Human Torch certainly isnt the worst hero in Marvel Rivals, but hes far from the best maybe too far for one of the newest additions to the game. According to RivalsMeta, Human Torch is one of the weakest heroes right now. His winrate isnt much higher than Black Widow, who has consistently been at the bottom of every tier list since the game came out. That could change with the latest balance patch released Wednesday.Both changes target the weakest parts of his kit, and focus on enhancing his solo takedown potential, according to the developer note. Thats a fancy way of saying his primary fire attack will no longer be as clunky to use, nor will fireballs take two business days to arrive at enemies. The main thing keeping Human Torch relevant has been his devastating ultimate combo with Storm. RivalsMeta tracks team-ups too, and it has Human Torch and Storm ranked as one of the most potent pairings. And despite its ridiculous power from a team-up synergy with Storm, Human Torchs fiery tornado ultimate ability is getting a slight damage buff, too. The problem before was his reliance on the team-up to achieve success, and these tweaks should make him a more viable solo character.The rest of the patch notes have minor changes to Iron Man and Cloak and Dagger. Iron Man will do a little more explosive damage, and Daggers healing projectiles have been tweaked towards single-target healing over AOE. Neither change seems like itll be big enough to shift the meta, but some players arent particularly happy to see Cloak and Dagger changes that arent nerfs, as they continue to be one of the strongest healers in the game.Nothing in the patch will deter players away from the tank-heavy team compositions that are popular right now. With support heroes unable to protect their team as often, the next logical step is to lean on the sturdiest heroes. Were not quite repeating the Overwatch GOATS meta yet, but were close.

An AI-assistant that enhances your designs without taking away your creativecontrolThough I hate to say it, there are limitations to designs and prototypes created inFigma.A designer knows what the end-product should look like, but developers might have to make guesses on what is intended in small nuances the design missed (like how many milliseconds a micro-interaction should be). Or when we test designs with participants, the Figma prototype might not fully represent a live website because not all interactions are prototyped (or its justbuggy).Thats where low-code and no-code tools come intoplay.These tools give UX designers the power to interact with realistic, live previews of their working designs so they can rapidly iterate and get feedback from both stakeholders and users (all without using developer resources).There are quite a few tools with this functionality, like Lovable and Anima, but Anima has really begun to change the game of how UX designers can generate and iterate on coded design with their new Playground feature.Animas Playground feature uses an AI-assistant to make live designchangesAnima is already a staple in Figmas design workflowthey have over a million Figma plug-in users and even helped Figma create their infamous dev mode. But the new Playground feature uses an AI-assistant to make design and code changes without having to make a single update in the Figmafile.Lets check out this new feature and how designers can use an AI-assistant to power and enhance their designs without losing creative control (or feeling replaced).Designers guide to Anima PlaygroundPrep FigmadesignRun Anima plug-in inFigmaOpen and iterate in Anima PlaygroundExport codeAlternative method: Customize withAI1. Prep FigmadesignBefore you can run the Anima plug-in, your Figma designs should be at a level of detail and fidelity youre happy with before generating code for a live preview. But even if its not 100% ready, the Playground feature can help it get there (as well soonsee).Here are some quick best practices to prepare your Figma work forAnima:Name your Figma layers: Anima retains the layer names so this helps keep things tidy and clean once you move over tocodeCreate frames: Frames help Anima organize and understand relationships between elements, but dont overdo it (too many nested frames can complicate thecode)Add auto-layout: After creating frames, add auto-layout to the frames so Anima knows what position elements should be constrained to and how the frame should respond when the screen sizechangesUse components: Anima detects reused components in a design, and the Playground feature can change all components from one prompt (I used Carbon Design System for my designs, but you can also use a custom designsystem)Prep Figma designs for Anima by naming and framinglayers2. Run Anima plug-in inFigmaAfter your designs are prepped and ready, its time to run the Anima plug-in for Figma. In this step, you need to open Anima in Figma, specify the frame you want to generate code for, and select the javascript framework for yourproject.Note: I am using a Pro plan in Anima, so my plug-ins interface may look slightly different from yours if you have a different plan.How tosteps:Press +K or select Actions from the bottom toolbar in Figma (if using UI3) to open Figmaplug-insSearch and select Anima SelectRunSelect the primary frame (in the Component code inspect view) then Anima will automatically start generating codeSelect a frame in Figma for Anima to begin generating codeOnce code is generated, select the dropdown containing the javascript frameworks (on the right of the Figma frame name selected)Select React, Vue, or HTML (this determines your selection options; I chose React for mydesigns)Select a UI library (I chose Shadcn) Select Javascript or Typescript (I chose Typescript)Select Yes or No if Anima needs to generate a theme for your designs (I choseYes)The default styling for my selection is Tailwind CSS (the selection options differ depending on your previous selections)Select the UI library and javascript framework that works best for your UXproject3. Open and iterate in Anima PlaygroundAlright, now the Figma designs are prepped and set up in Anima, its time to open the designs in Anima Playground.Note: The Playground feature is available on all Anima plans (even the free plan, but with limitations).How tosteps:With the primary screen selected in the Anima plug-in, select Open in Playground (if this button is disabled, the code is still actively being generated)Anima opens in your default browser; a new chat appears in the left panel, and the code and preview in the mainviewIn the bottom-right corner, select the Figma icon in the chat feature Select Pair with Figma in the modal that appears (this is optional, but will add an additional tab in Anima so you can directly compare the Figma designs to thepreview)Note: Each time you select Open in Playground in Figma, a new file and chat is made in Animaaccessible by the panel icon button in the top-leftcornerPair Anima with Figma so you can directly compare the live preview to the FigmadesignsOnce the preview is ready in Anima, you can start making code and design changes in the left panels AI chat. You can ask the AI-assiatnt to make the tab items work or even change the header color to HEX value #EBF2FF.The initial preview Anima generated from my Figma designs contained some interaction, but not all elements were interactive yet (like the header tabs). So I asked the AI-assistant for alterations.Initial preview Anima Playground generated from my FigmadesignsI asked the AI-assistant, Make the header items and the document items interactive, and the chat immediately began to update thecodeThe AI-assistant responded with, Ill make the header items and document items interactive while preserving all existing styling and functionalityThen I asked the AI-assistant, Make the hover state for the header items and document items have a dark-grey borderThe AI-assistant responded with, Ill update the hover states to use a dark grey border for both header and documentitemsAsk for real-time design changes from the AI-assistant in Animas PlaygroundNote: If you dont like the changes, you can revert to a previous version using the undo button in the AI-chat (but this deletes the current version).Lastly, you can check to make sure the designs are responding as intended with a tablet and mobileview.If they arent responsive, the AI-assistant can make the breakpoints for youjust ask it to make the design responsive for tablet and mobile screens. If you added frames and auto-layout in Figma, this should be doable for the Playground feature.How tosteps:In the Anima Playgrounds preview section, select Switch to device mode on the right above thepreviewTo see the responsiveness, select Full screen to be taken to a new view to actively adjust the screenswidthAsk the AI-assistant for additional adjustments to the breakpoints (ifneeded)Use responsive mode in Anima Playground to ensure the design works for different screensizes4. ExportcodeOnce youre happy with the preview of the designs in Anima, its time to export and share thecode.Anima gives you three ways to dothis:Push directly to GitHub: Anima gives you the option to connect your GitHub through your settings or you can select Push to GitHub in the top-right corner of your project in Playground to specify the repository nameDownload the code: Next to the Push to GitHub button is the Download code button, which allows you to download a zip file to run elsewhereShare with collaborators: Depending on your Anima plan, you can share the project with teammates by adding them as a contributor or viewer (done in the Animaapp)Integrate your GitHub repository in the Anima Playground settings5. Alternative method: Customize withAIIf you prefer to tailor and download your designs code directly from Figma, you can use Animas Customize with AIfeature.Note: This isnt mandatory to use for Anima Playgroundjust another option to customize your designs code, but directly inFigma.In the bottom-right corner of the Animas Figma plug-in, theres a purple button that says, Add prompt with a sparkle icon. After selecting this button, you get the option to toggle on Customize with AI to use custom requests orpresets.Customize with AI feature in the Anima plug-in forFigmaThe presets allow you to select how you want the design to respond and interact (like enabling make it work) so you have a functional preview of the design. You can also add code samples and custom instructions (I.E., specifying an interaction you want a button tohave).The Customize with AI feature allows you to use AI to change and iterate the code, so you can directly download from Figma and run it elsewhere.Use the presets in Customize with AI to quickly configure codespecsThe new Playground feature in Anima is showing us a potential future of designing with AI. I can use the AI-assistant to make live updates to code (even multiple changes at the same time) if I want to explore a new color or interaction patternall without asking a developer forhelp.While using this feature, I didnt feel my role as a designer was being replaced by the AI-assistantit felt more like my collaborative partner.Not only that, it provides proactive help when needed, such as a terminal error. As a designer, I have no idea how to fix that kind of error message (I was scared), but the AI-assistant gave me a prompt to Try to fix, and I selected the prompt with no hesitation.Animas AI-assistant will prompt to fix code issues when theyoccurAnimas launch of the Playground feature gives us a new way to change our design workflow to incorporate AI. These workflow changes will accelerate design explorations, stakeholder feedback, and testing cyclesbenefitting product development and the overall user experience.Figma to functional: AI-powered iteration with Animas Playground was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The new Pixel 9 lineup launched last summerand the Pixel 9a is around the cornerso it's no surprise there's been a drop in prices for the Pixel 8 lineup. Amazon is offering the higher end Pixel 8 Pro for $599 (though prices seem to vary a bit based on location), but if your budget is a bit tighter, you can get the Pixel 8a for $399 (originally $499) after a $100 discount. That matches the Pixel 8a's lowest-ever price, according to price-checking tools. (The Pixel 9a is likely to cost $499 when it launches, so if you want to save yourself some money and don't need the latest device, this is a great choice.) Google Pixel 8a Unlocked Android Phone with Google AI, Advanced Pixel Camera and 24-Hour Battery - Bay - 128 GB $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 The Pixel "a" series is the Pixel lineup's budget option. These devices tend to be missing some features of their pricier counterparts, but they often end up a better value for the money. For example, the Pixel 8a was available to preorder last May, and the biggest "cut" from the Pixel 8/8 Pro was the camera. Here is what assistant tech editor Michelle Ehrhardt had to say about the differences between the two:The 8as camera is 64MP main wide/12MP ultrawide on the rear and 13MP on the front. By comparison, the regular Pixel 8 is 50MP main wide/12MP ultrawide on the rear and 10.5MP on the front. However, due to improved light sensing and pixel size, the Pixel 8s camera may be a better choice for some.The Pixel 8a has the same Tensor G3 processor as the Pixel 8/8 Pro, a slightly smaller 6.1-inch 120Hz Actual display, and a slightly better camera system in terms of pixels, but it may have weaker sensors. Still, the 8a is getting Google Gemini Nano support, like the other Pixels, along with seven years of guaranteed software support as well as the same new drop features. (You can read our full review of the 8a here.)

Google I/O, the company's annual developer's conference, doesn't start until May 20, but expectations are already swirling about what will be announced during the event. Here's what we think might show up at this year's Google I/O, plus details on how to watch.When and how to watch Google I/O 2025This year's Google I/O is scheduled for May 20 and 21, with the first keynote beginning at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). The event will be live streamed online at io.google and on YouTube. Anyone can view the keynotes and sessions without registering, though developers can register for free to receive event communications. What's coming to Google I/O 2025The schedule for I/O 2025 hasn't been published, and what we think we'll see is (so far) based on rumors, speculation, and leaks. That said, there are a few things we can reasonably expector at least hope for. First is the launch of Android 16, which Google has already pegged to Q2 2025. According to Android Police, leaks suggest an official release date of June 3, meaning an announcement at I/O is likely. Public betas have been rolled out with new features for photography, security, device management, foldable detection, and small tweaks to accessibility and health functionality. Another possible release date announcement could come for Wear OS 5.1, which has some relatively minor new features and stability improvements. And while Google isn't expected to launch Wear OS 6which would follow suit with the release of Wear OS 4 in July 2023 and Wear OS 5 in July 2024or even announce any of its features, it could hint at what we'll see in Wear OS in the future. Finally, Google recently confirmed the launch date for the first Android XR-powered headset and revealed more details about specs and features. This came following Samsung's extended reality (XR) prototype reveal during January's Galaxy Unpacked event. Other hardware news is less likely, as the Pixel 9a is expected to drop in March ahead of I/O. Of course, AI is expected to be heavily featured at I/O 2025, with possible updates about Project Astra. The "advanced seeing and talking responsive agent," announced at I/O 2024, is billed as a next-gen AI assistant that can receive real-world inputs and respond to what it sees. The event lineup could also include updates on Gemini features like Circle to Search, AI Overviews, and integrations with Android, Search, and YouTubeand maybe even the official switch from "Hey Google" to "Hey Gemini."

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the centerpiece of March's PlayStation Plus game catalog entries. The critically acclaimed metroidvania title is accompanied by Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions, UFC 5, Arcade Paradise and the, uh, unforgettably titled Bang-on Balls: Chronicles. Meanwhile, you'll need a PS Plus Premium subscription to play the return of glorious PS1-era Mech-piloting action in the first three Armored Core games. This month's arrivals will all be available from March 18. Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is, by all accounts, a terrific game. It has all the series' elements like tight parkour controls, swordplay and challenging platforming (with a healthy share of magical secrets). Throw in its striking visual style with a rich color palette, and you have something special. Engadget's Lawrence Bonk found it to be "a fantastic metroidvania that could easily sit next to some of the classics of the genre, like Hollow Knight and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night." FromSoftware It even has a handy "memory shards" feature that other metroidvania titles would do well to copy: Capture a screenshot of an area you want to return to later and pin it to your map. Lest the neat mechanic make things too easy (something the genre rarely has to worry about), you only get a limited number of memory shard slots. Despite receiving rave reviews across the board, The Lost Crown reportedly only sold around 300,000 copies during its first few weeks after launch, so Ubisoft did its Ubisoft thing and disbanded the team that made it. (Sigh.) Although that means we almost certainly won't see more DLC or a sequel, at least most of its developers are still working at Ubisoft on other projects. And hey, there's another Prince of Persia game to look forward to as early as next year. Bandai Namco Other highlights for Extra and Premium members include Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions, which gives fast-paced arcade soccer a striking visual makeover (and a storyline!), and the nostalgic management sim (with bonus mini-games) Arcade Paradise. You'll also get the indie platformer Bang-On Balls: Chronicles, which is a bit like taking a 3D Kirby game, cutting most of the transformations and adding quirky, slapstick humor (like optional flatulence). There's also UFC 5 if you're into EA Sports' take on bare-knuckle brawling. FromSoftware Basking in the glow of the acclaimed 2024 entry Armored Core: Fires of Rubicon, Sony is turning back the clock to the series' roots. PS Plus Premium subscribers can play Armored Core (1997), Armored Core: Project Phantasma (1997) and Armored Core: Master of Arena (1999) for the first time on their modern PlayStation consoles (PS5 and PS4). The innovative (and highly customizable!) mech series laid the groundwork for the 2024 entry, which Engadget's Igor Bonifacic praised as "an incredible achievement in game design and thematic cohesion, and, I think, a promise of what we can expect from FromSoftware's next generation of talent." This month's PS Plus games will be available from March 18. You can read the full list of entries on the PlayStation blog. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-highlights-marchs-ps-plus-lineup-194545416.html?src=rss

Sorry to everyone who was waiting for Sonos to release a streaming video device it seems that's not happening anytime soon. The company is said to have canceled the long-expected product, which was reportedly far along in development.Sonos leadership announced the cancellation in an all-hands call on Wednesday, according to The Verge. Interim CEO Tom Conrad says that, "for now," the company won't enter the streaming video market. The team that was working on the project, codenamed Pinewood, is set to be reassigned to other projects.It was reported last month that Sonos could start selling the device this year for between $200 and $400. Pinewood was rumored to have a unified software experience with universal search for shows and movies from various streaming services like Netflix, Max and Disney+. Pinewood was believed to have Sonos Voice Control integration and to act as an HDMI hub for home entertainment devices such as game consoles. And, of course, the box would have synced with Sonos soundbars and speakers.Per the report, Pinewood's cancellation leaves Sonos without a major new product to start selling in the second half of 2025. Instead, it seems that the company will double down on rebuilding its reputation and the performance of its software after the disastrous rollout of a new mobile app in 2024.That fiasco led to the ouster of former CEO Patrick Spence and other executives. Sonos also fired hundreds of workers as part of a restructuring plan.Engadget has contacted Sonos for comment.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/sonos-reportedly-scraps-its-long-expected-streaming-video-device-193445993.html?src=rss

UK pricing has finally arrived for the sure-to-be popular LG C5, and it's identical to its predecessor's launch prices.

Channel 5 is seeing a new rebrand this year.

Its financial situation has worsened since Amazon walked away from its $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot last year, citing regulatory hurdles.

London, UK Award-winning UK VFX house Jellyfish Pictures, known for its work on Asteroid City, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and the upcoming Black Mirror series, has announced it is suspending all operations while exploring options for sale and investment.In a statement released on Tuesday, the company cited financial struggles exacerbated by the long-term impact of COVID-19, rising operational costs, and disruptions caused by the Hollywood writers and actors strikes.Like so many other companies operating across the VFX, animation, and wider creative industries, weve been battling hard in the face of strong headwinds over the past twelve months, Jellyfish said.The company recently shut down its India division, following last years expansion into Canada. Despite efforts to stabilize finances, Jellyfish has now taken legal steps to protect its business while seeking a potential buyer or investor.Another Major Blow to the VFX IndustryJellyfish Pictures is the latest in a growing list of VFX studios facing financial turmoil. Just last month, Technicolor Creative Studios UKwhich owned MPC, The Mill, Mikros Animation, and Technicolor Gamesshut down, laying off 400 employees.The industry has been facing severe challenges due to rising production costs, reduced project budgets, and shifting studio strategies, leading to mass layoffs and closures worldwide.A Storied Legacy in VFXFounded in 2001, Jellyfish Pictures has been a key player in the global VFX industry, with credits on blockbuster projects including The Woman King, Watchmen, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Lee, starring Kate Winslet.The company had been expanding its presence internationally, with operations in the UK, India, and Canada. However, with financial pressures mounting, it now finds itself at a crossroads.Whats Next for Jellyfish Pictures?The company remains in discussions with key stakeholders in hopes of securing funding or a buyer. The fate of its workforce and future projects remains uncertain as the industry awaits further developments.With VFX studios worldwide struggling to adapt to new financial realities, Jellyfish Pictures suspension is yet another sign of a shifting landscape in the visual effects industry.Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.The post Jellyfish Pictures Suspends Operations, Explores Sale Amid Industry Challenges appeared first on Vfxexpress.