Space Marine 2 on PS5 Pro: a much-needed image quality and performance upgradePlus: the base PS5 game patched with improved frame-rates.Image credit: Focus Entertainment Face-off by Thomas Morgan Senior Staff Writer, Digital Foundry Published on Dec. 20, 2024 PlayStation 5 Pro support at last arrives for Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2, resulting in one of the more worthwhile upgrades we've seen on Sony's mid-gen console to date. As of patch 1.5, PS5 Pro boosts performance in its 60fps speed mode and addresses the (at times) blurry image quality in that very same mode. Speed and quality modes both use PSSR in place of the original FSR2 method to improve image quality, while also pushing the internal resolution on each mode higher and targeting a 4K output resolution. In brief: on quality mode we now get a 1080p to 4K range as the input resolution, while on speed mode that range adjusts to 1080p-1440p.The big question then is whether the transition to PSSR is enough to make a perceptible difference to clarity on each mode. Especially in motion, what's the advantage versus the base PS5? And looking at the 60fps speed mode in particular, does the PS5 Pro finally deliver the smooth experience that was off the table for the base PS5? Before we kick off, a quick word on the state of the game on base PS5 today. The fact of the matter is that the 30fps quality mode always ran pretty well on base hardware, but the speed mode struggled with a wavering 35-60fps frame-rate readout. Comparing patch 1.2 - the version we tested in the original review three months ago - to today's patch 1.5, there's a respectable difference. The good news is we're seeing a 5-10fps improvement on base PS5, and occasionally even higher. Due to the variable nature of combat it's a real challenge to sync up gameplay on each, but the comparison still paints a clear picture overall: Saber Interactive has worked hard since launch to squeeze PS5 for better performance. Here's the full video comparison of Space Marine 2 on base PS5 and PS5 Pro - and some context from Xbox Series X. Watch on YouTubeThe net result is, those with a VRR-supporting display will benefit from the new patch, though the frame-rate can still slip below the 48fps cut-off for VRR on PS5 at times. Also, there's no real improvement in the game's self-evidently CPU-bottlenecked areas. The battle with the ripper swam at the end of mission two, for example, still hovers at around the 40fps mark, and even dips into the 30s at times. Finally, despite the general uptick in performance elsewhere, base PS5 does not match up to Xbox Series X's performance level in the speed mode, which we re-tested in patch 1.5 as well. The opening cutscene has PS5 fall short by up to 10fps, though in gameplay itself that margin narrows considerably. Series X is still the console to beat when it comes to hitting 60fps. Starting our PS5 Pro testing then, the 60fps speed is the obvious starting point with plenty to gain from the new hardware and PSSR. Space Marine 2's use of PSSR is a success on a similar level to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, allowing this 60fps mode to look much cleaner and clearer. In terms of raw resolution metrics, it's boosted from 720p to 1080p with FSR2 on base PS5 to 1080p-1440p reconstructed to 4K with PSSR. Despite the core visual settings remaining unchanged, the higher resolution and machine learning upscaling produce a huge improvement to the image in motion. Even in static shots, where an accumulation of frames helps both sides to resolve a 4K image, PS5 Pro ends up with a crisper picture. The base PS5 holds up reasonably well while held still, but PS5 Pro still manages to resolve distant plant detail more accurately. The greater Pro advantage though is in actual motion: PSSR's handling of dense jungle areas in mission one is truly standout, replacing the often mushy, blurred resolve of FSR2 with a crisper outline to each bit of scenery. PS5 Pro's ability to both generate more pixels - 1080p minimum, compared to a nadir of 720p on on base console - and to upscale it more intelligently allows for a huge improvement. From the grass, mud and mulch on the floor to the detailing on reflections and the metallic grates of a battle barge, all elements benefit from the move to PSSR. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. It's not perfect however. The downside is that the image is over-sharpened in spots, notably the foliage, and also the reflected elements in puddles. Elements with lots of sub-pixel movement, like swaying grass blades, at times still produce noise - aliasing. In a similar vein, you'll still spot flicker on hard, high-contrast surfaces too. There is a trade-off, but overall, it's still a net positive for PS5 Pro in this mode.Looking at the speed mode's actual performance next, PS5 Pro nudges the reading even closer to the target 60fps. This isn't an absolute lock at that top number by any means, especially once engaged in battle with multiple tyranids, but it is a boost in most respects over the base PS5 reading. In comparing the two machines, both updated to patch 1.5, we're looking at up to a 5fps gain during the opening cutscene as we land on the battlefield. From here onwards, the delta widens further to show a 10fps advantage on PS5 Pro in battle. At times it's even higher, though gameplay becomes increasingly tricky to sync up exactly. Alas, it's also hard to ignore the lingering drops on Pro: we're still seeing lurches to 45fps, just as enemies emerge from their pods on the opening jungle planet. Also, while improved, we're still generally operating in the 50-60fps range during set-pieces involving swarms of enemies. In short, all of this puts PS5 Pro more often at 60fps than base PS5, and ensures that the frame-rate remains within the 48-60 VRR window more often - but it's not a lock. There's one further caveat to speak on. It's an exceptional moment, but the handling of the infamous ripper swarm set piece in mission two still struggles on PS5 Pro. Unfortunately, Space Marine 2 puts demands on PS5 Pro here that are not solved by a 45 percent boost in GPU power, nor the offering of PSSR as an upscaler. In facing a huge swarm of enemies - similar to the rats in A Plague Tale: Requiem - PS5 Pro only ekes out a small performance gain over base PS5. The frame-rate oscillates between 40-60fps, which is an improvement on the dips below 40 we had before, but it's not enough. This is far from an optimal 60fps experience, and perhaps highlights the limits of the similar CPU profiles of each console. A frame-rate comparison to Series X also shows mixed fortunes. With each console updated to patch 1.5, Series X still has a 5fps advantage over PS5 Pro during the opening cutscene, though the result tends to favour PS5 Pro as we make the same run into the battlefield. Overall, the speed mode clearly benefits from Sony's new hardware: it's smoother in its overall frame-rate, and with a sharper image to boot, but it does have a few rough spots still to address. In the game's 60fps speed mode, Xbox Series X retains a performance advantage over PS5 and even PS5 Pro during cutscenes, while the PS5 Pro muscles ahead in gameplay.Switching over to the 30fps quality mode, the image quality gains are less profound on PS5 Pro, but still evident in side-by-side shots. Frankly, the FSR2 upscale on base PS5 already produces a crisp, clear image here, in rendering a dynamic 1080p to 1440p range that provides plenty of pixel data to work with. By contrast, PS5 Pro's push to a dynamic 1080p to 4K range with PSSR is a great but less essential upgrade. Looking at the quality mode's frame-rate, it's business as usual on Pro hardware. We get a locked 30fps read-out regardless of the situation, just as with base PS5. Impressively this includes the taxing ripper swarm segment, which has enough of a performance overhead - at 40fps lowest in the speed mode - to hold steady with a 30fps cap in place. Overall, the offering of a 30fps quality option makes sense on PS5 Pro, for two reasons. Firstly it gives us a water tight 30fps lock, just as with the base PS5 console, meaning those not happy with the frame-rate drops in the speed mode have a backup option. And secondly, by having a 33.3ms render budget per frame, quality mode has the scope to push a higher resolution frame on average, within its higher dynamic resolution range. The result is greater temporal stability: less shimmer on grassy elements and less flicker on metallic meshes of the battle barge than the speed mode.All round, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 looks and runs better on PS5 Pro, with developer Saber Interactive's use of PSSR paying off in a more handsome-looking game. In practise it's the image quality upgrade in the 60fps speed mode that stands out most with a cleaner resolve and higher frame-rates, even if a locked 60fps is still off the table. The advantage will be most keenly felt among VRR display owners who now have more frames to work with on average, though the drops to 40fps are still an issue. In theory, a 40fps capped option would have been perfect for Pro owners running on 120Hz displays in this case, given that the game capably runs above that line. Instead, what we have on patch 1.5 is still a solid upgrade on 60Hz displays, and even for base PS5 owners, it's good to see Saber continuing to optimise performance over the launch build.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereLarian Studios last major patch for Baldurs Gate 3 releases in 2025, bringing cross-play, photo mode, new subclasses and much more. However, before release, the RPG studio wants players to help them rigorously test the new update.As a final gift for fans in 2024, Larian has released a new sign up form for the Patch 8 stress test. If youre interested in getting your grubby little mitts on the new content before anyone elsewell, most peopleyoure in luck.Baldurs Gate 3 Patch 8 stress testAnnounced in Community Update #31, Larian thanked fans for their recent win for Best Community Support at The Game Awards. Alongside announcing that mod curation on consoles will be paused for the holiday period, the studio explained that it is looking to put the upcoming patch through its paces before release.A stress test aims to do exactly what it sounds like; rigorously test the latest game version to detect any instability or gameplay issues before Patch 8 releases. With your help, well be able to keep an eye on any funny business, the studio explained.Players can sign up to test Patch 8 right here. However, its worth noting that anyone who wishes to do so requires a Larian Account to do so. After all, thats how the games cross-play feature works. What did you think you needed? Furthermore, Xbox players will need to register for the Xbox Insider Programme and download the Insider Hub on their console to join in.Larian explains that the release of Patch 8 shouldnt affect Baldurs Gate 3 mods. However, the purpose of stress testing the game to this degree is also to make sure that everythingincluding mod supportis above board.Supported mods should remain free of issues, however, this stress test is also a great opportunity to monitor how these mods interact with the new features Patch 8 introduces, Larian explained.For more BG3 content, read about how modders keep trying (and failing) to make Astarion hotter. Additionally, you can read about the mod that brings back cut content to the game. Also, read our Game of the Year Awards or whatever.Baldurs Gate 3Platform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Adventure, RPG, Strategy10VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereIf youre looking for a hardcore survival game, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a brilliant option, going as far as to take a decent place in our Game of the Year awards. However, some fans have been upset at the games modernisation of the series HUD.While now almost 20 years old, the original Stalker games had a HUD with personality, and some gamers are looking to re-experience that in 2024. Thankfully, one awesome modder has brought back the classic HUD in HD for the recent sequel, and it is glorious.Stalker 2 Classic HUD returnsUpdated amidst the hubbub of the games huge A-Life fixes, the new Stallker 2 Classic Style HUD mod does exactly what it says. The initial release brings back the HUD from Stalker: Clear Skies, the 2008 entry in series.Created by modder FellowDemo, the Clear Sky-inspired HUD brings back the thick black, ink-like outlines of the 2008 games UI, adding a bunch more character to the game. However, for players who want the actual original Stalker look, modder PieceMaker085 has done just that.Also available on Nexus Mods, the ShoCified UI mod brings back the look of Shadow of Chornobyl with its rusted frames and industrial look. While Stalker 2 opts for a more modern tablet-like design for its in-game PDA, this mod brings back the awesome, unique aestetic of the original game.To continue riding the high of that classic Stalker feel, another mod for the recent sequel also brings back the original games font. Also by FellowDemo, the classic font mod replaces most of the fonts currently in the game with the original games typeface. However, there are some not-commonly used characters that arent currently supported.To finish the classic look for Stalker 2, another modder has even brought back the original games classic spinning radiation symbol for the in-game cursor. You can nab that on Nexus right here.For more Stalker 2 content, read about how the game has already turned a profit for GSC Game World or read our review of the game.S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of ChornobylPlatform(s):PC, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Adventure, RPG, Shooter, Survival HorrorSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

A bipartisan group of senators is calling out the auto industry for its hypocritical, profit-driven opposition to national right-to-repair legislation, while also selling customer data to insurance companies and other third-party interests. In a letter sent to the CEOs of the top automakers, the trio of legislators Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) urge them to better protect customer privacy, while also dropping their opposition to state and national right-to-repair efforts. Right-to-repair laws support consumer choice and prevent automakers from using restrictive repair laws to their financial advantage, the senators write. It is clear that the motivation behind automotive companies avoidance of complying with right-to-repair laws is not due to a concern for consumer security or privacy, but instead a hypocritical, profit-driven reaction.Right-to-repair laws support consumer choice and prevent automakers from using restrictive repair laws to their financial advantage.For years, the right-to-repair movement has largely focused on consumer electronics, like phones and laptops. But lately, the idea that you should get to decide how and where to repair your own products has grown to include cars, especially as more vehicles on the road have essentially become giant computers on wheels. Along with that, automakers have taken to collecting vast amounts of data on their millions of customers, including driving habits, that they then turn around and sell to third-party data brokers. Earlier this year, The New York Times published an investigation into General Motors practice of providing microdetails about its customers driving habits, including acceleration, braking, and trip length, to insurance companies without their consent. Several states have passed right-to-repair laws in recent years, aiming to protect consumers from high prices and unscrupulous practices. In 2020, Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure to give car owners and independent repair shops greater access to vehicle repair data. But automakers sued to block the law, and four years later, the law remains dormant. The auto industry claims to support right to repair.And some facts bear this out. For decades, small, independent auto body and repair shops flourished thanks to the idea that car maintenance is universal that anyone with a socket wrench and some grease can repair or modify their own vehicle. But as cars have become more connected, a lot of that work now relies on data and access to the digital information needed to diagnose and repair vehicles. And right-to-repair advocates, along with independent repair shops, are worried that major automakers are trying to kill their businesses by funneling all the work to their franchised dealerships, which typically cost more than the smaller garages. In the letter, Warren, Merkley, and Hawley demand that automakers drop their fierce opposition to these right-to-repair laws, calling it hypocritical and monopolistic. As the gatekeepers of vehicle parts, equipment, and data, automobile manufacturers have the power to place restrictions on the necessary tools and information for repairs, particularly as cars increasingly incorporate electronic components. This often leaves car owners with no other option than to have their vehicles serviced by official dealerships, entrenching auto manufacturers dominance and eliminating competition from independent repair shops.Automakers have raised cybersecurity concerns, including the specter of some bad actor remote hacking your car while driving it, as an excuse for fighting right-to-repair laws. But these concerns are based on speculative future risks rather than facts, the senators note. They cite a Federal Trade Commission study that found no empirical evidence backing up the auto industrys claims that independent shops would be more or less likely to compromise customer data than authorized ones. Its more likely that auto companies want to limit access to vehicle data for profit-driven reasons, the senators say. And that despite loudly proclaiming to care about cybersecurity, few companies actually comply with basic security standards when collecting, sharing, or selling consumer data. While carmakers have been fighting tooth and nail against right-to-repair laws that would require them to share vehicle data with consumers and independent repairers, they have simultaneously been sharing large amounts of sensitive consumer data with insurance companies and other third parties for profit often without clear consumer consent. In fact, some car companies use the threat of increased insurance costs to push consumers to opt into safe driving features, and then use those features to collect and sell the user data.The senators conclude by urging the auto CEOs to abandon their hypocritical opposition to right-to-repair laws, while also pressing them to answer a list of questions about their data-gathering practices. Were pushing these automakers to stop ripping Americans off, Warren said in a statement to The Verge. Americans deserve the right to repair their cars wherever they choose, and independent repair shops deserve a chance to compete with these giants.

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Larian has put out Baldur's Gate 3's last big community update of 2024, and it brings some nice news. Registration's now open for the stress test of Patch 8 that's set to take place early next year, so you you can throw your username in the hat if you wish.As the studio revealed late last month, Patch 8 is the final major update for BG3, it swears. What'll be in it? Well, a heap of things, such as crossplay, a photo mode, and 12 new subclasses - with the latter including the likes of a College of Glamour bard, bladesinging wizards, and drunken master monks.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. In that announcement, Larain made mention of stress testing for the update happening in January 2025, and it's now opened up registration for that test, so you can apply to be a part of it by going to this link. You'll just be reigering your interest, so you might not get picked, but it's worth a shot if you fancy it.As for why the test - which is available to folks on PC via Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, but not Mac or GOG - is taking place, Larian explained: "A stress test aims to do exactly what it sounds like; rigorously test the latest game version to detect any instability or gameplay issues before Patch 8 releases. With your help, well be able to keep an eye on any funny business. To see this content please enable targeting cookies."Bringing cross-play to a game the size of Baldurs Gate 3 has been no easy task, and we want your help to test-drive this new functionality. Share the stress test registration link to summon your friends and settle in for a cross-play campaign, or head to the Larian Studios Discord Server to look for a group to play with."While mods should be ok, Larian also says this test'll be a chance for it to see how they mesh with Patch 8's new fgeatures, hopefully meaning that by release, load orders won't be giant barrel explosions waiting to happen. The studio's also winding down console mod curation for the holidays from today, but it'll be back on that grind in the new year.While you wait, Larian's also done its own advent calendar thingy that you can use to help celebrate whichever holidays you celebrate this time of year. There's even a video that sees Swen Vincke cheekily shoulderbarge somone who used to work for Eurogamer.

We'll Lu-seeFallout season two likely won't see Fallout 76 take its TV crossovers to a whole new level, as its devs don't want to "give fan service for just the sake of doing it""We probably won't go out of our way to add a whole bunch of stuff specific to the show, because we don't feel like we need to."Image credit: Bethesda/Prime Video News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Dec. 20, 2024 The second series of Amazon's Fallout TV show has already commenced filming, and even if we've still likely got plenty of time to wait until we see what Lucy, Maximus and The Ghoul get up to in New Vegas, that doesn't mean people aren't excited.It'll no doubt be a boon for Fallout games too, with the first series having brought players to the likes of Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 in droves, as the latter did some little crossovers with the show too. Given these were most limited to things like outfits, and the show's now cemented itself as the hit no-one could be 100% sure it would be heading into season one, as part of an interview about playable ghouls and other stuff, I asked 76's lead producer Bill LaCoste if the team will be looking to level up what it does crossover bit-wise for season two.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "I would imagine it would probably be along the same lines," LaCoste told me, "Because we have an appreciation for the TV show, the story its trying to tell and the characters it's trying to [portray], and we also have an appreciation for the story of Fallout 76 is trying to tell."So, very, very limited amounts of crossover, where it actually makes sense, because again, we're on extreme ends of the [Fallout] timeline as well. So, some of that crossover doesn't make sense. We just want to make sure that it's done in a way that is supportive of the TV show, but also allows us to just coexist within this story overall that's being told."We probably won't go out of our way to add a whole bunch of stuff specific to the show, because we don't feel like we need to. We feel like it's great to let the TV show do its thing and for people to love the TV show for what it is, but also love our game for what it is, and not just give fan service for just the sake of doing it. We'll do some things that make sense, [the] Vault 33 suit made sense, it's something that exists in the world and you can have it, but yeah, we'll probably keep that relatively light would be my guess."So, some stuff, but nothing that'd feel too out of place in the world of Appalachia, with its mothmen cults and giant snakes. Ok, I'm being a bit facetious there, but it will be interesting to see what Bethesda does do Fallout game-wise to coincide with Fallout season two, given how much chatter the series' lack of a recent release that the first series spawned, for better or worse.In the meantime, however, we will all at least have Fallout 76's playable ghoul to try out, in between squinting at alleged photos of Fallout season two sets.

Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo LifeIf there were a trophy for missing open goals, Nintendo would have a fair few in the cabinet. For example, why didn't we get a new Donkey Kong game back when the Super Mario Bros. movie launched last year? Why wasn't the Wii U called 'Wii 2'? And why, for the love of god, is there no Nintendogs game on Switch?There was a part of me, obviously swayed by some kind of Mandela effect, that was convinced the doggy daycare sim had gone on walkies on our beloved Nintendo hybrid in the last eight years. But no, I have consulted the Ancient Scrolls (our games database) and braved the Switch eShop, and no such game exists. That is, apart from the eerily similar-looking Little Friends: Dogs & Cats, but that's no purebred Nintendo puppy.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube789kWatch on YouTube This isn't a franchise I've thought about for the best part of 20 years, but, upon realisation, the absence of a doggy in the Switch window seems like a glaring omission. The OG sold like hotcakes on the DS (heck, it was the handheld's second best-seller after New Super Mario Bros.), and while the creatively-named follow-up, Nintendogs + Cats, on the 3DS wasn't quite as big of a Moment, I struggle to think of many people who have never experienced the pain of trying to teach one of these virtual dogs to respond to its name.Images: NintendoYou'd think Nintendo would do everything in its power to bring some of that DS and 3DS crowd over to the new system after the dark years of the Wii U, but no! Little-known curios like 'Zelda' and 'Mario' were apparently a "better business decision", whatever that means.The question is: why? The sales figures are clear as day, the cosy gaming scene has blossomed on Switch, and if deep cuts like Another Code and Endless Ocean have been given a seat at the table this year, why not the prize pup? I can only assume that there's one simple answer: Nintendo hates puppies Switch hardware.I played Nintendogs because I wasn't allowed a real dog (something that I, a fully grown adult, am totally over), and all of the appeal was in replicating the 'real dog' experience without any of the messy, real-life stuff. The catch is that all of that fun was tied to the DS and, in most of those instances, the Switch ain't gonna play ball.Think about it; you pet, play with and clean the pup via the touchscreen. Training is a strangely realistic case of shouting into the microphone with varying degrees of impatience. You meet other dogs by putting the device in 'Bark Mode' and crossing paths with similar users in the real world hey, StreetPass has a lot to answer for. A game without any of those features isn't Nintendogs, it's more like... well... Little Friends: Dogs & Cats.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube789kI suppose I could give my GoodBoi a belly scratch on the Switch's touchscreen, but docked mode isn't going to give the same dopamine hit. I understand Little Friends subbed in motion controls as a replacement, but I have clear memories of mindlessly petting the air on the Xbox Kinect's Kinectimals and the hilariously-titled follow-up Kinectimals: Now with Bears! (an attempt to capture the Nintendogs fever if I've ever seen one), and let me tell you, it was not the same.This, paired with the absence of a mic and the biggest sin of them all no StreetPass-style wireless functionality, makes it difficult to imagine what Nintendogs on Switch would look like. Perhaps things would be different if the Switch 2 delivers on all of the above, but unless the form factor drastically changes to prioritise handheld play over everything else (and, looking at those rumours, it won't), I might have to start being content with the idea that this is a Nintendo franchise better off going to live on the farm.See? You do still have a reason to keep that DS charged.But what do you think? Is there a home for Nintendogs on Switch and Switch 2? Would you like to see the series return one day? Bark your thoughts in the comments.Would you like to see a new Nintendogs game on Switch/'Switch2'? (0 votes)No results yet, check back later... Who's a good boy?Are we barking up the wrong tree?Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related Articles'Switch 2' Is Projected To Be The "Clear Winner" In The Next Console GenerationWhile either Sony or Microsoft will "struggle mightily"46 Games You Should Pick Up In The Nintendo Switch eShop Holiday Sale (Europe)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherNintendo Shares Special Message: "Thank You For Joining Us Now And Into The Future"The Switch might be winding down, but more games are on the way

In BriefPosted:8:01 AM PST December 20, 2024Lerer Hippeau files to a raise Fund IXLerer Hippeau, one of New Yorks most prolific A-list VC firms, has filed to raise its ninth fund, according to an SEC filing made Wednesday. There is no target raise amount.Lerer Hippeau did not immediately respond to our request for comment.The firm, founded in 2010, has more than $1.2 billion in assets under management, according to Pitchbook, and has invested in more than 400 companies including footwear maker Allbirds, eyewear maker Warby Parker, social media platform Pie, gifting platform On Me, mattress company Casper, and the online furniture marketplace Kayio.Last year, it announced the close of two new funds: Select Fund IV for $85.9 million, which we reported would be used to back companies from Series A to C, and Fund VIII for $143 million, which we reported would focus on pre-seed and seed-stage companies.Topics

In BriefPosted:7:36 AM PST December 20, 2024Image Credits:Malte Mueller / Getty ImagesArizonas getting an online charter school taught entirely by AIThe newest online-only school greenlighted by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools comes with a twist: the academic curriculum will be taught entirely by AI.Charter schools independently operated but publicly-funded typically get greater autonomy compared to traditional public schools when it comes to how subjects are taught. But Unbound Academys application, which proposes an AI-driven adaptive learning technology that condenses academic instruction into a two-hour window, is a first for the model. (Unbounds founders have been running a similar program at a high-end private school in Texas, which appears to be in-person.) Unbounds approach leans on ed-tech platforms like IXL and Khan Academy, and students engage with interactive, AI-powered platforms that continuously adjust to their individual learning pace and style. There will be humans, just fewer of them, and maybe not actual accredited teachers: it will adopt a human-in-the-loop approach with skilled guides monitoring progress who can provide targeted interventions and coaching for each student.Academic instruction is whittled down to just two hours. The remainder of the students day will include life-skills workshops covering areas such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, financial literacy, public-speaking, goal-setting, and entrepreneurship. The online-only school targets students from fourth to eighth grades. TopicsAI