html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"VFX artist Robert Rioux has released a pair of open-source add-ons for converting a key Maya shader for use in Blender.When exporting assets from Maya to Blender, the tools automatically convert the aiStandardSurface shader to Blenders Principled BSDF shader.Convert one of Mayas key shaders to its closest Blender equivalentThe tools resolve an issue that Rioux previously CG supervisor at VFX facility Real by Fake, who also runs the Blender Bob YouTube channel says has been bothering me for a long time.They convert one of Mayas key shaders to its closest Blender equivalent, reducing manual work when adapting assets developed in Maya for use in the open-source 3D software.When exporting an asset that uses the aiStandardSurface shader from Maya, the first tool, a Python script, exports a shader definition alongside the FBX file.The second tool converts to the Principled BSDF shader on importing the asset into Blender.The tools are written specifically for the aiStandardSurface shader in the Arnold renderer included with a default installation of Maya, but it has a very similar structure to the native Maya Standard Surface shader.A quick automatic solution that may need manual refinement on complex shader setupsThe tools were written using ChatGPT, with some further work by Blender tools developer TinkerBoi, and are designed for basic shader trees.While direct file inputs in the Maya shader are converted automatically, the process does not convert other input types, like mix or ramp shaders.In addition, displacement values will need to be adjusted manually on the imported model. System requirementsRobert Riouxs free shader conversion tools are available under a GPL v3 license.Download Robert Riouxs free Maya-to-Blender shader converters from GitHubHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Adobe has released Substance 3D Designer 14.1, the new version of its material-authoring software for game development, visual effects and visualization work.The release updates Substance 3D Designers Spline and Path tools, including the option to scatter splines on splines, and improves workflow in the softwares node graph.Updates to the Path and Spline toolsSubstance 3D Designer 14.1 updates the softwares Spline and Path toolset for generating and manipulating 2D shapes, originally introduced in 2023 in Substance Designer 13.0.New features include a self-descriptive Scatter Splines on Splines node, used in the video above to create a snowflake-like branching embroidery pattern.It is also now possible to randomize the placement of splines generated by the Spline Bridge List node, which creates splines crossing the ones selected.The Mask to Paths node, which converts a greyscale mask to a set of path segments, has been updated to give more user control over the placement of the first vertex on the path.New Color Sampler tool tracks pixel values between nodesOther new features include a Color Sampler tool in the 2D view, which makes it possible to track the value of a selected pixel across multiple nodes.Users can place a pin on the pixel in the viewport, then track its RGBA values as they update the node graph.Workflow improvements to the node graphThe node graph itself gets a number of workflow updates, including the option to copy and paste parameter values from one node to another.The node alignment tools, which help to keep complex graphs organized visually, have been completely revamped, although the main specific change is the option to space nodes evenly.The Node Finder tool has been slightly improved, with new options to disable fuzzy search, or to enable recursive search to find nodes within the subgraphs of a node graph.Price and system requirementsSubstance 3D Designer 14.1 is compatible with Windows 10+, RHEL 8.6/9.2+ Linux and macOS 12.0+.It is available as a $199.99 perpetual license on Steam, or via Substance 3D subscriptions. Substance 3D Texturing subscriptions cost $19.99/month or $219.88/year; Substance 3D Collection subscriptions cost $49.99/month or $549.88/year. Subscriptions to the Linux edition require a Creative Cloud Plan for Teams priced at $1,198.88/year.Read a full list of new features in Substance 3D Designer 14.1 in the online release notesHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.

Microsofts former head of design for Windows and devices has started a new role at Amazon this week. Ralf Groene was responsible for the design of Microsofts Surface tablet, and worked closely with former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay on a line of Surface devices over the past decade. The pair are now reunited at Amazon, working on devices again.Groene who left Microsoft in April 2024, less than a year after Panay departed for Amazon will lead design for Amazons devices and services business. Groene left Microsoft shortly after the company named Pavan Davuluri as its new Windows and Surface chief.Groene, alongside Panay, was instrumental in the creation of the Surface line of products. The original Surface tablet started off life in Groenes sketchbook, with a set of doodles about kickstands that formed the basis of months of 3D-printed prototypes that were held together with string. Microsoft went on to launch the Surface RT tablet in 2012, and the Surface Pro has had a lasting effect on hybrid laptop designs over the past 10 years.Amazons hiring of Groene comes just months after Xbox cofounder J Allard joined Panays devices and services team to work on new ideas. Allard departed Microsoft in 2010, following his work on the companys canceled Courier tablet.Groene and Allard arent the only notable recent former Microsoft hires for Amazon, though. Former Windows Cloud executive Aidan Marcuss also joined Amazon this week, leading the Fire TV, ads, and AppStore teams.

We've got tons of deals to get through today and not much time to detail them. Obviously, the biggest ones on my radar include the headliner deals of Monster Hunter Wilds and Sniper Elite Resistance, but also Assassin's Creed Shadows (which was too verbose a title to fit in there). As always, I've even sprinkled in some old gold gems going for next to nada. Get amongst it all below!In retro news, I'm celebrating the twin 37 year birthdays of some NES greats. The original Metroid needs very little introduction, as it's a franchise that continues to kick goals and acquire new fans today. Conversely, the bodaciousness of Rad Racer might be lost on many of you. It was basically one of the best racers on the system and featured prominently in a 1989 filmNintendo's 1h 40m advertisement called The Wizard.Happy Bday Metroid This Day in Gaming Aussie birthdays for notable games.- Metroid (NES) 1988. eBay- Rad Racer (NES) 1988. eBay- Kirby's Pinball Land (GB) 1994. eBay- Devil Dice (PS) 1999. eBay- WoW: The Burning Crusade (PC) 2007. eBay- Assassin's Creed III: Liberation HD (PS3) 2014. eBay- Dr. Luigi (WiiU) 2014.Table of ContentsNice Savings for Nintendo SwitchHogwarts LegacyThe Harry Potter RPG I've always wanted to play. Its open-world adventure captures all the excitement and wonder of the Wizarding World. 9/10, amazing.Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (-15%) - A$684 in 1 Charging Dock (-21%) - A$18.99MGS: Master Col. (-28%) - A$64.95Persona 5 Royal (-36%) - A$64.25Mortal Kombat 1 (-60%) - A$23.98Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 (-85%) - A$8.24Expiring Recent DealsOr gift a Nintendo eShop Card.Switch Console PricesHow much to Switch it up?Switch OLED + Mario Wonder: $539 $499 | Switch Original: $499 $448 | Switch OLED Black: $539 $479 | Switch OLED White: $539 $479 | Switch Lite: $329 $299 | Switch Lite Hyrule: $339 $299See itBack to topPurchase Cheap for PCSteelSeries Arctis Nova 5This shines with great, detailed positional audio suited for competitive gaming, and with perks like tailored EQ presets, a good mic with sidetone, and seamless Bluetooth and 2.4GHz capabilities, the Arctis Nova 5 nails down versatility.Lethal Company (-35%) - A$9.42Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (-60%) - A$39.98Civilization VII (-12%) - A$105Ghostwire: Tokyo (-80%) - A$19.99American Truck Sim (-75%) - A$7.37Expiring Recent DealsDynasty Warriors Origins (-18%) - A$97.80Ready or Not (-40%) - A$44.10Far Cry 6 (-78%) - A$19.79V Rising (-30%) - A$35.66Or just get a Steam Wallet CardPC Hardware PricesSlay your pile of shame.Official launch in NovSteam Deck 256GB LCD: $649 | Steam Deck 512GB OLED: $899 | Steam Deck 1TB OLED: $1,049See it at SteamBack to topExciting Bargains for XboxMonster Hunter WildsThe concept is as simple as it is addictive. Hunt gigantic monsters, strip them of materials, create equipment, then head back into the next hunt. Best done with a group of like-minded mates.Expiring Recent DealsAssetto Corsa Ult. (-75%) - A$13.11LEGO The Hobbit (-90%) - A$5.49Borderlands 3 NL Ed. (-90%) - A$10.79Space Marine 2 Ultra Ed. (-33%) - A$127.46Wolfenstein Alt History Bndl (-80%) - A$19.99Or just invest in an Xbox Card.Xbox Console PricesHow many bucks for a 'Box? Series X: $799 $729 | Series S Black: $549 $545 | Series S White:$499 $471 | Series S Starter: N/ASee itBack to topPure Scores for PlayStationThe Last of Us Part 1A gorgeous and well-honed remake of one of the biggest boppers in the PlayStation pantheon, The Last of Us Part I is the best way to play or replay Naughty Dogs esteemed survival classic. 9/10, amazing.F1 24 (-46%) - A$59.95Monster Hunter Wilds (-17%) - A$99RoboCop: Rogue City (-35%) - A$55.12Sniper Elite Resistance (-21%) - A$79Cyberpunk 2077: Ult. (-29%) - A$75.50Far Cry 6 (-71%) - A$29Expiring Recent DealsResi Evil 4 (-50%) - A$27.47NBA 2K25 Tournament Ed. (-60%) - A$55.98Dragon's Dogma 2 (-47%) - A$57.21Hitman WoA (-70%) - A$13.48PS+ Monthly FreebiesYours to keep from Jan 7 with this subscriptionSuicide Squad: KTJL [PS5]NFS Hot Pursuit Remastered [PS4]The Stanley Parable: Ultra [PS4/5]Or purchase a PS Store Card.What you'll pay to 'Station.PS5 Slim Disc:$799 $759 | PS5 Slim Digital:679 $678 | PS VR2: $899 | PS VR2 + Horizon: $899 | PS5 Pro $1,199 | PS Portal: $329See itBack to topLegit LEGO DealsMinecraft The Fox LodgeBuild this, finally find out what the fox says, probably.Expiring Recent DealsIcons: McLaren MP4/4 (-25%) - A$75Imperial Star Destroyer (-17%) - A$249.29Architecture Notre-Dame (-13%) - A$306Back to top Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

GamersNexus is leading a new class action lawsuit against PayPal.The lawsuit joins other complaints filed since YouTuber MegaLags video accusing PayPals coupon-hunting Honey extension of hijacking affiliate links. The Legal Eagle channel filed one earlier this month as well.The 90-minute video recaps the concerns raised in MegaLags original video and includes interviews with lawyers explaining the legal process.

Jan 15, 2025Ravie LakshmananVulnerability / Server SecurityCybersecurity researchers have disclosed multiple security flaws in SimpleHelp remote access software that could lead to information disclosure, privilege escalation, and remote code execution.Horizon3.ai researcher Naveen Sunkavally, in a technical report detailing the findings, said the "vulnerabilities are trivial to reverse and exploit."The list of identified flaws is as follows -CVE-2024-57727 - An unauthenticated path traversal vulnerability that allows an attacker to download arbitrary files from the SimpleHelp server, including the serverconfig.xml file that contains hashed passwords for the SimpleHelpAdmin account and other local technician accountsCVE-2024-57728 - An arbitrary file upload vulnerability that allows an attacker with SimpleHelpAdmin privileges (or as a technician with admin privileges) to upload arbitrary files anywhere on the SimpleServer host, potentially leading to remote code executionCVE-2024-57726 - A privilege escalation vulnerability that allows an attacker who gains access as a low-privilege technician to elevate their privileges to an admin by taking advantage of missing backend authorization checksIn a hypothetical attack scenario, CVE-2024-57726 and CVE-2024-57728 could be chained by a bad actor to become an admin user and upload arbitrary payloads to seize control of the SimpleHelp server.Horizon3.ai said it's withholding additional technical details about the three vulnerabilities given their criticality and the ease of weaponization. Following responsible disclosure on January 6, 2025, the flaws have been addressed in SimpleHelp versions 5.3.9, 5.4.10, and 5.5.8 released on January 8 and 13.With threat actors known to leverage remote access tools to establish persistent remote access to target environments, it's crucial that users move quickly to apply the patches.In addition, SimpleHelp is recommending that users change the administrator password of the SimpleHelp server, rotate the passwords for Technician accounts, and restrict the IP addresses that the SimpleHelp server can expect Technician and administrator logins from.Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

The positionRemoteMore is helping a large tech company hire DevOps Engineers, SRE and Security Architects.The company is a major tech leader and works across many internal product teams. Multiple DevOps engineers will be hired and matched to the best-fit teams for their background/experience. The company culture is to focus on work delivered and not hours worked.Good work-life balance is encouraged. You can work from home or any other place of your choice.The position is full-time and fully remote.Your profileComing from a strong technical background, you are expected to have:Required technologies: AWS/Azure/GCP, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelinesBonus points: Programming language proficiency (Python/JavaScript/Golang, etc); Docker; Jenkins; LinuxExceptional English Language Skills: Required to work as part of an international team.Top technical skills for your level of experience: Intermediate or Senior (3+ years of experience)The soft skills to work remotely: Strong individual contributor, strong communication skills.Passion for remote work: You understand the pros and cons of working remotelyWhy should YOU apply?Work from anywhere you want.Competitive compensation based on your skills.Work in a team with other top developers.Making a difference.To be considered for the position, please sign up to RemoteMore by following the apply button. Related Jobs See more DevOps and Sysadmin jobs

The AJ100 Employer of the Years masterplan adds roughly 1,800 homes to the existing 795-home Winstanley and York Road estate, just north of Clapham Junction station.The scheme, given outline approval in 2021, was drawn up for a joint venture partnership between Wandsworth Council and Taylor Wimpey.But, Wandsworth announced last week (6 January) that its partnership with Taylor Wimpey had ended after delivering 139 replacement council homes on the site in the three years since permission was given.AdvertisementThe council said it would take a new approach to prioritise the delivery of affordable housing after a strategic review of the regeneration plans. It said the focus would be on delivering more social and affordable units.It told the AJ it was actively considering all options as part of its review of HTAs masterplan and that the practices role on the project would be clarified as we assess the best way forward.The AJ understands that new architects could be appointed to a refocused scheme. However, Wandsworth said it has made no specific decisions on the design team. HTA confirmed that it continues to have a role on the scheme.Wandsworth Council leader Simon Hogg said: The primary objective of the Winstanley and York Road regeneration project is to urgently deliver much-needed council housing.With this in mind, we have come to a mutual agreement to end our joint working. While we are disappointed to end our partnership with Taylor Wimpey, this provides us with an opportunity to review the scheme and seek to deliver even more affordable homes.AdvertisementTaylor Wimpey London managing director James Lidgate said: We recognise that a change in strategic direction of the project has meant that Wandsworth Council is best-placed to deliver the scheme alone moving forward.However, we are proud of the work that we have carried out to date to deliver the Winstanley and York Road scheme in partnership with the council. This is a significant regeneration project and we look forward to seeing its completion and the benefits it brings to the borough.So far, 139 replacement council homes, a new school, church, multi-use games area and play area have been successfully delivered in one block, the council says. A further 126 council homes are set to be finished early in the new year.Only last month, an updated part-outline and part-detailed planning application was submitted for the site, seeking permission for 2,500 homes in buildings ranging from three to thirty-one storeys.Current site view

Located remotely Staff Product Designer salary 110,000 Reporting to Working in the Product Design Team (currently a team of four)Are you a Staff Product Designer (similar to Senior+, Lead, or even Principal roles in other companies) who loves building intuitive and user-centered mobile apps?Would you like to join a fully remote, independent, and profitable company? If youd like to work in a small, friendly, experienced team and tackle some interesting design challenges, wed love to hear from you.With one of our Co-founders being a Product Designer, design and user experience have been at the core of what we do since the start! If you love to dig deep into what makes users tick and turn this knowledge into simple and efficient productswe think youll be right at home here.Want to know more?We are fully remoteOur Co-founders are in different countries, and our team is spread across Europe, Brazil, and Canada. We dont have a head office for you to visit, and we never will.Flexible, asynchronous workingIt gives us task flexibility and work-life balance. Minimal meetings allow you to focus on deep work and get things done.Profitable. Independent. Long-Term Focus.We're a profitable company with a strong foundation. We operate independently, prioritizing long-term success and innovation.Equity options for everyoneWork at Circuit for a minimum of one year, vests over 5 years.Annual company performance bonusPaid in January and pro-rated to your start date in your joining year.The right laptop for youWell give you 3,200 every three years to buy the laptop of your choice.500 a year for new tech/home officeNeed a new desk, chair, keyboard, or headphones? Build a space to do your best work.32 days of paid holiday per yearYou can use it whenever you like. Four weeks in one go, one day off (almost) every other week, or anything in between.Invest in your wellbeing1000 a year for gym memberships, fitness classes, sports equipment, alternative therapies, mental health resources and more.Annual team meet-ups in 5-star locationsEnhanced parental leave16 weeks on full pay and up to 52 weeks in total; through birth or adoption, have the time and resources to welcome your new addition.Connect with each other1,000 a year for self-organized in-person work sessions. Plan team meetups to connect and build stronger bonds.There is so much more to tell you, but we cant cram it all into one job advert! Check out our Public Handbook and Careers Page to find out if we are right for you.Who we are, what we do, and how its goingBack in 2017, we saw an issue with last-mile deliveryit was too complicated and stressful for drivers. Circuit started a mission to change that by choosing to develop an app that put the driver, and their customers, first.We were astounded by the response we received. Within our first year, we had almost 1,000 customers, $100k in ARR, and a team consisting of our two co-founders, Jack and Pol. Today, we now help more than 100,000 drivers deliver over 1bn packages worldwide (about 20 a second!), $20m ARR, and a lean team of ~40.What you will be doingYou are an experienced Product Designer, so we won't go into the day-to-day! Joining our existing team of four, you will report directly to Pol, Co-Founder and Principal Designer. You'll work on Circuit Route Planner, our flagship producta sophisticated and intuitive tool designed to simplify and streamline the work of professional delivery drivers. Youll be involved in every aspect of its design, moving the product and the business forward by continually finding and implementing better solutions for our users.Our flagship mobile app has worked its way to being the #1 app in the category by focusing on product qualitymaking sure its very easy to learn but also extremely efficient. As a result, its a highly opinionated product that requires a very fine balancing act between these two goals.Working as an individual contributor, you will own and lead your design projects end-to-end and work closely with our developers, helping to make implementations as good as your designs.What you wont be doingDaily stand-ups and fortnightly sprints. Expect ~one meeting per week. Were not the right fit for you if you rely on regular meetings to keep on trackSacrificing quality. We have high standards and wont rush to meet an arbitrary deadlineManaging people. We hire senior people as ICs because we want a lean team and a flat structure. Youll need to be okay with doing more junior tasks.Wed love to hear from you if you:Have 5+ years of professional experience designing mobile apps, SaaS products, or power-user toolsLike to solve tricky problems and create products that are a joy to use!Are at your happiest working on projects from start to finish - talking to users, identifying & exploring issues, designing & implementing solutions, and monitoring their successInstinctively know when to take your time - and when to get things done quicklyEnjoy working autonomously, and know when to trust your gut or gather more dataLike to get things right and done on timeCome up with alternative ideas that accomplish goals with less complexityAre based in UTC-5 to UTC+2 time zonesCan speak and write in English at a professional levelHiring ProcessOur hiring process for this role has four stages and usually takes ~three weeks. At every step, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and make sure that we are the right choice for you.1 ApplyUpload your resume and portfolio, and fill out our application form. It takes about 10 minutes to complete, and we dont ask you to repeat anything thats already on your CV!2 Meet our TA Manager Youll have a 45-minute video call with our Talent Acquisition Manager, Sadie. She will tell you more about Circuit and ask questions to help get to know you too.3 Work DemonstrationYoull have a video call with Pol, the hiring manager, and Gabriel, Staff Product Designer, that will last around 45 minutes. During the call, you will have the opportunity to present some of your work4 Whiteboard exerciseAt this stage, we will invite you to take part in a live whiteboard exercise with Pol. It should take around an hour, and its a great way for both you and Pol to get a feel for how you approach a project. Offer!We invite you to join our team. If you need us to make any adjustments to our interview process, or if there is any way I can make you more comfortable for our first call, please let me know. Sadie

Looking for the most recent Strands answer?Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Connections puzzles.Today'sStrandspuzzle is entertaining, especially if you're a fan of a certain large marine mammal. If you need hints and answers, read on.Also, I go into depth about therules for Strands in this story.If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more:NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So FarHint for today's Strands puzzleToday's Strands theme is:Thar she blows!If that doesn't help you, here's a clue: Moby DickClue words to unlock in-game hintsYour goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle's theme. If you're stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:GALE, PLAY, POSE, CLUE, POSER, GROPE, GROPES, ROPE, ROPES, SHELTER, HALE, HALES, MUSH, BALE, LACKAnswers for today's Strands puzzleThese are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you've got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:BLUE, GRAY, ORCA, RIGHT, SPERM, BALEEN, BELUGA, HUMPBACK.Today's Strands spangramToday's Strands spangram isWHALES.To find it, start with the W that's five letters down on the first row on the left, and wind across. The completed NYT Strands puzzle for Jan. 15, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNET