Photos from the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed more than 40 stars within the gravitationally lensed "Dragon Arc" galaxy, 6.5 billion light-years from Earth. It is the largest group of individually imaged stars ever seen at such a distance.

Shark sex is a bitey business, with males grasping females with their teeth during the act. The resulting wounds are helping scientists to figure out when and where sharks are doing the deed.

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Nvidia finally revealed their next-generation RTX 50-series graphics cards at CES 2025, with some big performance improvements expected thanks to the new Blackwell architecture. But since 2020 and the launch of the RTX 20 series, Nvidia has been working on and expanding its range of AI enhancements as part of its DLSS suite of exclusive features, with its latest iteration, DLSS 4, set to propel both new and older GPUs forward.DLSS 4's biggest new feature is one that will be exclusive to the new RTX 50-series GPUs. Multi Frame Generation is the next step in the Frame Generation race that Nvidia kicked off with the RTX 40-series range. Instead of just injecting a single, AI-generated frame between two traditionally rendered one, Multi Frame Generation now offers up to four AI-generated frames to be inserted, substantially increasing a game's frame rate. Nvidia says that its new GPUs can deliver nearly eight times more performance than "brute-force" rendering, but how well each generated frame looks and how this impacts input latency has yet to be determined.Digital Foundry was given access to an engineering sample of the RTX 5080 and limited time to test Multi Frame Generation in Cyberpunk 2077 and came away impressed with both the image quality and fluidity of the experience.Continue Reading at GameSpot

A new League of Legends cinematic from Arcane animation studio Fortiche sets up the story to come in the game's first season of 2025, and serves in many ways as a continuation of some of the plot threads from the critically acclaimed Netflix show.League of Legends' first season of 2025 is set to begin January 9 and will be all about Noxus, one of the major political empires in the world of Runeterra and one that became a bigger part of Arcane season 2's story. The cinematic shows several different stories unfolding, as familiar League of Legends characters like Katarina looks to assassinate a target and is stopped by Elise, Noxus general Darius confronts the ice troll Trundle, and Arcane's Mel--who is not yet a playable champion in Riot's MOBA--looks to make her return to Noxus. Mel is currently playable in Teamfight Tactics, and is heavily rumored to be added to League of Legends proper as part of 2025 Season 1, Welcome to Noxus. As is the case with Arcane, Fortiche brings the world of League of Legends to life in stunning fashion, with an absurd attention to detail and a slightly stylized look that gives each character more life and personality than they've ever had before.Continue Reading at GameSpot

PlayStation is expanding its lineup of Midnight Black accessories and hardware with new models of the DualSense Edge Wireless Controller, PlayStation Portal, Pulse Explore Earbuds, and Pulse Elite Headset. All four new PS5 products release February 20, and preorders begin January 16 at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET at PlayStation Direct and select retailers. The accessories join the standard Midnight Black DualSense Controller and PS5 Console Cover. DualSense Edge (Midnight Black) $200 The DualSense Edge looks slick in Midnight Black, and the color even extends to its included carrying case. Our pick for the best premium PS5 controller, the DualSense Edge is a high-performing gamepad with a great feel and ample customization features.The DualSense Edge has adjustable trigger locks with three stopping points, two styles of remappable back triggers, and a pair of Fn (Function) buttons that can be reprogrammed to quickly cycle through and adjust settings or switch profiles on PS5. On PC, the Function buttons can be mapped to any input.You can remap inputs, create trigger and stick dead zones, tweak stick sensitivity, and adjust haptic feedback intensity in the PS5's menu system. On PC, you can use the official PlayStation Accessories app to make these changes. Here's what you get with the DualSense Edge:Two pairs of remappable back triggers: standard and lever stylesTwo Function buttonsThree pairs of stick caps: standard, tall dome, low domeBraided USB-C cable with optional connector housingHardshell carrying case See at PlayStation Direct See at Amazon PlayStation Portal (Midnight Black) $200 The PlayStation Portal is a Remote Play handheld for PS5 users who want to access their library while away from their console. While there are cheaper options for Remote Play, including your smartphone, the PlayStation Portal retains the authentic experience with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The Portal has superb ergonomics and the 8-inch 1080p display is gorgeous. See at PlayStation Direct See at Amazon PlayStation Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds (Midnight Black) $200 The Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds come with six earbud tips to help find the best fit and are compatible with PS5, PC, Mac, PlayStation Portal, and mobile devices via Bluetooth. The earbuds support the PS5's audio features, such as Tempest 3D Audio, and have two hidden microphones for chat. They can run for five hours on a full charge, and the included charging case adds 10 additional hours of playback. The Pulse Explore support simultaneous connections via PlayStation Link and Bluetooth. See at PlayStation Direct See at Amazon Pulse Elite (Midnight Black) $150 The Pulse Elite brings up to 30 hours of battery life and impressive mid-range audio quality from planar magnetic drivers. Like the Pulse Explore earbuds, the over-ear Elite headset supports spatial audio and have built-in tech that helps block out unwanted noises when chatting with friends. You can use the retractable mic to make calls on your mobile device via Bluetooth while retaining your PlayStation Link connection to PS5, PC, Mac, or PlayStation Portal.Inside the box, you'll find the PlayStation Link adapter, USB-C cable, a charging hanger, and a mounting plate. See at PlayStation Direct See at Amazon More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Final Fantasy 7 Remake Physical Edition Gets PS5 Reprint - Snag It While You Can The 2,500-Piece Legend Of Zelda Lego Set Is Now Available At Amazon Mario Kart Lego Sets Are Available Now - Check Out All Six In The Launch Lineup + Show More More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Links (5) Fortnite Lego Sets Launch At Major Retailers, Including Amazon And Walmart Backbone One iPhone And Android Controller Is 50% Off The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim 4K Blu-Ray Steelbook Up For Preorder At Amazon Metaphor: ReFantazio Is Getting A Nearly 600-Page Official Strategy Guide Elden Ring Strategy Guides Finally Restocked At Amazon - Get All Three While You Can

After nearly 10 years of waiting, fans are finally getting an official sequel to Hyper Light Drifter with the upcoming Early Access release of Hyper Light Breaker. While both games take place within the same stylized universe, Hyper Light Breaker makes many notable departures from its predecessor, branching out from the 2D single-player action-adventure of Hyper Light Drifter to become a full-3D action roguelike game with both solo and cooperative play. To help bring the game's ambitious vision to life, Heart Machine is partnering with a new publisher for Hyper Light Breaker in Arc Games.

Though many heroes have adopted the Captain Marvel moniker over the last few decades, few have become quite as synonymous with the alias as Carol Danvers. Debuting in 1968, Carol Danvers became Ms. Marvel in 1977, and finally became Captain Marvel in the 2000s, fully embracing her role as one of the leading members of the Avengers and New Avengers. According to recent datamines posted by X0XLEAK on Twitter, Captain Marvel might be heading to Marvel Rivals soon.

Last year was a big one for Fortnite, as the game expanded to even greater horizons. Between the introduction of Chapter 6, the return of Fortnite OG as a permanent mode, and even the addition of life sim LEGO Fortnite Brick Life, Epic Games has brought Fortnite to new heights.

By CHRIS McGOWANGladiator II was given the IMAX Maximum Image treatment in November. (Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures)Cinema audiences are increasingly showing an appetite for higher-resolution, higher-quality movies, often with large-format presentations and/or 4D effects. Soon, they will also be exploring AR movie augmentations and an increasing number of film-related experiences as well.When audiences began returning to theaters after the pandemic, they wanted experiences that they couldnt get in their homes. Now, in a post-pandemic world, moviegoers want something premium and special for their time, and audiences seek out IMAX because it truly is a premium experience, says Bruce Markoe, Senior Vice President and Head of Post & Image Capture for IMAX.IMAX is a pioneer and leader in premium cinema. Markoe notes, As of June 30, 2024, there were 1,780 IMAX systems (1,705 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 63 institutional) operating in 89 countries and territories. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2023, IMAX delivered one of the best years in our history. with nearly $1.1 billion in global box office. And while last years Hollywood strikes dealt the entire entertainment business a temporary setback, it was just that: temporary. Weve had an incredible 2024 to-date at IMAX, marked by several recent box-office successes, including Inside Out 2, Twisters and Deadpool & Wolverine, and as we look ahead, this trend shows no signs of slowing down.Markoe explains, Every IMAX location in the world is built to our precise standards they are designed, built and carefully maintained with meticulous care, and every location is customized for optimal viewing experiences. Only IMAX uses acousticians, laser alignment and custom theater geometry, combined with our Academy Award-winning projection technology, precision audio and optimized seating layouts, to ensure every element is immersive by design.Joker: Folie Deux launched on IMAX in October. (Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)Markoe continues, Our theaters are calibrated daily to ensure audiences get perfectly tuned sound and image every time, at every location, regardless of where in the world it is. We also have incredible partnerships with filmmakers and studios. Were seeing a dramatic shift to IMAX among filmmakers and studios. We are increasingly creating specifically for the IMAX platform. [And,] we have more Filmed for IMAX titles in production than any time in our history, Markoe says. We are dramatically expanding our Filmed for IMAX program to feature many of the worlds most iconic filmmakers and directors alongside rising talents in the industry. To date, we have 15 Filmed for IMAX titles set for release this year more than double any previous year as filmmakers and studios from Hollywood and international territories increasingly create uniquely optimized versions for the IMAX platform.Markoe notes, To meet growing demand among filmmakers to shoot in IMAX, the company is developing and finalizing the roll-out of four next-generation IMAX 15/65mm film cameras. IMAX tapped such prolific filmmakers and cinematographers as Christopher Nolan, Jordan Peele and Hoyte van Hoytema, among others, to identify new specs and features for the prototype. The new cameras recently entered production.Dolby Cinema is a premium cinema experience created by Dolby Laboratories that combines proprietary visual and audio technologies such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. (Image courtesy of Dolby)The worlds largest 4DX theater is the Regal Times Square located at 247 West 42nd St. in New York City. (Image courtesy of Full Blue Productions and 4DX)IMAX launched the Filmed for IMAX program in 2020 to certify digital cameras that were officially approved to create IMAX-format films. Markoe explains, The program is a partnership between IMAX and the worlds leading filmmakers to meet their demands for the ultimate IMAX experience. Working directly with IMAX, the program allows filmmakers the ability to fully leverage the immersive IMAX theatrical experience, including expanded aspect ratio and higher resolution. Through the program, IMAX certifies best-in-class digital cameras from leading brands, including ARRI, Panavision, RED Digital Cinema and Sony, to provide filmmakers with the best guidance to optimize creatively how they shoot to best work in the IMAX format when paired with IMAXs proprietary post-production process.IMAX continues to innovate on the cutting edge of entertainment technology, Markoe states. Our IMAX with Laser system was recently recognized with a Scientific and Technical Academy Award. Combining our industry-leading technology and new tools with the enthusiastic embrace by filmmakers to specifically and creatively design their movies to be the most immersive, high-quality presentation, we continue to find new and innovative ways to expand the IMAX canvas moving forward. We see an opportunity for our platform to serve as a conduit for sports leagues to expand their global reach and provide a launchpad for projects from some of the worlds most iconic music acts. The future of cinema is multi-pronged, combining visionary works from Hollywood and local language blockbusters, original documentaries and exclusive events.The Wild Robot landed on IMAX in September. (Image courtesy of Universal Pictures)The E3LH QuarterView Dolby Vision Cinema Projection System. Dolby Vision is part of the companys Dolby Cinema package, which includes the Dolby Atmos sound system and special theater treatments to reduce ambient light and enhance comfort.(Image courtesy of Dolby)DOLBYThe appetite for premium cinema is huge, and its a clear factor in whats drawing people to see movies in theaters, says Jed Harmsen, Dolby Vice President and General Manager of Cinema & Group Entertainment. 2023 marked Dolby Cinemas strongestyear in history at the box office, with U.S. Dolby Cinema ticket sales eclipsing pre-pandemic levels, up 7% from 2019. Furthermore,Dolby boasts the highest average per-screen box office among all premium large-format offerings, which is a testament to theconsumers recognition and value of enjoying their films in Dolby.According to Comscore data, the domestic large-format gross box office was up +10.1% in 2023 vs. 2019, illustrating how the popularity of premium cinema is growing and overtaking pre-pandemic levels. Also, per Comscore, market share of the domestic large-format gross box office (in relation to the entire domestic gross box office) grew from 9.7% in 2019 to 13.3% in 2023. According to Harmsen, Premium cinema experiences are becoming a larger share of all cinema experiences. Its one of the reasons we continue to work with our cinema partners to make Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos available to as many moviegoers around the world as possible. We created Dolby Cinema to be the best way for audiences to see a movie, featuring the awe-inspiring picture quality of Dolby Vision together with the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos, all in a fully Dolby-designed theater environment. There are around 275 Dolby Cinemas globally.Inside Out 2 hit IMAX giant screens in 2024. (Image courtesy of Pixar/Disney)Twisters was unleashed on IMAX in 2024. (Image courtesy of Universal Pictures)The IMAX 70mm Film Camera. One of the IMAX film cameras used by Christopher Nolan to shoot Oppenheimer. (Image courtesy of IMAX)Harmsen adds, Our global footprint for Dolby Cinema spans 28 exhibitor partners and 14 countries, with the first Dolby Cinema opening in 2014 in the Netherlands. Were excited to have true collaborations with multiple trusted partners and advocates like AMC, who have been a huge proponent in bringing the magic of the Dolby Cinema experience to moviegoers.Harmsen underscores the value of Dolby sound and vision to the viewing experience. Dolby Vision allows viewers to see subtle details and ultra-vivid colors with increased contrast ratio and blacker blacks, delivering the best version of the picture that the filmmaker intended. Dolby Atmos offers powerful, immersive audio, allowing audiences to feel a deeper connection to the story with sound that moves all around them. And Dolbys unique theater design allows audiences to experience both technologies in the best possible way by limiting ambient light, ensuring an optimal view from every premium seat and more.Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos have revolutionized premium movie-going and have been embraced widely by creators and exhibitors, allowing us to bring Dolby-powered media and entertainment to more and more audiences, Harmsen says. To date, more than 600 theatrical features have been released or are confirmed to be released in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, including recent box-office hits like Inside Out 2, Dune: Part Two, Deadpool & Wolverine and more. Harmsen concludes, We see exhibitors continuing to outfit their auditoriums to support more premium cinema experiences to meet the demand were seeing from moviegoers. At Dolby, we see premium as the new standard in cinema. Its clear audiences worldwide do as well.On the outskirts of the Las Vegas strip, Sphere is a literal expansion of cinema. (Image courtesy of Sphere Entertainment)The 4DX Cinema Sunshine Heiwajima movie theater in BIG FUN Heiwajima, an entertainment complex in Tokyo. (Image courtesy of 4DX)4DX4D cinema adds motion seats and multi-sensory effects to blockbuster movies. The experience adds about $8 to each ticket. South Koreas CJ 4DPLEX is the leader in this area. Globally, there are some 750 4DX screens affiliated with the company, which has teamed up with partners like Regal Cinemas. According to the Regal site, 4D movies utilize physical senses to transport viewers into a whole new viewing experience. Regals 4DX theaters are equipped with motion-enabled chairs, which create strong vibrations and sensations, as well as other environmental controls for simulated weather or other conditions such as lightning, rain, flashing (strobe) lights, fog and strong scents.SPHEREOn the outskirts of the Las Vegas strip, Sphere is a literal expansion of what cinema is. When not hosting concerts or events, Sphere shows high-resolution films on a wraparound screen that is 240 feet tall and covers 160,000 square feet, with a 16K by 16X resolution. Digital Domain worked on the visual effects of Darren Aronofskys movie Postcard from Earth, shown in the gigantic spherical venue. Working on Postcard from Earth for the Sphere was an extraordinary experience, marking our debut in such an impressive venue. Collaborating with Darren Aronofsky, a filmmaker whose work weve long admired, added an extra layer of excitement as we brought his vision to life in this dramatic setting, comments Matt Dougan, Digital Domain VFX Supervisor.Deadpool & Wolverine made a historic global IMAX debut last July. (Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)With the Apple Vision Pro, stunning panorama photos shot on the iPhone expand and wrap around the user, creating the sensation that they are standing where the photo was taken. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)The IMAX Commercial Laser Projector designed specifically for multiplexes. (Image courtesy of IMAX)NETFLIX HOUSENetflix House is another next-generation cinema addition. The experiential entertainment venue will bring beloved Netflix titles to life, beginning with locations in malls in Dallas, Texas, and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in 2025. Building on previous Netflix live experiences for Bridgerton, Money Heist, Stranger Things, Squid Game and Netflix Bites, Netflix House will go one step further and create an unforgettable venue to explore your favorite Netflix stories and characters beyond the screen year-round, according to Henry Goldblatt, Netflix Executive Editor, on the Netflix website.At Netflix House, you can enjoy regularly updated immersive experiences, indulge in retail therapy and get a taste literally of your favorite Netflix series and films through unique food and drink offerings, says Marian Lee, Netflixs Chief Marketing Officer, on the Netflix site. Weve launched more than 50 experiences in 25 cities, and Netflix House represents the next generation of our distinctive offerings. The venues will bring our beloved stories to life in new, ever-changing and unexpected ways.ARAugmented reality is expected to expand the experience of movie-going, adding interactive and immersive elements to movie posters and trailers, interaction with characters, personalized narrative and cinematic installations. Apple Vision Pro undoubtedly brings new immersive opportunities to the table with its advanced mixed-reality capabilities offering unique ways to engage with stories, comments Rob Bredow, ILM Senior Vice President, Creative Innovation and Chief Creative Officer. He explains that cinema is a highly mature art form with well-established storytelling traditions and audience expectations. While Apple Vision Pro can be used to help create compelling new experiences, its not about replacing these mediums [such as film] but rather complementing them. The device opens doors to hybrid forms of entertainment that blend interactivity and immersion in ways that are uniquely suited to its technology. [Cinema] will continue to grow and thrive, enriched by these new possibilities, but certainly not overshadowed by them.Looking forward, one of the changes in next-generation cinema may be one of content. IMAXs Markoe says, Audiences are increasingly interested in must-see events things that cannot be experienced the same way at home on a TV. Recent events, such as our broadcast of the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony or broadcasting the 2024 NBA Finals to select theaters in China, brings these larger-than-life experiences to audiences in a way that cant be replicated elsewhere. Increasingly, concert films like Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour have appealed to audiences who want to feel fully immersed in the action.Indeed, the future of cinema looks to lie more and more in premium cinema as well as immersive experiences that expand what movies are today.