Table of ContentsTable of ContentsOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: specsOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: designOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: displayOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: performanceOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: batteryOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: camerasOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: software and updatesOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: special featuresOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: price and availabilityOnePlus 13 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: verdictOnePlus looks like its hit another one out of the park with this years OnePlus 13. The enthusiast brands latest flagship launched in China in late October, and this week, the company officially announced it will be landing in North America on January 7, 2025. As one of the first mainstream phones to be powered by Qualcomms bleeding-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, it should bring significant improvements in the OnePlus 13s performance, battery life, and photographic prowess compared to its predecessor.This also puts the OnePlus 13 first in line to challenge Apples 2024 flagship. This year, the iPhone 16 Pro has raised the bar with Apples A18 Pro chip that powers new Apple Intelligence features and turns the smartphone into a gaming powerhouse. Theres also a clever new Camera Control and studio-quality cinematography features. Does Qualcomms latest silicon give the OnePlus 13 enough of an edge, and has the smartphone maker put it to good use? Lets dig in and find out how these two measure up to each other.Recommended VideosOnePlus 13iPhone 16 ProSize162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm (6.41 x 3.01 x 0.33 inches)149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm (5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches)Weight210 grams (7.41 ounces)199 grams (7.03 ounces)Screen size6.8-inch 1440p OLED with 1Hz to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1Hz to 120Hz adaptive refresh rateScreen resolution3168 x 1440 resolution at 510 pixels per inch2622 x 1206 resolution at 460 pixels per inchStorage256GB, 512GB, and 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TBMicroSD card slotNoNoTap-to-Pay servicesGoogle WalletApple PayProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 EliteApple A18 ProRAM12GB, 16GB, and 24GB8GBSoftwareAndroid 15 with OxygenOS 15iOS 18CamerasFront: 50-megapixel primary, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP 2x telephotoFront: 32MPRear: 48-megapixel primary, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x telephotoFront: 12MPVideoRear: Up to 8K at 30 frames per second (fps), 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 480fps for slow motion, with Dolby VisionFront: Up to 4K at 60 fpsRear: Up to 4K at 60 frames-per-second (fps), FHD at 60 fps, and 240 fps for slow motion, with Dolby VisionFront: Up to 4K at 60 fpsBluetoothBluetooth 5.4Bluetooth 5.3PortsUSB-CUSB-CBiometricsUltrasonic under-display Fingerprint sensorFace ID facial recognitionWater ResistanceIP69IP68Battery6,000mAh100W fast charging (TBA in the U.S.)50W fast wireless charging15W Qi wireless charging10W reverse wireless charging3,582mAh27W fast charging25W MagSafe charging15W Qi2 wireless chargingApp MarketplaceGoogle PlayApple App StoreNetwork Support5G, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)5G, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)ColorsMidnight Ocean, Black Eclipse, Arctic DawnBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert TitaniumPriceTo be announcedStarting at $999RelatedOnePlusAlthough the OnePlus 13 preserves the iconic design language of its predecessors, this years entry modernizes things to match an aesthetic thats now become the norm among flagship smartphone makers: flat sides.Thats a departure from the rounded curves of the OnePlus 12 and prior models, but this new phone is still unmistakably a OnePlus device. It preserves the elegant circular camera bump thats become a hallmark of the lineup since its introduction on the OnePlus 11, but also refines it in some interesting ways.For one, the camera ring now stands alone. Gone are the horizontal tangents connecting it to the phones side, and the outer ring is considerably more subtle than before. The LED flash has been moved inside the camera bump, and the Hasselblad logo, which went from a full wordmark to a stylized H on last years model, has been moved out to the edge, above a horizontal line that bisects the camera array. The OnePlus 12 was already a slick-looking smartphone, but the changes in the OnePlus 13 add a new level of class to the design.OnePlus 13 colors in China OnePlusOnePlus is also making two big changes to its colors this year, departing from last years Flowy Emerald and years of green shades in favor of a new blue finish. That was released in China as Blue Moments, but it will be dubbed Midnight Ocean for the North American release. Thats joined by Black Eclipse as the more typical neutral shade (known as Obsidian Secret Realm in China). However, were getting the companys third color here this year, with the ordinarily China-exclusive White Dew Morning Dawn coming to the U.S. as Arctic Dawn.However, theres more to these than merely colors. Only Black Eclipse will sport the traditional OnePlus finish. Midnight Ocean will be coated in a micro-fiber vegan leather finish a first for OnePlus while the Arctic Dawn will use a special coating on the glass to give it a silky smooth finish. Well have to wait and see what that last one means for grip and smudge resistance, but it sure sounds nice.Compared to what OnePlus has done this year, the iPhone 16 Pro seems considerably more pedestrian. Thats not to say it doesnt have a great design, but little has changed on the iPhone front in the past four years. Apple led the way in the move to flat edges with the iPhone 12, and this seems to be the year where everyone else is catching up to that design.Christine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsApple switched from stainless steel to titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro lineup in 2023, which reduced the weight and smoothed the sides a bit, but it hasnt made the same kind of bold design choices that OnePlus has. Even the phones colors have been relatively muted over the past two years, with the iPhone 16 Pro available in Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium, and Desert Titanium. The first three are exactly what they sound like, while Desert Titanium leans more toward champagne than brown.The OnePlus 13 retains the alert slider in its left-side position after moving it there on last years model, while the iPhone 16 Pro similarly sticks with the Action button introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and adds a new Camera Control button for quickly pulling up the camera and snapping pictures. Apple retains its standard IP68 dust and water resistance rating for immersion in up to 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, while OnePlus seriously upped its game this year by giving the OnePlus 13 both IP68 and IP69 ratings a significant improvement over the relatively weak IP65 of its predecessor.OnePlusFor OnePlus, this IP68 rating means it can hold up in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, so its not rated to go as deep as the iPhone 16 Pro. However, the additional IP69 rating gives it more protection in another area, certifying the OnePlus 13 to handle high-pressure and high-temperature water jets. This means you could power-wash your phone if you wanted to though please dont.With a classy look, unique finishes, and an IP69 rating, the OnePlus 13 is the clear winner for this round.Winner: OnePlus 13OnePlusThe OnePlus 13 display remains essentially the same as that of its predecessor. Its still a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 3168 x 1440-pixel resolution and an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz. That works out to a pixel density of 510 pixels per inch.The main change in this years OnePlus 13 display is a slight increase in brightness 800 nits of typical brightness compared to 600 nits for the OnePlus 12. The peak brightness is still 4,500 nits, but thats more than enough for anyone.Even though the specs remain the same, the switch to flat edges on the OnePlus 13 means the screen is also almost entirely flat, so youll end up with slightly more of it facing you. Theres technically a very subtle curve at the edges by definition, its a 2.5D quad-curved screen but dont expect it to be anywhere near as curvy as the OnePlus 12.Joe Maring / Digital TrendsApples iPhones never embraced curved screens, and the iPhone 16 Pro is no exception. This years model has grown over its predecessor, but the new 6.3-inch display is still smaller than that of the OnePlus 13 (youll have to go with the pricier iPhone 16 Pro Max to get something comparable in size) and offers a lower 2622 x 1206-pixel resolution at 460 ppi. That makes it slightly less crisp than OnePlus larger screen, but it does get brighter during everyday use, with 1,000 nits of typical brightness. It can also drop to a single nit on the low end, making it ideal when you want to use it in a darker room without overpowering your eyeballs.The iPhone 16 Pro maxes out at 2,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness, which is less than half of what the OnePlus 13 can do on paper, but its hard to see this as much more than a spec sheet difference, as weve never had any problem seeing the iPhone 16 Pro even in direct sunlight.The bottom line is that both phones offer bright and vivid displays, Full HDR and Dolby Vision support, fast 120Hz refresh rates for buttery smooth scrolling, gorgeous colors, and deep blacks. The primary differences come down to specs like peak brightness and pixel density, which most people wont notice, and while the OnePlus 13 is larger, size isnt everything; some folks prefer a more pocketable phone, so were calling this one even.Winner: TieQualcommOver the past few years, top-of-the-line flagships have proven how much weve reached the point of diminishing returns in performance, and the OnePlus 13 and iPhone 16 Pro prove that even more this year. Both phones are powered by silicon with power far beyond what most folks will need, so the simple answer to which of the two performs better is that it wont matter as youre unlikely to push either to its limits.The OnePlus 13 is one of the first mainstream phones on the market to be powered by Qualcomms new Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform. Apple develops its own chips; this year, its the latest A18 Pro inside the iPhone 16 Pro.Weve done a more detailed comparison of the Snapdragon 8 Elite versus the Apple A18 Pro for those who want to delve into the details, but the differences have more to do with the platform than the performance.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsFor instance, Apple has worked hard to court AAA game developers for the App Store. Last years iPhone 15 Pro lineup, powered by the A17 Pro chip, ushered in an era of console-quality games in your pocket, from Resident Evil Village to Assassins Creed Mirage. These played well on the A17 Pro chip thanks to Apples new GPU technology with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Metal effect upscaling, and they run even better on the A18 Pro.However, Apples coup here wasnt only in producing groundbreaking silicon, but in convincing game studios to embrace the iPhone. The Adreno GPUs in Qualcomms high-end Snapdragon chips can easily compete head-to-head with Apples A-series silicon, but you cant find the same quality of games in the Play Store to prove it.That matters if youre a hardcore mobile gamer, the iPhone 16 Pro wins, not because it has more capable specs, but because it has better developer support. Thats been Apples advantage for years, so its not too surprising.Winner: iPhone 16 ProOnePlusFor non-gamers, the more significant advantage to this years chips comes not from raw performance, but from power efficiency. The new 3-nanometer (3nm) manufacturing process used by both Qualcomm and Apple should translate to longer run times between charges.Well have to wait and see what this means for the OnePlus 13, but the iPhone 16 Pro disappointed us by barely getting through a day of use. We expect the OnePlus 13 to do much better thanks to its 6,000mAh cell, and its probably more fair to compare it to the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max, which we found has fantastic battery life, in this one area. Battery life is still the biggest price one pays for having a smaller phone.Unsurprisingly, OnePlus continues to run circles around Apple and nearly everyone else when it comes to charging speeds. The OnePlus 13 supports wired charging speeds up to 100 watts and wireless charging up to 50W. Youll need to buy OnePlus proprietary chargers to take advantage of these speeds, and if past trends continue, well probably only get 80W charging in the North American models, but thats several times faster than what the iPhone 16 Pro officially offers.Joe Maring / Digital TrendsApples specs say you can recharge an iPhone 16 Pro to 50% in about 30 minutes using a 20W charger. Tests have revealed that a 30W charger shaves about five minutes off that. However, if last years OnePlus 12 is anything to go by, 80W charging speeds should get you to 50% in 12 minutes and leave you fully charged in half an hour. Again, you need to use the SuperVOOC charger, but OnePlus includes one in the box.For wireless charging, OnePlus supports standard 15W Qi charging or 50W charging if you opt for its AirVOOC charger. Those speeds are twice as fast as the iPhone 16 Pro, which can reach only 25W with Apples proprietary MagSafe charger. Youre stuck at 7.5W with a standard Qi charger, although the iPhone 16 Pro also supports Qi2 for magnetic attachment and 15W charging speeds something that most Android devices have sadly failed to embrace.While it would have been nice to see Qi2 in the OnePlus 13, even for nothing more than the magnetic attachment features, thats a minor omission for a phone we can charge up in the time it takes to make a good coffee.Winner: OnePlus 13OnePlusThanks to its partnership with Hasselblad, OnePlus has delivered impressive cameras on its flagship phones over the past few years. The OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12 take great photos, and theres no reason to believe the OnePlus 13 will be any different.If anything, this years model should see some improvements in the image pipeline thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite and its AI-powered image signal processor. OnePlus hasnt leaned into AI and computational photography the way its rivals have, but that doesnt mean it cant use whats already there. Well have to wait and see what kind of photos the OnePlus 13 produces, but between the hardware and Hasselblads color-tuning algorithms, were very optimistic.In terms of raw specs, youre getting a trio of 50-megapixel (MP) shooters, and while the telephoto lens drops from the 64MP of its predecessor, we think the new sensors OnePlus is using this year will make up for that. The telephoto camera has the same 3x optical zoom, although the ultrawide lens gains an increased 120-degree field of view. We expect the new sensors, combined with Qualcomms latest ISP, to deliver better lowlight performance. OnePlus also seems to be taking advantage of the new 480 frames-per-second (fps) slow-motion video capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Elite.Joe Maring / Digital TrendsThe iPhone 16 Pro is a much more known quantity. It follows Apples typical playbook of providing three lenses with year-over-year sensor improvements. However, this time around, the ultrawide camera gets a boost to 48MP, and the iPhone 16 Pro gains the 5x optical zoom that was exclusive to the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max last year. While the ultrawide lens is the one youll likely use the least often to take actual photos, Apples computational photography engine collects data from that sensor, and more megapixels means more data for it to work with. The ultrawide lens also kicks in for macro shots, and theres a noticeable improvement there.The iPhone 16 Pro also has a few more tricks up its sleeve. Apples new Photographic Styles let you apply a broad collection of advanced filters to your photos, but the best part is that these are entirely nondestructive. In other words, you can switch them up later or remove them entirely if you dont like them. You can also shoot images in the Apple ProRAW format for advanced editing controls, and the built-in lidar Sensor lets you take depth-mapped night mode portraits. On the video side, the iPhone 16 Pro can also handle 4K Dolby Vision recording at 120 fps, which produces Cinematic Slow Motion playback when pulled down to 24 fps. Lossless ProRes, Log, and the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) formats support professional work, and theres a four-mic studio array that powers a new AI-powered Audio Mix feature that can separate background and foreground audio (think of it as a portrait mode for sound).Winner: iPhone 16 ProOxygenOS 15 on the OnePlus 12 Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 will ship globally with Android 15 and OxygenOS 15 layered on top (the China version uses Oppos ColorOS). OxygenOS has been somewhat controversial over the years, but its been steadily improving, and weve been pleasantly surprised by OxygenOS 15. Its turned out to be less of an iOS clone than Oppos ColorOS 15, although it still veers closer to Apples side of the fence. It still doesnt feel as smooth as other platforms, but its definitely gotten better.The iPhone 16 Pro comes with iOS 18 out of the box, which will be readily familiar to anyone who has used an iPhone in the past few years. As usual, iOS 18 refines the experience rather than rewriting it. This years most significant addition is Apple Intelligence Apples suite of AI tools. While these are rolling out gradually over the course of the iOS 18 life cycle, as of the most recent December iOS 18.2 update, theres built-in support for AI writing tools, image generation, and even direct integration with ChatGPT to help Siri answer questions it cant handle on its own.AppleAs for updates, OnePlus is now committing to four major Android updates and five years of security updates, which should keep the OnePlus 13 current until at least 2028 or when Android 19 ships. Apple doesnt make such promises, but its never really needed to as it has a proven track record; iPhones were getting four or even five years of software updates in the days when it was rare for most Android phones to see one or two. This makes it a safe bet that the iPhone 16 Pro will make it to at least iOS 22, and possibly even one or two releases beyond that.Winner: TieAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsAfter holding out longer than most other big players, Apple and OnePlus are delving more into AI features this year. However, Apple is going all-in with Apple Intelligence while OnePlus is still taking a more measured approach focused predominantly on photography.In OxygenOS 15, the OnePlus 13 gains a suite of AI photo-editing tools, including an AI Eraser, AI Detail Boost, AI Reflection Erase, and AI Unblur. These work much like youd expect, although they have some work to do before they catch up with Googles Magic Eraser and Magic Editor. However, these arent exclusively OnePlus 13 features; theyre also coming to the OnePlus 12 in the OxygenOS 15 update. On the other hand, Google Gemini support and a new Intelligence Search feature will be limited to the OnePlus 13.AppleApple Intelligence is a much bolder AI initiative overall. While the photo features are limited to a Magic Eraser-like Clean Up tool, the broader AI features include tools to help you compose and refine text, reply to emails, summarize audio recordings and call transcripts, generate images, and even create custom Genmoji. Apple has also partnered with ChatGPT to integrate it into iOS. This includes letting you call it up to help you write emails and other blocks of text to making voice requests via Siri.This also ties into the iPhone 16 Pros marquee feature: the Camera Control. As the name suggests, this new button on the lower-right side of the iPhone can be used to call up the camera app, but it also doubles as a sophisticated control system thanks to a two-stage capacitive sensor. A light press will lock autofocus and autoexposure, similar to a DSLR; you then press all the way down to take the picture. You can also slide your finger along the control to adjust parameters such as zoom, exposure, shooting mode, and more.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsApple Intelligence comes into the picture through a new Visual Intelligence feature that lets you quickly perform Google Lens-like searches on real-world objects. Hold down the Camera Control and point your iPhone 16 Pro at something like an animal, a plant, a movie poster, a landmark, or even a product, and you can send it off to Google or ChatGPT to get more information about it. The concept isnt exactly novel, as there have been apps doing this for this for years, but having it built in and only a button press away makes it much more useful.Winner: iPhone 16 ProOnePlusFollowing a typical first launch in China on October 31, the OnePlus 13 will be released globally on January 7, 2025. OnePlus has confirmed that well get the same three colors as the China version with different names: Midnight Ocean, Black Eclipse, and Arctic Dawn. Theres no official word on pricing or storage capacities, but theres a good chance theyll be close to last years OnePlus 12, which started at $800. The OnePlus 13 sells in three capacities in China: 256GB storage with 12GB of RAM, 512GB with 16GB, and 1TB with 24GB, but a November leak suggests we may not see the largest 1TB/24GB version stateside.That would be in line with the OnePlus 12, which was sold in the same three capacities in China, with only the lower two available internationally. However, OnePlus could surprise us this year as it did with the color options. OnePlus white finishes, such as the Glacial White OnePlus 12, have been primarily exclusive to China. Seeing a global launch of Arctic Dawn is a pretty big deal, which means the 1TB/24GB model may not be far behind.The iPhone 16 Pro launched globally in September. Apples smaller Pro model didnt get the storage bump many were hoping for; it still starts at $999 for 128GB, with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions available for $1,099, $1,299, and $1,499, respectively. RAM is standard at 8GB across all capacities, and its available in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium.Joe Maring / Digital TrendsLike many smartphone comparisons involving Apple, measuring the OnePlus 13 directly against the iPhone 16 Pro is tough. The two phones live in fundamentally different worlds, so its an apples-to-oranges comparison (no pun intended).For many folks, the decision between the OnePlus 13 and iPhone 16 Pro was made long ago based on the platform theyve already invested in. However, if youre on the fence or looking for a change, these phones each offer something that might tempt you to see how the other side lives.The iPhone 16 Pro is ahead of the pack with a more mature platform and an app ecosystem that takes full advantage of its gaming capabilities. The cameras take excellent pictures, the 5x zoom lets you get up close and personal, and the videography features are unrivaled. Apples AI features arent everyones cup of tea, but theyre well ahead of what OnePlus offers. Apple Intelligence is also complemented by the general fit and finish and smooth performance of iOS.Nevertheless, the OnePlus 13 offers a gorgeous and elegant design thats even more refined than before, plus fun colors with unique finishes. If previous models are anything to go on, the Hasselblad-tuned camera system is sure to be excellent. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip offers performance to spare with new photographic capabilities, and few smartphones can charge up as quickly as anything that OnePlus makes. OxygenOS 15 may not be quite as refined as wed like yet, but theres a lot to like here and its more ready for prime time than ever before.Editors Recommendations

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Its always a big deal for a show to (intentionally) reach its final season, and the same is true forStranger Things. The popular sci-fi horror series has been going on for a while, and Netflix has made sure to make fans know the end is coming. Sure enough, we arenearing the finish line, as Netflix announced the fifth season has wrapped production with photos of the cast and crew on set. Additionally, co-creator Ross Duffer put out his own statement on the shows almost eight-year lifetime. As he noted, the coreStranger Thingscast were kids when they first joined, and have since become substantially older over the course of the series. [Stranger Things] was a defining part of their childhood, said Duffer. Theyve grown up before our eyes, becoming more than actorstheyve become family. Of the crew, he said they also hold a special place in our hearts. [Much of] our crew has been with us from the very beginning. Their dedication and passion have been the backbone of this journey. Everyone involved was determined to bring this story to a satisfying conclusion. They poured their hearts and souls into it, and we couldnt be more proud of what theyve accomplished. The path toStranger Thingslast season has been somewhat eventful: last year, production halted during the writers strike as Ross and Matt Duffer stopped in solidarity with their fellow writers. Things were further impacted by the actors strike weeks later, and once those were resolved, production spun up at the top of 2024. Between then and now, Netflix has posted set photos and provided tiiiiiiny glimpses of whats coming. Now that production is over, its just a matter of waiting for Netflix to reveal the seasons release dateor dates, possibly. 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.

As an open-source 3D tool that caters to many 3d / creative needs, blender3D has made a name for itself and today we will explore some of the new and impressive future plans for #Blender3d.*Join the Contest:- https://www.renderhub.com/3d-contests/winter-fantasy-iii-render-contest Get Premium Blender Addons: https://bit.ly/3jbu8s7 Get All Unreal and Blender bundle: https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/YRgnYO Geometry Nodes Workshop Oct. 24 : https://code.blender.org/2024/11/geometry-nodes-workshop-october-2024/ Layered Animations: https://developer.blender.org/docs/features/animation/animation_system/layered/ The Future of Character Animation In Blender: https://code.blender.org/2022/11/the-future-of-character-animation-rigging/ NPR: https://projects.blender.org/blender/blender/issues/127354 Featured AddonsThe City Generator: https://blendermarket.com/products/the-city-generator?ref=110 Medieval City Generator: https://blendermarket.com/products/medieval-city-generator?ref=110 Realtime Turnado Generator: https://blendermarket.com/products/realtime-tornado-generator/?ref=110 Stylized Building Library: https://blendermarket.com/products/stylized-building-library-vol1-kitbash?ref=110 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn to Animate in Blender: https://bit.ly/3A1NWac Get Character Creator 4 - https://bit.ly/3b16Wcw Get Iclone 8.5 - https://bit.ly/38QDfbb FiberShop - Realtime Hair Tool: https://tinyurl.com/2hd2t5v Big Ref Database: https://bit.ly/3PLtaQ8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3lpfvSm Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/asknk Discord: https://discord.gg/G2kmTjUFGm Twitter: https://bit.ly/3a0tADG ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blender Premium Tutorials Blender Tutorials #1: https://bit.ly/3nbfTEu Blender Tutorials #2: https://tinyurl.com/yeyrkreh Learn HardSurface In Blender: https://bit.ly/3E5nP2T 3D Cars Building, Rigging & Animation: https://bit.ly/4h5HXEq Cinematic Car Animation Course: https://bit.ly/3ORFccG Alive! - Animation Course: https://bit.ly/3AEFvyA Human - Realistic Portrait Creation: https://bit.ly/2XvMT1j ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------00:00 AD00:11 Intro01:33 Animation Tools & Updates03:09 Geometry Nodes +04:19 Blender Overides05:06 NPR Updates & Collaboration07:16 More Stuff08:06 RenderHub 09:01 Close #asknk #opensource #blender3d #gooengine #freetextures #freematerials #freefriday #premium #b3d #blender3d #free #addons #blenderaddons #new #3dnews #release #update #SupportsArtist

This year, I decided I'd finally play 2022's Case of the Golden Idol, a mystery game that thrusts you onto the scene of a murder moments after it's happened. You pan through several screens, absorb every detail you possibly can, gather clues in the form of nouns and verbs, and make logic-based deductions by filling in the missing details in passages that tell the story of what occurred there. There are systems in place to guide you in the right direction, and the game begins quite simply, but by its end, I was being pushed to my absolute limit. The first few cases took all of about 10-25 minutes, but the final one in the game seemed to stretch across the span of an entire night. My head was positively bursting with possible motives and culprits, and kudos to Case of the Golden Idol for allowing me the room to be wrong about these cases until I eventually divined the right permutation of terms and cracked the case. It was one of the most frustrating ends of a game ever, and I was enamored of the whole experience.I bring up Case of the Golden Idol and this frustration because, overwhelmingly, many of 2024's best games provided me with that very same feeling. These stellar titles, like Animal Well, Rise of the Golden Idol, and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, are composed of what seems like countless of the most nefarious and confounding puzzles I've come across, some of which still vex and evade me to this day. And yet, despite that recurring headache--brought on by slamming my head into a proverbial wall over and over again--I wouldn't trade the experiences I had with them for anything.I was wrong a lot in Rise of the Golden Idol, 2024's sequel to the aforementioned Case. I frequently confused names and aliases, and as the levels grew in scale (and the scenarios grew in complexity), I missed a lot of smaller details in the immaculately rendered environs that had been planted to provide insight and direction. I misunderstood the events of the game on numerous occasions, and was more surprised than usual at the revelations that were revealed by a level's end. Rise of the Golden Idol was thoroughly frustrating, and yet it's clearly one of the best games I've played all year because when I pushed it, it pushed back.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Enclaves are likely to make a comeback in State of Decay 3, and if they do, there are a list of new features that could be applied to them. Just like in previous games, enclaves in State of Decay 3 will play the important role of reminding players that they aren't alone in a world of zombies. However, they do more than just add set dressing. Enclaves have a variety of uses in-game that make them a valuable part of the player's strategy. Come State of Decay 3, they could have even more to offer in a more advanced world.

Throughout its first season, Dune: Prophecy has been stacking up mysteries, taking its time to pay them off despite only having six episodes. At the end of episode five, "In Blood, Truth," the series finally revealed some major information about one of its most mysterious characters, Desmond Hart.

Tournament arcs are a staple in most anime. It's one of the best and cleanest ways to pit two great fighters in a battle against each other, usually with a spectacular end result. There are several anime that have used tournament arcs to great effect, giving side characters some much-needed exposure while also letting these fighters develop their character extensively. In some instances, these tournaments are so great that they easily become one of the best parts of the entire show.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.If you know a runner, I have the perfect gift recommendation for you. If you are a runner, I know what you should tell your mom you want for Christmas. And even if there isnt a gifting holiday in your immediate future, you should still know the Good News about water-resistant running shoes. Theyre out there, they might be on sale right now, and they will change your life. Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-TEX Women's Waterproof Trail Running Shoes (FN7102-010, Black/Light Magenta/Pink Foam/Chlorophyll) Size 9 $184.99 at Amazon $193.94 Save $8.95 Shop Now Shop Now $184.99 at Amazon $193.94 Save $8.95 I speak from experience. Not long ago, my birthday was coming up and I had no idea what to tell my mom I wanted. (She kept asking.) I was giving the matter some thought while I was jogging at the local track, in a drizzling near-freezing rain, and my toes were going squish with every step. I suddenly remembered that Gore-Tex shoes exist. I had owned a pair years ago and loved them, but never replaced them when they wore out. They felt like too much of a luxury somehow. Most runners get through wet weather in regular shoes and wool socks, so why not make do?Ill tell you why not. Wool socks can keep your feet warm, but they dont keep them dry. If youve traveled to a park to get your run in, youre driving home with soaking wet feet. Youll come home, wring out your socks, and have to air out your shoes and hope theyre mostly dry by the time you go for your next run. Putting on wet shoes is about as much fun as putting on a wet bathing suit. Returning home from a drizzly run with dry feet is, by contrast, one of this cruel worlds great creature comforts.What weather are water-resistant shoes good for?Water-resistant shoes are great in drizzling rain, or in snowy conditions. In regular shoes, your body heat tends to melt any snow that contacts your shoes, making your feet wet even on a below-freezing day. Water-resistant shoes are great for when its snowing, when theres a small amount of snow on the ground, or when its raining. This covers pretty much all of the weather Im likely to consider running-friendly in a Pennsylvania winter.What dont water-resistant shoes do?Water-resistant is not waterproof, though. In Gore-Tex and similar materials, you cannot step into an ankle-deep puddle and expect to stay dry. A heavy enough downpour will probably eventually work its way through or around the material.Note that water-resistant shoe material doesnt stop snow or rain from getting into the top of the shoe. For trudging through deep snow, you probably want to attach a gaiter (or buy a shoe that comes with built-in gaiters).And if you run in a variety of wintry conditions, you may want more traction on the bottom of the shoe as well. You can buy shoes with spikes built in, or add your own.What are the best water-resistant running shoes?I know youre dying to see mine, so here they are: the Nike InfinityRN Gore-Tex. (Mine are white.) To be honest, I didnt do a lot of research and will not swear that these are the best. My requirements were (1) water-resistant, and (2) Nike, since Nikes always fit me well. These fit the bill, and Ive had many pleasant runs in them in the rain and snow. Nike InfinityRN 4 Gore-Tex Women's Waterproof Running Shoes $150.00 at Amazon $162.08 Save $12.08 Shop Now Shop Now $150.00 at Amazon $162.08 Save $12.08 Based on reviews, forum posts, and other things Ive heard runners say about their favorite weatherproof shoes, Ive collected some other excellent models to consider. For each, Im linking one model, but click around to see its other colors, sizes, and mens/womens versions.Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-TexSaucony Peregrine Ice+3Hoka Clifton 9 GTX TSPuma Deviate Nitro 3 WinterizedBrooks Ghost 16 GTX Brooks Women's Ghost 16 GTX Waterproof Neutral Running Shoe - Moroccan Blue/Pink/Yellow - 8.5 Medium $169.95 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $169.95 at Amazon Note that Gore-Tex is a name brand of breathable, water-resistant fabric, but other brands exist (for example, Saucony has their own, which they call Runshield). Gore-Tex is often abbreviated GTX in shoe model names, so consider looking for that when searching for shoes. And a bonus on many of these shoes is that they include high-traction outsoles to reduce the chances of slipping on wet surfaces.

You don't have to scroll very far down most social media feeds to find a screenshot of a text, comment, or postmaybe a ridiculous Reddit post, or a hilarious reply on X, or an incriminating WhatsApp conversation. But how can you tell the screenshot is genuine, and not artificially created to mislead you?First of all, it's important to bear in mind that fake screenshots can be made very easily. Web browsers have HTML editing features that mean you can temporarily change what articles and online posts say, and there are an abundance of photo editors that will happily help you change text in an image with just a few clicks.There are even free tools that will create fake social media posts for you. As a result, it's often difficult to definitively prove the authenticity of a screenshotbut there are clues you can look for to help you make a judgment one way or another.Check the contextIf you're dealing with a supposed screenshot of a post or article that's in the public domain, your first question should be why the original content was screengrabbed and not linked to directly. Even if people are posting screenshots for convenience, they should still be linking back to the content they're referring to.If there's no link back, see if you can find the original source yourselflook up the X account, the blog post, the Reddit thread, or whatever it is. If there's no sign of it, that's another reason to be suspicious. Posts can always be deleted of course (the Wayback Machine can help here), but it's still worth investigating. It's all too easy to fake social media posts, and take snaps of them. Credit: Lifehacker Think too about what the screenshot is doing. Does it depict something controversial, illicit, or likely to stir up emotions? Essentially, is it possible that it's just been made for clicks? That's another warning sign. Getting a viral post is often worth the few minutes it takes to fake a screenshot, and there are plenty of people trying it.Even when context is harder to figure outwith a private text message thread, for examplelook around the main screenshot itself for clues. Who are the people involved? Have they made any official comment? Is there any background to how the screenshot was obtained? Is the screenshot from a trustworthy source (like a verified news organization)? This can all add to (or take away from) the credibility of an image.Study the imageScreenshots may be easy to fake, but they can be rushed, and can come with inconsistencies. Study the image for inconsistencies: Bad alignment, broken or misplaced elements, or strange formatting. If the screenshot is from an app, try comparing it to the actual app on your own phone, or the Google Play Store or Apple App Store listing. Fakes will often use the wrong stylings or an out-of-date interface.To try and hide these inconsistencies, fake screenshots will often be pixelated and of a low qualitythis is something else to look out for. Genuine screenshots should be crisp and clear, and shouldn't look fuzzy or over-processed: Unless a screenshot has a reason for being poor in its quality and resolution, be wary. There are plenty of clues that this is a fake screenshot. Credit: Instagram The usual rules for spotting fake pictures apply to fake screenshots: Does everything fit? What's the source? Does this actually make sense? Take this faked screenshot of a news story about child soldiers, where you can see straight away the fuzzy graphics and text. If you properly look at the image though, the uniforms look like play outfitsthe kids don't look particularly distraught or determined, and one of them is almost laughing.Sure enough, the photo is from a war camp game and has nothing to do with any actual battles. Resources such as PolitiFact and Snopes can help in your screenshot debunking efforts, as can other detectives on social media and sites like Reddit (they might spot a problem with an image that you wouldn't otherwise see). Where images are involved, it's often worth using the TinEye reverse image search too.Use a photo editorSometimes the metadata of a screenshot will reveal more about it. You can check this on Windows by right-clicking an image and choosing Properties; on macOS, right-click and choose Get Info. Look for details like the dates the image was created and last modified, and where it was last downloaded from. Not all screenshots will have all of this information attached, but it's a good idea to check, just in case.Getting the questionable screenshot up in a photo editor of your choice can help you get a closer look at it, and possibly spot some of the mistakes its creator has made in choosing the right fonts and graphics, getting elements properly aligned with each other, and removing evidence of fakery. You can usually check image data in photo editors too (in Photoshop, it's File > File Info). Photo metadata can sometimes reveal some secrets. Credit: Lifehacker Forensically is an excellent, free image analyzer that runs in your browser, and can help you take a closer look at screenshots (and any other picture type). As well as letting you magnify any part of an image, it also has a range of tools for detecting editssuch as looking for luminance values that don't match, or checking for areas of an image that may have been cloned.As I mentioned right at the top, proving that a screenshot is real or fake isn't always possible, as these images are so easy to createbut once you've worked your way through all those steps, you should have a much better idea whether something you're looking at is genuine or not.