Whenever I log into a game, the first thing I do is hop into its settings and toy around with my options to try to strike a good balance between performance and graphics. Its not exactly the most exciting first impression for a new title, but it can make my actual time spent playing a lot more seamless. Now, HP wants to automate that first hurdle away, so I can jump right into gameplay instead.Omen AI beta optimizes your settings for youAs part of its CES 2025 announcements, the company announced its "Omen AI Beta," coming to the HP Omen Gaming Hub this week. According to HP, this AI will use machine learning to provide customized adjustments to operating system settings, hardware settings, and in-game settings in just one click. Thats a lot to balance all at once, but the idea is that HP will scan your system to find out how to get max performance in your games, taking your individual setup into account, then make the needed changes for you.Like other AI, it'll need training data to pull that off. According to a spokesperson, Omen AI will use hardware specs, game configurations, and performance metrics from "millions of gaming systems" to come up with its optimizations, which it'll then apply across your game and certain compatible parts of your wider system. In order to avoid conflicts with other companies' products, its operating system changes will be limited to adjusting the "booster" settings already present in the company's gaming software, while hardware setting changes will initially only work with Omen PCs. In other words, your optimizations might be a little less effective if you don't have the right computer, but you also won't need to worry about the program breaking hardware it's not familiar with. (If you do encounter issues, there's an undo button to change back to your setting from before you enabled the AI.) Credit: HP Even with those limitations, the feature is only set to work with Counterstrike 2 at launch, so expect a measured rollout. Still, promotional material does show the tool working in Valorant as well, so hopefully HP wont abandon it after just a proof of concept.Thats really whatll make or break something like this. If it only works on a few titles, itll be great for headlines, but gamers will quickly forget about it. Integrations with other PC makers and companies like Nvidia are also possible down the line, I'm told, which could help widen the tool's user base. A wider user base also means more data to help train on, which does raise the issue of privacy. According to HP, Omen AI doesn't use any personally identifiable information to train its AI models, and users can manage their data collection consent options from within the Omen Gaming Hub software. Still, even with the promise that data is anonymous and aggregated, it's worth double checking your privacy settings if you have HP's Omen Gaming Hub installed, even if you don't plan on using AI. Credit: HP It's interesting seeing something like this come first from a computer manufacturer rather than Microsoft or Nvidia, although the tool will be open to anyone with Omen Gaming Hub installed, whether or not they have an HP PC. Both in and out-of-game, it looks like youll be able to use Omen AI to access a quick toggle that will tell you your current fps as well as what fps you can expect to get upon enabling the tool. Even if these are just mock-ups for now, they do show a commitment to ease of use. That said, maybe a bit of fine control would be helpful herewhat if Im OK with the program adjusting my in-game settings but would rather have my operating system and hardware left alone?How well Omen AI will work in reality depends on how the beta plays out and continued support. I'm rooting for it: Its also a good example of the type of AI I actually like, since it's more about eliminating tedium than replacing human creativity.New mice from HPHP also announced the HyperX Pulsefire Saga and Saga Pro mice at this year's CES, which both look pretty standard on the surface, with 8K polling, six programmable buttons, and support for up to 26,000 DPI. There are some premium features, like magnetic weights, but what really sets them apart is their 3D-printed cases. Youll get eight case parts in the box, which is enough for a full mouse, but youre also free to swap out and customize options at your leisure, by downloading new open-source case parts from HPs Printables account.The HyperX Pulsefire Saga and Saga Pro mice will both be available in March. The former costs $80, while the latter hits $120, thanks to its added wireless functionality.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Squid Game: Season 2, the blockbuster return of the global phenomenon of Netflix. This featurette takes you through the making of the season from the intense stunts and elaborate set designs to the hilarious cast moments and on-set bloopers. You can see the dedication of the cast and crew as they bring the deadly games to life, with Lee Jung-jae and his co-stars sharing their experience and laughter in this season.Inside details include the sets themselves, created with painstaking detail, as well as shocking, high-stakes challenges; both of which put fans directly inside an artistic and technically challenging environment to work with and create for behind the camera scenes. The days were all action, sweat, and grinning all at the same time. Off-camera action indeed. Squid Game: Season 2 would, therefore, give fans thrills while on-camera. Be ready for even more heart-stopping action, surprise moments, and unforgettable memories!The post Making Of SQUID GAME: SEASON 2 appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Looking for a great new job, and want to work from anywhere? While tech giants are pushing for five-days-a-week office returns, these nine growing startups are doubling down on distributed teams.From AI to soda pop, heres where the future of work meets the next wave of innovation.Headway: 35 open rolesHeadway connects people with therapists who accept insurance, making mental health care more accessible and affordable.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: Therapy stipend, flexible PTOOpen positions in: Legal, Operations, Payer, Customer Experience, Data, Engineering, Marketing, HR, Product, SalesTRM: 26 open rolesTRM is a blockchain intelligence platform that helps financial institutions, governments, and crypto businesses detect and investigate crypto-related financial crimes.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: Flexible work schedule, yearly off-siteOpen positions in: Blockchain, Engineering, Marketing, Operations, Product, SalesRunway: 19 open rolesRunway is an applied research company that offers tools for high-fidelity video generation and other creative applications.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: Unlimited PTO, 100% insurance, monthly remote work stipendOpen positions in: Finance, Research, Engineering, Product, Support, HR, SalesMagicSchool: 18 open rolesMagicSchool is an platform for educators, offering over 80 AI tools to assist with lesson planning, differentiation, assessments, communication, and more.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: Unlimited PTO, 100% paid insurance, monthly wellness stipend, four-year stock vestOpen positions in: Engineering, Operations, Product, SalesLumos: 16 open rolesLumos is a SaaS management and identity governance platform that helps IT and security teams manage access across all their apps.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: Four months parental leave, monthly wellness stipend, home office setup stipendOpen positions in: Marketing, Design, Engineering, Product, Customer Success, Sales, BizOpsOlipop: 13 open rolesOlipop makes prebiotic, low-sugar sodas that offer a healthier alternative to traditional soft drinks.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: 99% paid medical, flexible PTOOpen position in: Commercial, Finance, Sales, Supply ChainGensyn: 12 open rolesGensyn is a decentralized machine learning compute network that offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional cloud-based solutions.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: Flat hierarchy, equity share/token pool, quarterly company retreats around the worldOpen positions in: Product, Engineering, Research, Executive AssistantPulley: 11 open rolesPulley helps startups manage their equity, cap tables, and employee stock options, making it easier for companies to handle their financial operations and compliance.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: Unlimited PTO, 401K matchOpen positions in: Engineering, Marketing, Product, Operations, SalesSpellbook: 10 open rolesSpellbook is an AI-powered suite designed to help lawyers draft and review contracts more quickly and efficiently.Click here to view open positions.Notable benefits: Mental health stipend, monthly paid meals, stock option grantsOpen positions in: Customer Success, Marketing, HR, Product, Sales

London practice Stolon Studio has completed The Parks, a housing complex that has been transformed from a group of neglected farm buildings in Herefordshire.Originally forming part of a dairy farm, the group of existing buildings dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries and comprises timber-framed structures of different sizes topped with pitched roofs.Stolon Studio has transformed a group of neglected farm buildings into housingHaving fallen into disrepair after being left unused, the old structures were transformed by Stolon Studio into eight individual homes that share communal outdoor spaces including gardens as well as a pond and meadow.Due to the site's dilapidated state, portions of the buildings had to be demolished, including collapsed walls and faulty new additions that had been added to the structures by previous owners.The structures were originally built in the 15th and 16th centuries"The buildings were in a very dilapidated condition prior to development," studio co-founder Robert Barker told Dezeen. "Some of this was only discovered after intrusive investigation works. There were parts which frankly we were amazed were still standing," he continued.The studio reused materials from the demolitions to help form the new homes, including old bricks and timber elements.Stolon Studio created eight homes around a shared outdoor space"Almost all of the reclaimed materials were sourced directly from site, the local builder and craftsmen did an amazing job salvaging and reusing the old bricks and timbers with less than a handful of new oaks required," Barker explained. "There was a wonderful array of old bricks from different Herefordian brickworks, evident by their markings."With red brick facades, the homes are arranged around the former farmyard, which has been transformed into a courtyard that the studio hopes will act as the central community space for the residents.Bricks and timber from the dilapidated buildings were reused"We sought to make Parks a sociable rural development that would engender a sense of community and belonging for residents and provide agency over the land," said Barker."Great thought was given to the design and layout to create the quiet opportunity for social interaction between residents, balanced by the provision of privacy and defensible space."Read: Tuckey Design Studio restores original character of Old Chapel in DevonForming a C-shape around the edges of the courtyard, each of the eight new homes on the site is connected to a private garden and includes a share in a communally owned, on-site meadow as well as access to shared equipment."The field at the back has become an opportunity for residents to take ownership of a two-acre shared land asset," said Barker. "We have recently secured planning for two new timber buildings, which will sit on the edge of this field providing a terrace of outhouses for residents to use as sheds, workshops or summer houses directly onto the field.""Some of the residents are planning to create a kitchen garden area alongside this and we hope to add a small orchard and mosaic habitat beyond," he continued.Red metal roofs top the buildingsThe homes, which have been named after their original agricultural uses, range from three- to five-bed units with differing layouts designed to accommodate a range of age groups.To match the red-brick exterior walls, each home is topped with a red metal roof and features red timber detailing.Neutral colour schemes were used for the homes' interiors"Materials are sympathetic to the traditions of the Herefordshire countryside with a combination of red brick, tile and terracotta reflecting the reddish pink gravel of the river valley and the rich red clay soil of the local area, renowned for its food produce," said Barker.Inside, the homes feature a neutral colour scheme and have been created to pair modern design with the site's original agricultural features. Historic features have been celebrated by the studio, including old fireplaces and original brick and stone walls, which were left exposed where insulation wasn't required.Some of the farm buildings' original features were left exposedRepairs to the original structures were also made where necessary, with beams and walls straightened and new steel plates and ties added to brace the old elm and oak beams.Each house has a unique design, with one home fronted by a bright kitchen with red cabinets that mimic the exterior and another having a kitchen with a more muted, green colour palette and exposed old timber framing.The complex is located on a former dairy farm in HerefordshireAnother unit, which makes use of a loft in one of the old barn buildings, is characterised by its exposed timber framing and skylights.Other renovated barn buildings featured on Dezeen include a series of derelict agricultural buildings that have been converted into accessible holiday homes and a rural stone barn in Scotland that has been transformed into a restaurant with exposed timber beams.The photography is by French+Tye.The post Stolon Studio converts 15th-century farm building into brick and timber housing complex appeared first on Dezeen.

Samsung's M8 smart monitor is heavily discounted, providing an affordable external display option for your MacBook or Mac mini.Samsung M8 monitor has fallen to $399.99 today.Samsung monitor discounts can be found at both Amazon.com and Samsung.com today, with the 32-inch M8 4K display on sale for $399.99. This reflects a 43% price cut off retail for the smart monitor that has USB-C, HDMI and USB-A ports.Buy M8 for $399.99 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Developing effective multi-modal AI systems for real-world applications requires handling diverse tasks such as fine-grained recognition, visual grounding, reasoning, and multi-step problem-solving. Existing open-source multi-modal language models are found to be wanting in these areas, especially for tasks that involve external tools such as OCR or mathematical calculations. The abovementioned limitations can largely be attributed to single-step-oriented datasets that cannot provide a coherent framework for multiple steps of reasoning and logical chains of actions. Overcoming these will be indispensable for unlocking true potential in using multi-modal AI on complex levels.Current multi-modal models often rely on instruction tuning with direct-answer datasets or few-shot prompting approaches. The proprietary systems, like GPT-4, have demonstrated the ability to reason through CoTA chains effectively. At the same time, the open-source models face challenges from a lack of datasets and integration with tools. The earlier efforts, such as LLaVa-Plus and Visual Program Distillation, were also limited by small dataset sizes, poor-quality training data, and a focus on simple question-answering tasks, which limits them to more complex multi-modal problems that require more sophisticated reasoning and tool application.Researchers from the University of Washington and Salesforce Research have developed TACO, an innovative framework for training multi-modal action models using synthetic CoTA datasets. This work introduces several key advancements to address the limitations of prior methods. First, over 1.8 million traces have been generated using GPT-4 and programs in Python, while a subset of 293K examples was curated to present high quality after rigorous filtering techniques. These examples ensure the inclusion of diverse reasoning and action sequences critical for multi-modal learning. Second, TACO incorporates a robust set of 15 tools, including OCR, object localization, and mathematical solvers, enabling the models to handle complex tasks effectively. Third, advanced filtering and data-mixing techniques further optimize the dataset, emphasizing reasoning-action integration and fostering superior learning outcomes. This framework reinterprets multi-modal learning by enabling models to produce coherent multi-step reasoning while seamlessly integrating actions, thereby establishing a new benchmark for performance in intricate scenarios.The development of TACO involved training on a carefully curated CoTA dataset with 293K instances sourced from 31 different origins, including Visual Genome. These datasets contain a wide range of tasks such as mathematical reasoning, optical character recognition, and detailed visual understanding. It is highly heterogeneous, with the tools provided including object localization and language-based solvers that allow a wide range of reasoning and action tasks. The training architecture combined LLaMA3 as the linguistic basis with CLIP as the visual encoder thus establishing a strong multi-modal framework. Fine-tuning established hyperparameter tuning that focused on lowering learning rates and increasing the number of epochs for training to guarantee that the models could adequately solve complex multi-modal challenges.TACOs performance across eight benchmarks demonstrates its substantial impact on advancing multi-modal reasoning capabilities. The system achieved an average accuracy improvement of 3.6% over instruction-tuned baselines, with gains as high as 15% on MMVet tasks that involve OCR and mathematical reasoning. Notably, the high-quality 293K CoTA dataset outperformed larger, less refined datasets, underscoring the importance of targeted data curation. Further performance improvements are achieved through adjustments in hyperparameter strategies, including tuning of vision encoders and optimization of learning rates. Table 2: Results show excellent performances by TACO compared to benchmarks, the latter was found to be exceptionally better in complex tasks involving integration of reasoning and action.TACO introduces a new methodology for multi-modal action modeling that effectively addresses the severe deficiencies of both reasoning and tool-based actions through high-quality synthetic datasets and innovative training methodologies. The research overcomes the constraints of traditional instruction-tuned models, and its developments are poised to change the face of real-world applications ranging from visual question answering to complex multi-step reasoning tasks.Check out the and Project Page. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our65k+ ML SubReddit. Aswin Ak+ postsAswin AK is a consulting intern at MarkTechPost. He is pursuing his Dual Degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is passionate about data science and machine learning, bringing a strong academic background and hands-on experience in solving real-life cross-domain challenges. [Recommended Read] Nebius AI Studio expands with vision models, new language models, embeddings and LoRA (Promoted)

About Us:Anaconda Fightwear is one of the world's leading Martial Arts clothing and equipment brands. We create innovative products to help Martial Artists across the world train at peak performance. Founded by Luke, who transformed his injury into a mission to help others, Anaconda Fightwear is dedicated to supporting athletes in their training and recovery journeys.Position Overview:We are seeking a dynamic and creative Ecommerce Creative Strategist with a specialized focus on Meta Ads to join our rapidly growing team. This role is crucial for developing and executing innovative advertising campaigns on Meta platforms to drive brand awareness, engagement, and sales. This is a great opportunity to gain substantial experience in a fast-growing company.Who Will Thrive in This Role:If you are passionate about Martial Arts and have a knack for creating compelling ad strategies, this could be a life-changing opportunity for you. Youll work closely with the CEO and marketing team to create impactful ad campaigns that resonate with our target audience.Who Should Apply?Experience creating Facebook/Instagram creatives is a requirement to apply.Direct Response marketing experienceStrong design skillsPersuasive writing SkillsYou have a versatile skillset and are comfortable tackling things you do not fully understand independentlyYou have a creative flair and are able to understand abstract ideas and turn it into something interesting/engaging in the real worldKey ResponsibilitiesManaging Facebook advertising campaignsCreating strategy for athlete sponsorshipsWriting creative briefs for athletes and photgraphersDesigning ad creativesWorking with athletes on sponsorship dealsWriting copy for advertising campaignsBig picture marketing strategyPreferred Skills & Experience:Background in Martial Arts or a passion for sports.Previous experience in a fast-paced startup environment.Ability to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table.Why Join Us:At Anaconda Fightwear, youll be part of a team that values innovation, creativity, and dedication. We are more than just a brand; we are a community that supports and empowers each other. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Martial Arts industry and help athletes around the world train at their best. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a wealth of experience in a rapidly expanding company.How to Apply:Interested candidates should submit their resume and creative portfolio to apply Related Jobs See more Design jobs

Source: BDPPlans for a district centre at the heart of the Wichelstowe development in Swindon have been approved.The scheme, designed by BDP, aims to create a vibrant hub for the growing community, which will eventually encompass 4,000 homes.The development is located on both sides of the Wilts & Berks Canal, providing a new focal point for public activities and services.The approved plans, submitted in two separate applications by Swindon Borough Council, include two zones: Canalside East and Canalside West.The district centre is intended to offer flexible spaces for day and evening use throughout the year.Source: BDPNick Ellis, associate architect at BDP, said: New neighbourhoods are vital in providing the much-needed housing that the country so desperately needs; however, it is also crucial to create a vibrant centre to help knit the community together and of course make them enjoyable places to live.The mixture of uses is key to ensuring the area caters to everyones needs and that the space is used and enjoyed at different times of the day and year. We have put great thought into the design of the district centre to promote social cohesion with lots of outdoor and indoor communal space, whilst making the most of the canal and including plenty of greenery.Canalside West will include a health centre with a pharmacy next door, as well as a community centre and workspace located on the upper levels. Four retail units, designed to accommodate restaurants, shops, and cafes, will feature a covered walkway at the front.Above these units, there will be 12 one and two bedroom apartments.Source: BDPCanalside East will house a gym with space for a caf, which will connect to the towpath along the canal. This side of the development will also feature 14 one- and two-bedroom apartments above the ground-floor facilities.Both areas will be linked by a public square, which is envisioned as a space for markets, events, and other leisure activities. A footbridge over the canal will connect the development to towpaths for walking, jogging, and cycling.BDPs design incorporates sustainability and biodiversity measures, including a biodiverse roof andsolar panels.BDP also provided landscape architecture and mechanical and electrical services for the project.The Wichelstowe development is one of the largest local authority joint ventures in the UK, delivered by Swindon Borough Council in partnership with Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes.

The Elizabeth line has boosted jobs and housebuilding for London, according to analysis from Transport for London.A reportAbbey Wood has emerged as one of the largest regeneration areas in London, with a 6% increase in new homes.Source: ShutterstockThe line has seen more than 500 million passenger journeys since it openedMeanwhile, TFL said between 2015 and 2022, there were 378,000 jobs created within one kilometre of Elizabeth line stations.During this period, the highest job growth in London occurred around Liverpool Street station in the City.The line, which connects Reading and Heathrow Airport with Shenfield and Abbey Wood via central London, opened late, in May 2022, and over budget at nearly 19bn.Since then, more than 500 million passenger journeys have been made making it the single busiest railway service in the UK.> Also read:UK has underinvested by 30 Elizabeth lines and is stuck in growth doom loop, says IPPR

Looking forthe most recentMini Crossword answer?Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands and Connections puzzles.Pretty easy clues today, so you should be able to get today's NYT Mini Crossword answered quickly. Here's a big, fat meatball of a hint for 1 Across. Need some help with today's Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times' games collection. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Strands answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini CrosswordLet's get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers. The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Jan. 13, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: Raygun or Moo Deng, in 2024Answer: MEME5A clue: Avoid, as one's taxesAnswer: EVADE7A clue: Sotomayor of the Supreme CourtAnswer: SONIA8A clue: Comical routines in a school talent showAnswer: SKITS9A clue: "I only eat unleavened bread now; I'm on the path of ___ resistance!" (groaner)Answer: YEASTMini down clues and answers1D clue: Like a roommate who leaves dishes in the sink and socks on the sofaAnswer: MESSY2D clue: Bring to mindAnswer: EVOKE3D clue: Ending with ego, pyro- or klepto-Answer: MANIA4D clue: Polishes, as an articleAnswer: EDITS6D clue: "___ of Eden" (Steinbeck novel)Answer: EASTHow to play more Mini CrosswordsThe New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day's Mini Crossword for free, but you'll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.