of outdoor decks.Save this picture!The resulting program comprises the living/dining/kitchen and primary suite on the main level and three flexible bedrooms, a bathroom, a hangout space, a wine cellar, and laundry on the lower walkout level.Save this picture!DESIGNOn the main floor, the entry is retained but the experience is dramatically altered. By removing an existing loft and spiral staircase, the design unveils a soaring, nail-laminated wood roof that extends to a central skylight. This skylight floods the newly arranged spaces with forest-filtered light, clarifying the structural and spatial layout. Key features include a new switchback stair on the southwest side of the house, a primary suite that runs northeast-northwest on the north side of the house, and open living, dining, and kitchen spaces that run southeast-southwest on the south side of the house. In place of the spiral stair sits an entry closet and powder room that borrow light from the skylight above.Save this picture!The kitchen features a horizontal window above the cooktop, offering views of mature rhododendrons. It opens into a dining nook featuring a custom fir bench in front of floor-to-ceiling glass. A new glass door and a picture window above the sink provide direct access to the existing deck and teahouse pavilion. In the living room, a relocated fireplace flips the primary seating towards the south and views of the forest and, on clear days, Mount Saint Helens. The former fireplace area now houses a built-in bar and tech closet.Save this picture!Save this picture!Separated by the central space under the skylight, the primary suite introduces fir slats above the door to allow light into the hall and bathroom. This suite transforms an existing bedroom and bathroom into a spacious primary bathroom with an adjacent walk-in closet. The primary bathroom features a Japanese soaking tub, a thoughtfully detailed vanity, custom medicine cabinets with integrated LED lighting, and transom windows to borrow light from the skylight.Save this picture!A datum of wood slates defines the new switchback stair and creates a stair volume that features filtered light from the large skylight. All upper-level rooms have some connection to the skylight, both visually and for access to light. The stair descends to a hangout space with floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking the forest. The lower level includes three private, flexible spaces suitable for bedrooms, home offices, or workout rooms, along with a new bath and a wine cellar tucked beneath the stairs.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on December 19, 2024Cite: "The Mori House / SHED Architecture & Design" 19 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024778/the-mori-house-shed-architecture-and-design&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Mecos House / DNSJ.arqSave this picture! Fernando Guerra | FG+SGHousesSesimbra (Castelo), PortugalArchitects: DNSJ.arqAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:272 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2018 ManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: GRAPHISOFT, Duravit, CIFIAL, CIN, Oli, Sanitana, Velux, https://cin.com/deco/pt/en/ Lead Architect: DNSJ.arq / Nuno Simes More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Situated on an almost flat rectangular plot of land, the plot is oriented in a Northeast/Southwest direction culminating in a pine forest. We designed Mecos house from the regeneration of a pre-existing house, with the idea of giving it a new character, rebuilding it with another quality. The main feature of the house is the relationship with the outside, being rebuilt in a single floor and endowed with a transparent faade that creates a panorama over the pine forest to the southwest from a large glazed area.Save this picture!In contrast to the frontage of the faade are two volumes: the agricultural support with its porch, and the tank, both in exposed concrete. One can notice the horizontality of the proposed volumes in counterpoint to the verticality of the maritime pines.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The house has a rectangular shape and extends to the northeast side in a porch that gradually decreases in size. This porch contains several differentiated and open areas, such as a sheltered stay, a vehicle shelter, and a storage space.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The interior layout of the house privileges the social spaces, living room and kitchen, over the two proposed bedrooms. These spaces are used a lot to promote social occasions to divulge organic agriculture, from its culture to its confection. There is a strong connection between house and the land, so from any point of the house there is always the possibility of access to the outside. On the other hand, the house is self-sufficient; on a large terrace, there are the solar energy devices, and an open space dedicated to the car shelter and storage space.Save this picture!We place the new buildings following the directions of the pre-existing constructions, as well as the presence of the maritime pines, with the intention of harmonizing the project to the whole. More than highlighting the house and the agricultural annex, the intention is to dilute their presence into the environment. Both the proposed materiality, as well as its simplicity and formal robustness, aim to emphasize the relationship between a property of agricultural production, inserted in a pine forest of maritime pines, and the buildings that are located on it.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeDNSJ.arqOfficeMaterialConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on December 19, 2024Cite: "Mecos House / DNSJ.arq" [Casa no Meco / DNSJ.arq] 19 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023490/mecos-house-dnsrq&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Provence Showroom / Studio Vincent EschalierSave this picture! Jean-Pierre VaillancourtShowroomParis, FranceArchitects: Studio Vincent EschalierPhotographsPhotographs:Jean-Pierre VaillancourtMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Studio Vincent Eschalier designed the Paris showrooms and offices for Bestseller, a major player in the fashion industry. A domestic language was chosen as the project's guiding principle: rounded shapes, veils, soft lighting, and furniture To highlight the clothes and complete the space's identity, MVE-Collection the studio's design branch designed a custom line of clothing racks. Raw, precious; raw, precious As visitors move from room to room, they experience different atmospheres, all connected by the same common thread: the client's identity, halfway between Denmark and France, clean lines and the warmth of wood. Setting aside all specifications, Vincent Eschalier engaged in in-depth discussions with the client to determine the guidelines for a truly bespoke space. "Ou job is to translate the words and images of our clients into projects, drawings, and materials", says the Studio's founder.Save this picture!It's the material itself that provides a great deal of character to this office-showroom space. The Haussmann building, rich in history, has retained its structural elements and enhanced them. Load-bearing walls in century-old brick and stone, as well as wood, have been combined with softer, rounded sections, and a domestic language deployed across the entire surface of the project. Openings are left visible to emphasize the building's transparency, curtains diffuse natural light from the windows, and lighting fixtures are subdued. The building was divided into numerous small spaces, and demolition of the historic partition walls was not allowed. The Studio thus carried out a major opening-up project to invite in space and light. Intermediate partitions were eliminated. Mirrored ceilings in the circulation areas on the upper floors further enhance the feeling of space. As a result, the building has been made virtually walk-through: the courtyard is visible from the street. The facade has been renovated and enhanced, thanks to the openings. Sheet metal, with its raw appearance, is one of the central elements. The reception area opens onto a living space designed as a lounge, a place to meet, work and relax. Furnished with sofas and sophisticated furniture, it offers warm and familiar comfort. The workspaces feature dynamic offices designed by MVMT. Beneath the restored historic stone arches, the basement is a warm, noble space, with wood paneling and a staircase in curved aluminum sheeting.Save this picture!The Studio had the opportunity to indulge in an exercise in technique: its elements are concealed in volumes, spaces, thicknesses, and sometimes even double as partitions. The project becomes completes thanks to the line of bespoke clothing racks, a true element of identity, designed by MVE-Collection as an extension of the architectural project. The result is two collections of custom-made clothing racks, named Line and Trestle: one made from a single bar of curved brushed steel; the other, more radical, in brushed steel plank topped with a varnished oak bar. Between tradition and risk-taking, the Vincent Eschalier architecture and design studio sculpts strong spaces, with raw language and meticulous detail. Founded in Paris in 2009, the studio stands out for the complexity and boldness of its creations. The multi-disciplinary team's work is guided as much by high standards as by the ambition to produce timeless creations. From the interior of a private jet to contemporary apartments and customized workspaces, not forgetting the creation of recycled aluminum door handles, Studio Vincent Eschalier's creations cross several disciplines, the main ones being architecture, interior architecture and design.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Paris, FranceLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on December 19, 2024Cite: "Provence Showroom / Studio Vincent Eschalier" 19 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024567/provence-showroom-studio-vincent-eschalier&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

In the ever-evolving world of technology, 2024 brought some exciting innovations alongside an alarming number of trends that expose the pitfalls of our current tech culture.From overhyped AI gimmicks to privacy erosion and unsustainable hardware practices, here are some of the worst tech trends of 2024 that have frustrated consumers and industry leaders and are unlikely to abate next year.1. Proliferation of Useless AI ToolsGenerative AI dominated 2023, but by 2024, the trend spiraled into absurdity. Countless companies have rolled out AI-powered tools that address non-existent problems or create entirely new ones.AI now generates everything from poorly edited videos and unintelligible blog posts to automatically written emails that require human intervention to fix. Tools that claim to offer productivity boosts often result in inefficiencies because of their flawed outputs.The flood of low-quality AI products has undermined trust in genuinely helpful AI innovations. Small businesses and consumers alike are overwhelmed by tools with overblown marketing promises.Many of these deficient AI solutions add another layer of automation without offering real value. This overproduction has created noise, making distinguishing truly transformative tools from mere gimmicks harder.2. Decline of Digital PrivacyFormer Oracle CEO Larry Ellison once famously said, Privacy is Dead. However, privacy has been resurrected and killed more times than a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a Jurassic Park sequel.Digital privacy continues to erode in 2024 as big tech companies push the boundaries of data collection under the guise of personalization. This year, the rise of AI-driven surveillance tools has become particularly concerning. Facial recognition is now integrated into everything from retail stores to public transportation systems without sufficient regulation or oversight.Hyper-targeted ads across platforms and connected technologies have reached a tipping point. New technologies scrape data from various devices at unprecedented levels, often without users consent or precise opt-out options. For instance, smart home devices have increasingly come under fire for tracking conversations and usage patterns far beyond their intended purpose.Perhaps most worrying is the resurgence of the were improving your experience excuse. Tech companies increasingly bypass GDPR-like protections by using convoluted terms of service agreements that make opting out prohibitively tricky. This unfortunate phenomenon sets a dangerous precedent for future interactions between consumers and technology.3. Tech Subscription FatigueMost tech users will identify with this trend. In 2024, the everything-as-a-service model has reached absurd new heights. From software to hardware, companies are turning more and more products into monthly subscriptions. Consumers are now paying subscriptions for products that were traditionally one-time purchases: car manufacturers charging for heated seats, printers requiring monthly fees to unlock ink usage, and even smart home locks demanding ongoing payments to access advanced features.The subscription model has become synonymous with monetizing basic functionality. What started with streaming platforms has now spread to nearly every product category. It has become overwhelming, financially unsustainable, and increasingly frustrating for many consumers. Companies risk alienating their customer base by prioritizing recurring revenue over user experience.4. Return of Vaporware and OverpromisesTech companies have revived a troubling trend of overhyping products that dont exist in usable forms. This year has been marked by grand promises of game-changing devices and services that either underdeliver or never materialize.One example is the push for AI PCs, where marketing campaigns tout devices with unmatched capabilities that remain largely theoretical. Similarly, augmented reality (AR) platforms have made headlines, yet most consumers still lack meaningful use cases beyond demo videos and niche applications.This trend mirrors the vaporware hype of the early 2000s, where buzzwords like digital transformation were attached to half-baked products. In 2024, buzzwords such as quantum-ready and AI-powered are increasingly slapped onto underdeveloped offerings to ride the tech wave, undermining consumer trust.While I am optimistic about the rise of PCs (both Windows and Mac, x86, Arm or Apple Silicon-based) with integrated AI technology at the silicon level, the jury is still out if mainstream consumers have drunk the AI Kool-Aid.5. E-Waste From Unnecessary UpgradesThe unsustainable tech upgrade cycle will worsen in 2025. Major hardware manufacturers continue to push minor annual refreshes of devices while retiring older models earlier than necessary. Smartphones, laptops, and wearables now seem designed for obsolescence, forcing users to replace functional devices far too soon. This approach has generated alarming levels of electronic waste. Consumers face limited repair options as companies lock down parts and restrict third-party fixes, leading to devices being thrown away rather than repaired. Additionally, the push for disposable devices contradicts the industrys public commitments to sustainability.In parallel, new hardware launches often emphasize gimmicky features, like foldable screens or AI-generated wallpapers, that offer little utility. Meanwhile, genuine performance improvements are increasingly incremental, leaving users questioning whether upgrades are worth the cost.6. Dystopian Applications of AI SurveillanceAI surveillance tools have seen rapid adoption, particularly in workplaces and schools. Employers increasingly turn to AI monitoring software to track productivity by analyzing keystrokes, screen activity, and facial expressions. This invasive approach erodes trust between employers and employees while normalizing intrusive surveillance practices.Similarly, schools have begun implementing AI tools to monitor students attention and behavior, often with flawed algorithms. These technologies reinforce punitive environments and disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. Critics argue that such systems prioritize control over genuine engagement or well-being.7. Social Medias Algorithmic DeclineSocial media algorithms in 2024 have become worse than ever, prioritizing engagement metrics over quality content. Platforms are flooded with clickbait, misinformation, and sensationalized posts designed to keep users scrolling endlessly. Genuine connection once the core promise of social media has been replaced by a relentless pursuit of ad revenue.Adding insult to injury, platforms have ramped up the push for paid verification and algorithmic boosts, forcing creators to pay for visibility. This pay-to-play model exacerbates inequality in content discovery, pushing smaller creators to the margins.Conclusion: A Call for Responsible InnovationWhile technology has the potential to improve lives, 2024 has brought forth trends that emphasize profit, surveillance, and short-term gains over long-term innovation and ethical considerations.From the glut of useless AI tools to worsening e-waste and dystopian surveillance practices, its clear that the tech industry needs a course correction.Consumers, regulators, and innovators alike must push for responsible, meaningful advancement since ignoring it will allow these trends to define the future of technology.

In this shader tutorial for Unreal and Unity, I show how to make a player icon from our circle and rectangle SDF nodes. Next week we're going to use this icon as the center of our circle-shaped sci-fi button.------------------------------------Subgraph/Material Function Index:Gradients LinearGradient - https://youtu.be/sZBzg-v9d04?si=QDiy1CsgW-mMVsUJ&amp ;amp;t=251 SampleGradient - https://youtu.be/rSn7lUWUN0E?si=WPlixz4L8prnV32G&amp ;amp;t=2223 Sphere Gradient - https://youtu.be/d3VNolKJ_bw?si=Z6uaqA92_sClqpv-&amp ;amp;t=85Helpers AntiAliasing - https://youtu.be/sZBzg-v9d04?si=yJwmNYRkhzW4JFiP&amp ;amp;t=761 AspectRatio - https://youtu.be/fDjEq30dwNM?si=5iScu5SYD9shcxkh&amp ;amp;t=1758 Gradient - https://youtu.be/rSn7lUWUN0E?si=bMv1Wk0DYGsHV2Ty&amp ;amp;t=2200 HistogramScan - https://youtu.be/nj7kKHr8QNM?si=-3Odzad3nCI_eNsm&amp ;amp;t=290 Mirror - https://youtu.be/jxr4YK_m8hc?si=WsT2TJjLEqPQbKsC&amp ;amp;t=835 Posterize - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfY0v4q2dtw&amp ;amp;t=1408 RoundedCorners - https://youtu.be/fDjEq30dwNM?si=Znv2wk6lcJDL1R2T&amp ;amp;t=1254Patterns Animated Cloud Pattern - https://youtu.be/qB8GKIWKOp4?si=Zz_sp2E1yR9JPVvJ&amp ;amp;t=1136 AnimatedSheen - https://youtu.be/jxr4YK_m8hc?si=OO1tL6VqiPE3kVo_&amp ;amp;t=70 Bars - https://youtu.be/rSn7lUWUN0E CircleSegments - https://youtu.be/CXY7RNwokPU?si=igwTDBogjSz4KwoM&amp ;amp;t=56 SquareTiles - https://youtu.be/ChaXcYB4xvQ?si=dye3PAsDSxVCe8Yo&amp ;amp;t=657SDFs Circle - https://youtu.be/GMQym0in8OY?si=X9tSSWsdCwoKvPKy&amp ;amp;t=316 Rectangle - https://youtu.be/fDjEq30dwNM?si=6pataNA5gQySVmQl&amp ;amp;t=89 Operators SDFUnite - https://youtu.be/R_5CTBgkfZ0?si=sy2t2ppeTviChNog&amp ;amp;t=114Time LinearTime - https://youtu.be/jxr4YK_m8hc?si=P80Q0RBWMcmiKRG6 SineTime - https://youtu.be/R_5CTBgkfZ0?si=m6nMyzw7Pb76hPnq&amp ;amp;t=1420UV GridTiles - https://youtu.be/ChaXcYB4xvQ?si=NO-_A1AL92GrWCs2&amp ;amp;t=121 Move - https://youtu.be/R_5CTBgkfZ0?si=5aMYA2ocVdqHzdQj&amp ;amp;t=1010 Perspective - https://youtu.be/rSn7lUWUN0E Polar Coordinates - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfY0v4q2dtw&amp ;amp;t=1011 Scale - https://youtu.be/6UYqtdRoKQ4?si=eVy6RFwycKjYaH4r&amp ;amp;t=602 Tilt - https://youtu.be/jxr4YK_m8hc?si=RyE0GLt0BzDH0w6q&amp ;amp;t=207Here's last week's video on how to add bubbles to the fantasy health meter:https://youtu.be/eXJYkjPfbmk Here's the playlist for the whole series:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL78XDi0TS4lF5ASo3vpUFKenMkhMVeZ5y Shader Book Recommendationshttps://www.bencloward.com/resources_books.shtml ------------------------------Theme MusicPeace in the Circuitry - Glitch Hophttp://teknoaxe.com/Link_Code_3.php?q=1526 Background MusicSpeo - The Little Thingshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvCYuyyLgC0 #UnrealEngine #shadergraph #Unity

Sci-fi tower scene modeled using the Random Flow addon in Blender.Shops:blendermarket.com/creators/blenderguppygumroad.com/blenderguppyPatreon:patreon.com/blenderguppy#shorts #b3d #blender3d #3d #3dmodeling #blendermarket #conceptartist #3dmodel #blenderaddon #3dmodel