Text-to-speech (TTS) technology has emerged as a critical tool for bridging the gap between human and machine interaction. The demand for lifelike, emotionally resonant, and linguistically versatile voice synthesis has grown exponentially across entertainment, accessibility, customer service, and education. Traditional TTS systems, while functional, often fall short of delivering the nuanced realism required for immersive experiences and personalized applications.Addressing these challenges, The LLaSA-3B by the research team at HKUST Audio, an advanced audio model developed through meticulous fine-tuning of the Llama 3.2 framework, represents a groundbreaking TTS technology innovation. This sophisticated model has been designed to deliver ultra-realistic audio output that transcends the boundaries of conventional voice synthesis. The LLaSA-3B is gaining widespread acclaim for its ability to produce lifelike and emotionally nuanced speech in English and Chinese, setting a new benchmark for TTS applications.At the center of the LLaSA-3Bs success is its training on an extensive dataset of 250,000 hours of audio, encompassing a diverse range of speech patterns, accents, and intonations. This monumental training volume enables the model to replicate human speech authentically. By leveraging a robust architecture featuring 1 billion and 3 billion parameter variants, the model offers flexibility for various deployment scenarios, from lightweight applications to those requiring high-fidelity synthesis. An even larger 8-billion-parameter model is reportedly in development, which is expected to enhance the models capabilities further.In many, one striking feature of the LLaSA-3B is its ability to convey emotions in speech. The model produces emotionally expressive audio, including tones that express happiness, anger, sadness, and even whispers. This level of emotional depth enhances user engagement. It broadens the scope of applications for the model, making it a valuable tool in industries such as entertainment, customer service, and accessibility. By mimicking subtle vocal variations, the LLaSA-3B bridges the gap between synthetic and natural voices, offering a listening experience that feels authentic and relatable.Dual-language support for English and Chinese further elevates the LLaSA-3Bs utility. Its ability to seamlessly handle two linguistically complex languages showcases the versatility of its design and its potential for global applications. The models adaptability extends to its open-weight framework, allowing developers and researchers to integrate it with existing tools and frameworks such as Transformers and vLLM. This interoperability ensures that the LLaSA-3B can be utilized across various platforms, fostering innovation and collaboration within the TTS community.Voice cloning, a particularly compelling feature of the LLaSA-3B, enables the replication of specific voices with striking accuracy. This capability is highly sought in fields ranging from personalized virtual assistants to dubbing and localization. By offering a precise and customizable voice synthesis solution, the model empowers creators and developers to produce content that resonates on a deeply personal level. Also, the support for voice cloning in two major global languages expands its applicability.Several Key Takeaways from this release include:LLaSA-3B delivers lifelike voice synthesis with emotional depth, including happiness, sadness, anger, and whispers.With robust English and Chinese support and precise voice cloning, the model is suitable for diverse global audiences and personalized applications.Available in 1-billion and 3-billion parameter variants, with an 8-billion-parameter version underway, it adapts to various deployment needs.Its open-weight framework, compatible with tools like Transformers and vLLM, encourages collaboration and further advancements in TTS technology.From virtual reality and gaming to accessibility and customer service, LLaSA-3B redefines human-computer interaction with realistic and engaging audio.In conclusion, the LLaSA-3B by HKUST Audio is a remarkable advancement in text-to-speech technology. With its ultra-realistic audio output, emotional expressiveness, dual-language support, and open-weight accessibility, it is redefining the standards of voice synthesis. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming 8-billion-parameter model underscores the trajectory of growth and innovation that the LLaSA series represents.Check out the Model on Hugging Face. 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 our70k+ ML SubReddit. Sana Hassan+ postsSana Hassan, a consulting intern at Marktechpost and dual-degree student at IIT Madras, is passionate about applying technology and AI to address real-world challenges. With a keen interest in solving practical problems, he brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of AI and real-life solutions. Meet 'Height':The only autonomous project management tool (Sponsored)

Author(s): Titouan Le Gourrierec Originally published on Towards AI. Example of the results obtainable after this tutorial (by author)IntroductionImage segmentation plays a key role in various fields, from identifying cells in biological research to analyzing regions in satellite imagery. However, traditional segmentation methods often require advanced programming skills or machine learning expertise making them inaccessible to many.Fortunately, tools like Ilastik and EasIlastik are changing the game. These open-source applications empower users to perform sophisticated image segmentation without writing a single line of code. With intuitive interfaces and interactive workflows, they allow even non-experts to achieve high-quality results quickly.In this article, well explore what makes Ilastik and EasIlastik so powerful, walk through how to use them, and show you how they can simplify your image segmentation tasks, no matter your level of experience.Ilastik: A powerful tool to segment imagesIlastik is a powerful, open-source tool designed to make complex image analysis tasks like segmentation and object classification accessible to non-experts. With no prior experience in machine learning required, it empowers users to create customized models by simply annotating images, making it perfect for anyone who needs to process visual data.It uses interactive machine learning, allowing users to annotate images directly, train models in real-time, and apply them without needing programming skills. From biological microscopy to industrial inspection, Ilastik is versatile and ideal for a wide range of applications.To download Ilastik, please visit Ilastik website and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.How to use it?Once youve downloaded Ilastik, launch the software and select Pixel Classification under the Segmentation Workflows section to get started.Ilastiks interface at launch (by author)1. Loading Images for Model TrainingTo begin, add the images needed for training the model:Click on the Add New button.Select Add separate images to upload your image files.How to load images for model training (by author)2. Feature SelectionNext, click on the 2. Feature Selection button in the left-hand menu. A popup will appear with a set of feature checkboxes.Select all the boxes. These features represent different image properties like edges, textures, and intensity patterns. Dont worry Ilastik will automatically determine which ones are most relevant based on the images you provide.Click OK, then proceed to 3. Training.Feature selection menu (by author)3. Annotating ImagesNow comes the interactive part:Add the labels you need for each class in your dataset.Use the pen tool to annotate regions on your images, assigning them to the appropriate labels.Examples of image annotations (by author)4. Refining the Model with Incremental LearningOnce youve made your initial annotations, click on the Suggest Features button. This allows Ilastik to select the most relevant features for your specific dataset.Heres where Ilastik shines: you can incrementally improve the models predictions.Review the segmentation results produced by your model.Annotate more areas or correct any inaccuracies to refine the predictions further.This iterative approach ensures that your model adapts to the complexity of your data.Incremental annotations to improve predictions (by author)5. Exporting Predictions and Saving the ModelOnce youre satisfied with the results:Click on 4. Prediction Export in the left menu.Open Choose Export Image Settings and adjust the Renormalize [min, max] parameter to reflect the number of classes in your dataset (e.g., 0 to the number of labels you created).Save the model as an .ilp file for future use.Settings for prediction export and model saving (by author)Using Your Trained Model with Python and EasIlastikOnce youve trained and saved your Ilastik model as a .ilp file, you can seamlessly integrate it into your Python workflow using the EasIlastik package. EasIlastik simplifies running your Ilastik model on large datasets without needing to open the Ilastik interface, making it ideal for batch processing and automation.1. Installing EasIlastikBefore using EasIlastik, youll need to install it. You can do this easily via pip:pip install EasIlastik2. Running Your Model with EasIlastikOnce youve installed the package, you can use it to apply your trained Ilastik model to new images. The process is simple and involves just a few lines of code:import EasIlastikEasIlastik.run_ilastik( input_path="path/to/input/folder", model_path="path/to/your/model.ilp", result_base_path="path/to/your/output/folder/")Example of segmentation results with EasIlastik (by author)Explanation of Parameters:input_path: This is the path to the image or folder containing the images you want to process. EasIlastik can handle a single image or multiple images in a folder.model_path: This is the path to your saved Ilastik model file (.ilp). Its the model you trained using the Ilastik interface, and now youre ready to apply it to new data.result_base_path: Specify the path where you want the processed results to be saved. EasIlastik will store the output files here.Why Use EasIlastik?Batch Processing: Easily process hundreds or thousands of images at once. This is especially useful for large datasets where manually running predictions in Ilastiks GUI would be too time-consuming.Automation: Integrating EasIlastik into your Python scripts allows you to automate your image segmentation pipeline, enabling seamless workflows for repeated tasks.Simplicity: Despite its power, EasIlastik is simple to use, requiring minimal code. This makes it accessible even to those with little to no programming experience.Flexibility: EasIlastik provides the flexibility to incorporate Ilastiks powerful segmentation capabilities into larger data processing pipelines, whether for research, industrial applications, or other fields.With just a few lines of code, you can easily process large batches of images using the model you trained in Ilastik, making EasIlastik a powerful tool for automating and scaling image segmentation tasks.ConclusionIlastik and EasIlastik offer a powerful, accessible solution for image segmentation, ideal for users with no prior AI knowledge. Their intuitive interfaces and interactive workflows allow users to easily tackle complex segmentation tasks. By eliminating the need for specialized coding or deep machine learning knowledge, these tools accelerate research, reduce human error, and enable efficient, high-quality image analysis.Whether for biological research, industrial applications, or other fields, Ilastik makes image segmentation easy. EasIlastik further simplifies the process by allowing seamless integration with Python for batch processing.Give Ilastik a try and unlock the full potential of your image data!Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AI

Were BlueGamma, a SaaS company simplfying access to market-based interest rate curves that were previously expensive and difficult to obtain. Our team works closely with over 20 companies including those backed by Macquarie Group and Canadian pension fund CPPIB.Your RoleAs an Account Executive, you will be responsible for expanding our reach within the financial institutions and fund manager space. Leveraging your extensive network, you will establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the finance world helping them build success with our solutions and drive revenue growth.Key ResponsibilitiesLead Generation: Identify prospects through networking, industry events, referrals and outreachBuild Relationships: Engage directly with senior-level decision-makers as well as users, understand their needs, and align our solutions to their objectivesDrive Revenue: Meet quarterly revenue targets by identifying and closing new clients, and upselling to existing accountsPipeline Management: Maintain accurate forecasts and manage a pipeline of prospectsMarket Expertise: Leverage your knowledge of financial services sectors (banking, private equity, lending, renewables financing) to gain credibility and deliver valueCollaboration: Work closely with our engineering team to ensure seamless service delivery and to provide clients with the best possible experienceWhat Were Looking ForExperience: At least 3 years in a quota-carrying sales role at a software or data provider, with a record of meeting or exceeding targetsIndustry Knowledge: Comfortable engaging with clients in banking, corporate finance, treasury or investment managementConsultative Sales Skills: Skilled at tailoring pitches, running discovery, and proposing relevant solutionsRelationship Building: Able to navigate organisations and build trust at both buyer and user levelAdaptability: Willingness to learn new tools and adjust to a dynamic, evolving sales tech stackDrive: A proactive and results-driven mindsetWhat We Offer:Compensation: Competitive with commissionFlexibility: Hybrid working arrangement (from our London office and your home), with support to help you excel from any locationProfessional Growth: Ongoing training, coaching, and opportunities for career progression within a growing organisationHow were set upBlueGamma is a close knit, agile team based in the UK, with colleagues in the UK, UAE & Portugal, across engineering and sales. Since our launch in 2021 we are now trusted by over 30 companies.Sales have been founder-led, focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. With a proven sales playbook in place, were now looking to expand into new markets, including financial institutions and fund managers, to broaden our impact.Why you should applyYoull be joining a fast-moving, fast-growing SaaS company that works with leading financial institutions, asset developers and investment managers worldwide. Our solution is a step change in ease of access for interest rate data, empowering end users with data that was previously expensive and hard to obtain.Further, this is an opportunity to take a leading role in our sales strategy, working closely with our founders while having the autonomy to shape our approach to growth.At BlueGamma, we value collaboration, innovation, and genuine team spirit. We celebrate achievements together, tackle challenges head-on, and provide an enjoyable and supportive work environment. As we continue to grow, youll gain first-hand experience of scaling a profitable, impactful company.If youre looking for a role where your work will directly contribute to business success, and where youll develop your skills in a supportive, entrepreneurial environment, wed love to hear from you.

Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow Ultimate Best overall pillow $100 at Sleep Number Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology Best cooling pillow $97 at Amazon Cosy House Bamboo Pillow Best budget pillow $55 at Amazon Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow Best pillow for back sleepers $139 at Coop Sleep Goods Purple Harmony Pillow Best pillow for side sleepers $199 at Walmart Parachute Down Alternative Pillow Best pillow for stomach sleepers $80 at Parachute Home Buffy Wiggle Pillow Best lounging pillow $87 at Buffy Pluto Pillow Best pillow for neck pain $135 at Pluto Pillow Nectar Resident Memory Foam Pillow (Update: Out of Stock) Best memory foam pillow $75 at Nectar A good night's sleep comes with not only a good mattress but also a good pillow. With the right pillow, your body will have proper alignment, helping you wake up well-rested. If you're a hot sleeper, getting a cooling pillow to take off the heat during sleep is also an option. We've found all kinds of pillows to match your needs including budget-friendly, shredded foam fill, down-alternative and other pillow options.The pillow market is crowded with options, so its important to carefully choose one that best suits your individual needs. After testing and sleeping on numerous pillow brands, CNET's sleep experts curated this list of the best pillows money can buy. We also provide a breakdown of different pillow materials to help you understand what to consider when choosing the best one for your needs. Plus, in addition to our own hands-on (heads-on?) impressions and recommendations, we've included pillow review input from internet reviewers.We hope our picks of the best pillows will help you secure a proper night's rest.What is the best overall pillow?Our thorough testing concluded that the Sleep Number ComfortFit Pillow Ultimate is the best overall pillow. It includes three removable inserts that make the adjustable pillow comfortable for side, back, stomach and combination sleepers. The Sleep Number pillow is also hypoallergenic and made of memory foam and down-alternative fibers. While the price tag is hefty, look out for Sleep Number sales. Best pillows of 2025 Sleep Number The Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow Ultimate is an ultra-comfy pillow suitable for all sleeping positions. That's why it's our pick for the best overall pillow. With your choice of classic, curved or ultimate shape, it's the type of pillow everyone will love.It's also one of the best hypoallergenic pillows, with memory foam and premium down-alternative fibers on the inside. The cover is noticeably soft and breathable when you lay down on the Sleep Number Comfortfit Pillow.What's unique about the Sleep Number Comfortfit Ultimate pillow model is the three removable inserts that allow you to tailor it to your needs. Side sleepers should use two inserts, while back sleepers are best suited for two or three inserts and stomach sleepers should try one or two.It is a more expensive pillow, at around $100, but with the quality and personalization, it may be the only pillow you need on your bed.Firmness: AdjustableMaterials: Memory foamMachine-washable?: Cover onlyHypoallergenic?: Not specifiedLoft: CustomizablePros:Contains three removable insertsSuitable for all sleeper typesMade of quality materials, including memory foamCons:Expensive pillowNot cooling $100 at Sleep Number Casper If you're a hot sleeper or someone who cherishes the "cold side of the pillow," consider our pick for the best cooling pillow: the Casper Hybrid. From the popular mattress brand Casper, this pillow is made with perforated poly foam, polyester fibers and gel. It utilizes what Casper calls Snow Technology which includes phase change material that remains temperature-neutral around your head and neck and allows for airflow.This pillow has the best qualities of a solid memory foam pillow while adding comfortable cooling.Unlike other best cooling pillows, the Casper Hybrid is actually cool to the touch. When you put your head on it, it immediately feels cool. Keep in mind that a pillowcase will dull it a little, but not too significantly. If you want the full effect, you can rest easy knowing the cover is removable and machine-washable. We recommend using a light and breathable pillowcase, such as silk, bamboo or Tencel.Firmness: MediumMaterials: PolyfoamMachine-washable?: Cover onlyHypoallergenic?: Not specifiedLoft: LowPros:Truly cool to the touchSoft, machine-washable coverFour layers of foam, fiber and gel with Snow TechnologyCons:On the expensive sideNot for stomach sleepers or those who don't like foam Cosy House Collection With two layers of supportive foam and an antibacterial, cooling bamboo case, Cosy House's shredded foam pillows are made to relieve some sleeping woes: overheating and uncomfortable pressure points. The relatively firm construction helps the pillow maintain its shape while sleeping, but the shredded memory foam pillow fill in its bottommost layer is removable, which allows you to customize its density, which isn't the case with most solid foam pillows. Its affordable price makes it one of the best budget pillows you can buy."This is one heavy pillow, and I kept removing the filling until getting it just right," one reviewer wrote, adding that, when filled to capacity with the shredded memory foam, the pillow may be a little too big and firm for some people's sleeping position. That was my experience: like with most of the adjustable pillows I tested, I ended up adjusting down for something with a little more give. Once I did, the pillow's spongy foam felt both soft and supportive.I only noticed a slight cooling effect when I slept on the Cosy House Bamboo Pillow, but I still appreciated the ultrasoft, machine-washable quilted bamboo cover, which naturally resists allergens and dust mite issues. Between that and the cozy, adjustable fill, this pillow feels like a good value to me at less than $55.Firmness: AdjustableMaterials: Shredded memory foamMachine-washable?: Cover onlyHypoallergenic?: YesLoft: CustomizablePros:Cooling bamboo coverAntibacterial and hypoallergenicSupportive and spongy shredded memory foamCons:Stomach sleepers might find the pillow too lumpyHeavy pillow Amazon You may have heard ofCoop Sleep Good's Eden Pillow, which often tops lists of the best pillows. If you thought that version was cool, it got even better. The Coop Eden Cool Plus Pillow is the new version of the Eden Pillow. It still has a similar cool-to-the-touch cover but now has a heat-wicking inner liner, a gel layer and shredded gel-infused memory foam, which is great for hot sleepers. The filling isGreenguard GoldandCertiPur-UScertified.This pillow is also adjustable. It comes with extra filling, as well as an option to pull the filling out. Make it as firm or soft as you desire, as long as it isn't too high. I like that the memory foam contours and lets you sink a little into the pillow, regardless of how much you fill it. Back sleepers will feel fully supported with this pillow.Firmness: AdjustableMaterials: Shredded memory foamMachine-washable?: Cover onlyHypoallergenic?: YesLoft: CustomizablePros:Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certifiedCool to the touch and doesn't absorb heatCan adjust the firmness to your likingCons:Stomach sleepers will need to take out almost all the fillingNot for those who don't like to sink a little into pillows $139 at Coop Sleep Goods Caroline Igo/CNET Like the Purple Mattress, the Purple Pillow uses a unique, one-piece polymer grid to cradle your head and neck as you sleep. The grid distributes weight well and doesn't absorb heat like foam can, so fans say it stays extra cool and cozy at night. Due to its construction and loft, the Purple Harmony Pillow is the best pillow for side sleepers.The Purple Harmony pillow sells for a princely $199, although it can often be found on sale. Instead of making up the entirety of the interior, the cushy polymer grid is now much thinner, filling just the microfiber outer case and surrounding a thick, spongy latex core. The mostly hollow grid and moisture-wicking microfiber case significantly improve airflow and keep things cool by creating some separation between your head and the latex.The Harmony pillow wasn't nearly as heavy as I expected it to be after reading reviews of the original, and the feel of that polymer grid was much softer than I had imagined. There's still a springy, rubbery quality to the pillow that lifted my neck a little too much for my liking when lying on my back, but I found it to be much better suited for a stomach sleeper, which is my usual preference. I slept like a rock on it.Firmness: MediumMaterials: Hyper-elastic polymer grid and Talalay latexMachine-washable?: Cover onlyHypoallergenic?: YesLoft: Available in three heightsPros:Bouncy feel and unique honeycombed-pattern gridCool to the touch and doesn't absorb heatSoft, washable coverCons:The hyper-elastic polymer grid isn't for everyoneMost expensive on this list $199 at Walmart Parachute Home Available in comfortable soft, medium and firm densities, the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow is our pick for the best pillow for stomach sleepers. This pillow is filled with superfine microfiber that emulates all the great qualities of the best down pillow, just without the allergies. It's a pretty standard pillow that's flat enough so stomach sleepers can sleep comfortably without waking up with a sore neck. The best pillows for stomach sleepers will have a lower loft, which keeps the spine aligned through the night.You can also buyParachute's washable cotton pillow protector for added allergy protection. Fluffy, soft and pleasantly warm (due to its downlike filling), this pillow has been praised by side, stomach and back sleepers alike for its lightweight feel and downlike "squishiness." Like a regular down pillow, Parachute's pillow can be fluffed into a comfortable shape for each sleeping position.Firmness: Soft, medium or firmMaterials: MicrofiberMachine-washable?: Cover onlyHypoallergenic?: YesLoft: Multiple optionsPros:Three firmness options are availableHypoallergenic thanks to its microfiber fillSuitable for all sleeper typesCons:Might be too flat for those who like a lofty pillowNot for those who don't like down pillows $80 at Parachute Home Buffy If you're looking for a supportive, fun pillow for lounging on the couch or bed, the Buffy Wiggle Pillow is it. The 8- by 82-inch floppy, long pillow is made of eucalyptus lyocell fabric, and the cover is soft sherpa. The filling inside the Wiggle Pillow is made of spun recycled plastic pieces, with each pillow being filled with about 55 recycled plastic water bottles. In addition to being Earth-friendly, the pillow is cruelty-free and BPA-free.This long pillow is great for lounging, snuggling and pregnancy. It can be tied in a knot, used for extra support at night or as a body pillow. I have my Wiggle Pillow on my couch, and I love how it elevates my simple couch as a decorative pillow and ups my overall comfort at night. Note that the softcover is sold separately.Firmness: MediumMaterials: TENCEL lyocell fiberMachine-washable?: Cover onlyHypoallergenic?: YesLoft: N/APros:Can be used on a bed or a couchFilling is made from 55 recycled plastic water bottlesSupportive and comes with a soft coverCons:The cover is a separate expenseOn the expensive side $87 at Buffy

Since Nintendo's Switch 2 announcement last week, multiple companies have revealed they'll be backing this next-generation hybrid system. Now, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has officially confirmed Xbox's support.Speaking on the Gamertag Radio podcast this week, Spencer mentioned how Microsoft was "really looking forward" to supporting Nintendo with Xbox's software library. This continues Xbox's mission to bring "more" of the tech giant's games to "more platforms":Phil Spencer: "I want everybody to be able to play on Xbox and it does mean more of our games shipping on more platforms, not just PlayStation - we love the work that we do with Nintendo, we love what we do with Valve on Steam, and that's going to continue, we'll just continue to do more of it."Spencer also acknowledged how he had been in contact with Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa since the Switch 2 reveal - mentioning how he gave him a "big congrats" while also noting how his "older eyes appreciated the larger screen" upgrade.Xbox's boss also took this opportunity to compliment Nintendo on its innovation, significance within the industry over the years, and the "moves they make" - adding how he thinks the Switch 2 will be a "massive success":"Who would ever bet against the success of that team, I mean, they are just masterful in what they do, Switch is a massive success and I think Switch 2 will be as well."Although there are no game announcements for the Switch 2 just yet, on the Microsoft front - Xbox has done a deal to revive the Call of Duty series on Nintendo platforms. A rumour has also been floating around this week about the latest Diablo game potentially showing up on the Switch 2.Last year, Xbox released multiple titles on the Switch and PlayStation including games like Grounded and Sea of Thieves. But it's reportedly too early to make a call on HaloWhile Halo's arrival is reiteratedUpdate: Confirmed by MicrosoftWould you be interested in any particular Xbox games on the Switch 2? Let us know in the comments.[source youtu.be]See AlsoShare:00 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo's Switch 2 Announcement Reportedly Impacted Steam Deck SalesThe surprise reveal got everyone's attentionNintendo: Switch 2's Backwards Compatibility Feature Is The "Best Direction" For ConsumersSwitch is already "played by many consumers"Poll: What Do You Think Of Donkey Kong's Redesign In Mario Kart 9?Got whiplash?Mario Kart 9: Full Character Roster List - Every Racer Confirmed So FarEvery character in Switch 2 Mario KartBanjo-Kazooie Has The Potential To "Rival 3D Mario", Says Ori DevIf a "really talented developer" has a crack at it

In BriefPosted:8:42 PM PST January 24, 2025Image Credits:Matt Cardy (opens in a new window) / Getty ImagesWall Street banks plan sale of X debt at a discountBankers are reportedly gearing up to offload debt used to fund Elon Musks social network, for which he paid $44 million in 2022 including $13 billion in financing. Morgan Stanley is leading the charge, hoping to sell senior debt at between 90 and 95 cents on the dollar, reports the WSJ.As notes the outlet, bankers typically dont hold debt for years, but volatile periods can impact those plans, and volatility has defined X since Musks takeover, with advertisers skedaddling over concerns that extreme content on the platform could damage their brands. Though Journal sources say that Xs financials are improving, Musk himself told staffers in a January email seen by the WSJ that, Our user growth is stagnant, revenue is unimpressive, and were barely breaking even.Musk reportedly observed in that same email Xs power in shaping national conversations and outcomes. It isnt clear that its power is luring back advertisers, however. Meanwhile, a gesture made by Musk at President Trumps inaugural celebration that many construed as a fascist salute could further complicate the equation for big brands.TopicsSocial

Researchers call for urgent action to tackle this unregulated side of the fashion industryClothing waste is generated by people living in wealthy cities, but its environmental impact is ... [+] being felt by those in the Global SouthgettyUrbanites are buying and disposing of more clothing than ever. Somewhere between 80 and 150 billion items of clothing are produced each year; thats 10 19 items for every person on Earth. UNEP says that The average person is buying 60 per cent more clothing than 15 years ago, while each item is kept for only half as long, but those figures are from 2016. In a world filled with fast and ultra-fast fashion, it seems likely that things have deteriorated further since.The environmental impact of all this clothing is staggering. Producing textiles requires vast quantities of water a simple cotton-shirt consumes as much water as a person would need to live for 2.5 years; 2700 liters (713 gallons). In fact, the fashion industry as a whole consumes more water than almost any other industry; only agriculture beats it.Global fiber production which includes all fibers used for apparel, home textiles, footwear, or any other application reached a record high in 2023. While wool and cotton are still popular, synthetic fibers now dominate the landscape. Polyester, which is a type of plastic made from petroleum, takes the top spot, with around 70 million metric tons of it made that year; 57 % of total fiber production.Those statistics are reflected in the consumer textile market. For example, polyester represents more than 75 % of ultra-fast fashion behemoth Shiens fiber portfolio. And even more worryingly, the overwhelming majority (87.5 %) of polyester produced in 2023 was virgin, or non-recycled, meaning that new fossil fuels were used to make it. For nylon the second most used synthetic fiber just 2 % came from recycled sources.MORE FOR YOUAs a result, the emissions footprint of the fashion industry continues to rise. In 2018, it was estimated to be responsible for up to 10 % of global carbon emissions. If no action is taken, it may well reach 26 % by 2050. By their own reporting, Shien nearly doubled its emissions in a single year; going from 9.17 million metric tons in 2022 to 16.68 million metric tons in 2023. Thats about the same greenhouse gas emissions as four million gasoline-powered passenger vehicles produce in a year.Thrift stores and charity shops are bursting at the seams thanks to the rapid growth of ultra-fast ... [+] fashion. But the vast majority of donated clothes are exported overseas, where they're resold, put in landfill or burned. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)Getty ImagesUrban footprint of fast fashionBut our clothing obsession has much more visible impacts, too. Jam-packed racks at high street charity shops. Full bins at thrift stores and flea markets. Piles of clothing in urban landfills and dumps. Its these indicators that RMIT researcher Dr Yassie Samie and her colleagues have focused on in their new, first-of-its-kind study.Published in Nature Cities, Samies research looks at what happens to textiles once consumers decide that they no longer want them. They focused on the fate of these post-consumer textiles in nine wealthy cities Amsterdam, Austin, Berlin, Geneva, Luxembourg, Manchester, Melbourne, Oslo and Toronto. One of the challenges the team faced was the lack of data thats available for discarded textiles. The reason for this is that textiles are not regulated whatsoever, said Samie, speaking to me from Melbourne, where she is based. Its also a relative newcomer as a category of waste, which means that most studies on solid waste management in cities dont even include it.So, Samie and her co-authors had to collect relevant information on each city via a range of sources policy and other government documents, academic literature, so-called gray literature (reports published by non-governmental organisations) and through detailed interviews with representatives from city governments, charity organizations, and waste management organizations basically anyone involved in the process of dealing with discarded textiles.From this, they found that in most of the high-income cities they studied, post-consumer textiles (PCTs) collection and sorting are managed not by councils, but by charities and commercial resellers. This makes charities the most important collectors of PCTs in wealthy cities. The exception to this was Amsterdam, where municipal authorities manage discarded textiles. This is something, Samie says, is unlikely to change in the future Charities have always been part of the solution, and will continue to be because they have that trust factor, that community factor, and a wealth of knowledge.Cows are seen at the largest dumpsite where textile waste ends up at Old Fadama in Accra, Ghana, ... [+] Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu) 2024 Misper ApawuBut charities are struggling to cope with the current deluge of low-quality donations. In Geneva, rates have increased 1200 % in three decades. 3000metric tons of goods were sent to the citys charity shops in 2021 alone thats about the same weight as twenty Statues of Liberty (without the base).And while some unwanted textiles make it to a local charity shop floor, the study showed that most of it is exported to overseas markets. 97 % of clothes donated in Oslo are shipped out of Norway entirely. In Luxembourg, just 3-4 % of incoming donations are redistributed or resold locally. The destinations for these exports are typically poorer countries in the Global South. Once there, this non-biodegradable waste can wreak havoc on the local environment. Unsurprisingly, this practice is now described as waste colonialism.Affluent cities making their discarded textiles somebody elses problem is a situation that cannot continue, says Samie, if we are to meet our climate goals.So what can we do?When it comes to waste, youve likely already heard of the three Rs reduce, reuse, recycle. But these are actually part of a larger framework, called the Circular Economy 3.0 that focuses less on waste management and more on avoiding waste, by making the materials we produce last for as long as possible. In that framework, there are ten Rs Refuse (R0), Reduce (R1), Resell/Reuse (R2), Repair (R3), Refurbish (R4), Remanufacture (R5), Repurpose (R6), Recycle materials (R7), Recover energy (R8), Re-mine (R9).For Samie, there should be much more focus on the first two Rs refuse and reduce because they reduce demand for new resources. Overconsumption and overproduction are just beyond comprehension. And no matter how much we try to have systems in our cities that can handle it, when we produce and consume too much, its just too much.The average Australian buys 56 new items of clothing each year, making the country the second-largest consumer of clothing in the world per capita, after the US. Yes, we also have a fantastic culture here of donating to charity and buying from charity, but with these numbers, you can see its just not enough. We cant digest the amount of new textiles that are being produced, she says.Repair shops and alteration services can help your clothes last for longergettyThe next two Rs resell/reuse and repair can also reduce demand, but only if taking these actions then stops people from buying a new product. This is an area where local governments, city planners, and charities can play a big role, Samie says. Id like to see more second-hand and swap shops, as well as places for repairs and alterations in the locations where families already go in big cities shopping malls, and big retail parks. Not solely on the high street. Adopting those other business models might help charities reduce their reliance on direct resale or exports.Ultimately, we want to create smaller, local loops for the things we make and use, instead of the harmful, wasteful, global practices we have now.Local governments actions must step upSamie stressed that every city the team studied had some incredible grassroots initiatives in place that are slowly chipping away at the mountain of textile waste. But for true, sustainable change to happen, urgent action is needed at the municipal governmental and policy level.On this front, she is cautiously optimistic. Since the start of 2025, all EU states have been required to roll out dedicated collection services for used textiles. Separating it out from other solid waste is a very important first step. It becomes easier to do reuse, recycling, all of these other activities. It also gives us a clearer picture of the scale of the problem.The hope is that this move from the EU will spur other countries to take textile waste seriously, but says Samie, it needs to happen quickly. Were in a race against ultra-fast fashion that continues to ramp up production. I hope its not too late.

Full Video - https://youtu.be/9K68TWsYYNw FAB - https://www.fab.com/sellers/CGHOW Whatsapp - https://bit.ly/3LYvxjK Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/Ashif NFT - https://opensea.io/CGHOW Twitter - https://twitter.com/cghow_ If you Liked it - http://bit.ly/2UZmiZ4 Channel Ashif - http://bit.ly/3aYaniw Support me on - paypal.me/9953280644Beam FX in Unreal Engine 5.4 Niagara #cghow #UE5 #UE4Niagara #gamefx #ue5niagara #ue4vfx #niagara #unrealengineniagara #realtimevfxVisit - https://cghow.com/ Unreal Engine Marketplace - https://bit.ly/3aojvAa Artstation Store - https://www.artstation.com/ashif/store Gumroad - https://cghow.gumroad.com/

Full Video - https://youtu.be/PeD4NCp7XXA FAB - https://www.fab.com/sellers/CGHOW Whatsapp - https://bit.ly/3LYvxjK Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/Ashif NFT - https://opensea.io/CGHOW Twitter - https://twitter.com/cghow_ If you Liked it - http://bit.ly/2UZmiZ4 Channel Ashif - http://bit.ly/3aYaniw Support me on - paypal.me/9953280644Beam FX in Unreal Engine 5.5 Niagara #cghow #UE5 #UE4Niagara #gamefx #ue5niagara #ue4vfx #niagara #unrealengineniagara #realtimevfxVisit - https://cghow.com/ Unreal Engine Marketplace - https://bit.ly/3aojvAa Artstation Store - https://www.artstation.com/ashif/store Gumroad - https://cghow.gumroad.com/

Project Files: https://www.patreon.com/posts/120664693 .In this tutorial series, I am going to implement an architectural design viewer system. In the last episode we will implemented a camera system which allows us to focus on different objects and orbit around them, zoom in/out. This system can be used to showcase any kind of a design, not just an architectural application. Today, we will look into how to smoothly change the focus between different buildings. This system will allow user to demonstrate/showcase different buildings/design elements of the overall presentation. Unreal Design Viewer - Full tutorial series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNTm9yU0zou4W4rfbJbpmXzuN_2DOW-cN // ! https://www.patreon.com/codelikeme Patrons will have access to project files of all the stuff I do in the channel and other extra benefitsJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClb6Jh9EBV7a_Nm52Ipll_Q/join Like my facebook page for more content : https://www.facebook.com/gamedevelopersclub/ Follow me on twitter : https://twitter.com/CodeLikeMe2 Follow me on reddit : https://www.reddit.com/user/codelikeme #CodeLikeMe #unrealengine #ue4 #indiegamedev