On June 11, the PC version of Stellar Blade will be released*. The PC version of Stellar Blade will support several new features and introduce exciting additional content. This additional content will also be available on the PS5 console version, This additional content will also be available on the PS5® console version. PS5 users will receive the free update content through a patch download. It will deliver the best experience to everyone – both users who couldn’t join Eve’s mission due to platform limitations, and fans who have already witnessed the end of Eve’s protocol. Play Video With this in mind, we are pleased to share detailed information about the Stellar Blade PC version. NVIDIA DLSS 4 & AMD FSR 3 upscaling and unlocked frame rate* Blade, blood, and  beauty. Eve is a ruthless executioner and an elegant liberator. The PC version of Stellar Blade supports NVIDIA DLSS 4 resolution scaling and frame generation, NVIDIA DLAA image enhancement, and NVIDIA Reflex latency reduction features. AMD FSR 3 is also supported.* Additionally, it supports unlocking the frame rate, allowing you to maximize your PC’s potential. With these enhancements, Eve’s action will transcend its limits, becoming even more merciless and all the more mesmerizing. Wide Resolution and High-Resolution Texture Support** The desolate and lonely scenery of a fallen Earth, along with the majestic yet delicate artwork, are the pride of Stellar Blade. The PC version of Stellar Blade supports ultrawide 21:9 and super ultrawide 32:9 resolutions, allowing you to use a wide range of aspect ratios from 5:4 to 32:9.** High-resolution background textures are also supported. The beauty of the artwork will become even broader and more detailed on Eve’s journey toward her mission. (Please check the 4K texture option in the settings) DualSense Controller and user key customization support A desperate escape in the labyrinthine darkness of the sewers, a fierce brawl across the magnetic levitation tracks of the Hyper Tube. In the PC version of Stellar Blade, you can experience all of these moments vividly with the DualSense controller, which fully supports haptic feedback and adaptive trigger features.*** Additionally, the game now supports full user key customization for gamepads, keyboards, and mice. Complete the Eve Protocol in your own play style. Mann’s test and additional Nano Suit Mann, the leader of the Sentinels, comes to test Eve. He is a seasoned warrior, a master of weapons, the bodyguard of Orcal, and the guardian of Xion. Face his might in the Boss Challenge and prove why Eve is truly ‘worthy.’ As a reward for overcoming the trial you can obtain the ‘Royal Guard Suit.’ That’s not all. After the update, you can collect a total of 25 new Nano Suits as additional rewards. This will provide even more options to highlight Eve’s beauty.  And to celebrate the release of the PC version, we will be giving all users the new outfit Crimson Wing as a token of our gratitude. Support for Simplified Chinese and Japanese facial animation Stellar Blade  now supports Simplified Chinese voiceovers, and Japanese voiceovers can now be selected in all regions. Of course, facial animations matching both languages will also be applied. We hope that even more players can immerse themselves in Eve’s mission and her fateful choices, with familiar languages and natural performances. Minimum and recommended specifications To enjoy the PC version of Stellar Blade smoothly, we recommend the following PC specifications. MINIMUMRECOMMENDEDHIGHVERY HIGHAVERAGE PERFORMANCE1080P @ 60FPS1440P @ 60FPS1440P @ 60FPS4K @ 60FPSGRAPHIC PRESETSLowMediumHighVery HighCPUIntel Core i5-7600KAMD Ryzen 5 1600XIntel Core i5-8400AMD Ryzen 5 3600XIntel Core i5-8400AMD Ryzen 5 3600XIntel Core i5-8400AMD Ryzen 5 3600XGPUNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GBAMD Radeon RX 580 8GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 SUPERAMD Radeon RX 5700 XTNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPERAMD Radeon RX 6700 XTNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTRAM16GB16GB16GB16GBSTORAGE75GB HDD(SSD Recommended)75GB SSD75GB SSD75GB SSDOSWindows 10 64-bitWindows 10 64-bitWindows 10 64-bitWindows 10 64-bit Thank you once again to all Stellar Blade fans for your unwavering support and love over the past year. We also extend our gratitude to everyone waiting for the release of the PC version. Stellar Blade has come this far thanks to your passion as its driving force. We look forward to even more players joining Eve’s journey starting June 11. *Launch timing may be June 12, depending on your region. Please refer to the above global release timing image to confirm.**A compatible graphics card is required.*** A compatible display device is required.**** A wired connection is required to use all features of the DualSense controller.

Steel clashes and war drums thunder as a new age of battle dawns — one that will test even the mightiest Slayer. This GFN Thursday, DOOM: The Dark Ages — the bold medieval-inspired prequel to DOOM and DOOM Eternal — is available for GeForce NOW premium members, aka Ultimate and Performance members, to stream from the cloud at launch. Premium members can also slay in style with a free in-game reward. The stage is set and the crowd is buzzing — Capcom: Fighting Collection 2 is joining GeForce NOW at launch. Plus, get ready to take to the skies with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 coming to the cloud this week. And catch the latest GeForce NOW updates rolling out to members starting this week. The updates include quality-of-life improvements, following performance enhancements like 120 frames-per-second streaming for SHIELD TV to keep the cloud gaming experience at its best. It’s all part of another thrilling GFN Thursday, with five new games joining the cloud. Stand and Fight Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. DOOM: The Dark Ages is a dark fantasy and sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for. Take flight atop the new fierce Mecha Dragon, stand tall in a massive Atlan mech and beat demons to a pulp with the newly enhanced glory kill system. Only the Slayer has the power to wield these devastating tools of mayhem. Experience every gory detail, thunderous shield bash and demon-splitting kill in the cloud. No downloads, no waiting — just pure, uninterrupted DOOM action, wherever members want to play. SHIELD your eyes. GeForce NOW Ultimate or Performance members can now claim the DOOM Slayer Verdant skin reward, a fierce, ruthless-looking armor set that’s built for relentless slaughter. Those who’ve opted in to GeForce NOW’s Rewards program can check their email for instructions on how to redeem it. It’s available through Sunday, June 15, first come, first served. Step Into the Ring The fight continues. Capcom’s new fighting collection hits the stage — and the cloud. Choose from fan favorites like Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 and Project Justice, as well as 3D action titles like Power Stone and Power Stone 2 in this collection of eight classic fighting games. Each can be played online or in co-op mode. Get back in the ring and duke it out in battles that everyone rumored but no one believed. Chase victory by streaming on GeForce NOW. Ultimate and Performance members enjoy higher resolutions and lower latency compared with free users for a true cloud-gaming edge. Game On Streaming from a powerful GeForce RTX gaming rig in the cloud enables GeForce NOW to deliver continuous improvements and new features that enhance members’ streaming experiences. This week, update 2.0.74 is rolling out, bringing several enhancements to the cloud. Members will see an upgraded library syncing feature for those using PC game subscription services like PC Game Pass and Ubisoft+, making it even easier to jump into games. Supported titles for these game services will now be automatically added to members’ “My Library” after resyncing their Ubisoft, Battle.net and Xbox connected accounts in the GeForce NOW app. This update follows the recent performance boost for SHIELD TV users in SHIELD Experience 9.2.1, now supporting up to 120 fps 1080p streaming for GeForce NOW Ultimate members. Those who prefer higher resolution over frame rates can continue streaming at up to 4K 60 fps. With such ongoing updates, GeForce NOW is making cloud gaming more seamless and accessible across devices. Fly Your Way Fly anywhere with the cloud. GeForce NOW brings a groundbreaking aviation experience to the cloud with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Members can experience the game that redefines aviation simulation with unparalleled realism and global exploration. Pursue dynamic aviation careers through missions like Medevac, Search and Rescue, and Aerial Firefighting. Plus, compete in thrilling events such as the Red Bull Air Races. The game introduces advanced physics, enhanced aircraft systems and a groundbreaking flight planner for immersive gameplay. Explore an exceptionally detailed digital recreation of Earth, featuring handcrafted airports, landmarks, dynamic biomes, and real-time air and maritime traffic. With stunning visuals, diverse wildlife and realistic weather systems, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers unmatched experiences for pilots and adventurers. Ultimate and Performance members can play with GeForce RTX 4080-level performance with the highest frame rates and lowest latency. Ultimate members can elevate their adventures at up to 4K resolution and 120 fps for the most immersive rides in the sky. Fired Up for New Games It’s hammer time. Manage a medieval forge in Blacksmith Master, launching this week in the cloud. Find and hire the best staff and equip them with the right tools to optimize the business and train their skills over time. Design the shop for the best throughput, fulfill orders from across the kingdom to unlock new capabilities, and seek out new opportunities in the market as customers come looking for a variety of historically inspired items — from weapons and armor to tools and cooking utensils. Perfect the craft to become the Blacksmith Master. Look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week: The Precinct (New release on Steam, May 13) Blacksmith Master (New release on Steam, May 15) Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (New release on Steam, May 15) DOOM: The Dark Ages (New release on Steam, Battle.net and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, May 154) Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (Steam and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Would you rather fight 1 demon the size of a castle or 100 normal-sized demons all at once? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) May 14, 2025

As Europe pushes for tech sovereignty, one open-source advocate has a warning: don’t forget global cooperation. Amanda Brock, CEO of industry group OpenUK, told TNW that the EU must “get real” about the trade-offs of going it alone. Brock said tech policymakers must move beyond “tit-for-tat schoolyard politics” and instead “protect global collaboration whilst ensuring the needs of their citizens are met.”   Her comments follow a speech by Eva Maydell in Brussels yesterday, where the Bulgarian lawmaker urged Europe to “sober up” in its quest for tech independence.   The 💜 of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!“We need to have a very clear outline plan which, first and foremost, assesses where our strengths are, where we have certain dependencies, and where we need to cooperate,” said Maydell. In a bid to reduce reliance on global tech giants, European institutions have been ramping up efforts to grow homegrown capabilities in areas such as AI, cloud computing, and semiconductors. These efforts have gained urgency amid rising tensions with the US and China.  However, Brock believes Europe must beware of the trade-offs of tech sovereignty. She points to open-source software, which is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and share — and inherently requires cross-border cooperation.  “Every time we hear talk of ‘sovereignty’ from the EU, in the next breath we hear ‘open-source’,” she said. “Yet these two concepts sit in direct conflict, as open-source has global collaboration at its heart.” Brock urged Europe to invest in tech infrastructure and talent to support the growth of technologies such as AI, while remaining open to the rest of the world. “No one said it would be easy,” she added. Andreas Riegler, general partner at APEX Ventures, agrees that Europe must continue to embrace global collaboration.  He warned against competing head-on with the US and China in technologies like cloud infrastructure or foundational AI models.  “Europe must resist isolationist instincts and instead integrate into global tech ecosystems where appropriate,” he said. “Not doing so risks duplication of effort, talent drain, and diminished geopolitical influence in setting global standards.” Europe’s tech sovereignty will be a hot topic at TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are now on sale — use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the checkout to get 30% off. Story by Siôn Geschwindt Siôn is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy. From nuclear fusion breakthroughs to electric vehic (show all) Siôn is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy. From nuclear fusion breakthroughs to electric vehicles, he's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. He has five years of journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. When he's not writing, you can probably find Siôn out hiking, surfing, playing the drums or catering to his moderate caffeine addiction. You can contact him at: sion.geschwindt [at] protonmail [dot] com Get the TNW newsletter Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week. Also tagged with

Hackers have been stealing Coinbase customer information by bribing the company’s overseas support agents for access. The scheme affects a "small subset of customers," the popular cryptocurrency platform said on Thursday. "Their aim was to gather a customer list they could contact while pretending to be Coinbase—tricking people into handing over their crypto,” the company wrote in a blog post. Fortunately, the hackers had no access to user passwords, two-factor authentication codes, or the private keys for any cryptocurrency accounts. Still, in some cases, the cybercriminals successfully phished affected customers using stolen data, which included names, addresses, phones, email addresses, the last four digits of Social Security numbers, “masked bank account numbers,” government ID images such as driver’s license, along with balance snapshots and transaction histories. Unsuspecting victims then sent their cryptocurrency to the scammers, believing them to be official Coinbase representatives. In addition, the hackers even tried to extort Coinbase itself, demanding a $20 million payment from the cryptocurrency company to cover up the incident. However, Coinbase refused to pay and instead disclosed the hacking activity to warn users.    The scheme risks endangering customers who regularly use Coinbase for cryptocurrency transactions. “Less than 1% of our monthly transacting users had their records accessed,” CEO Brian Armstrong said in a video, without mentioning a firm number. Recommended by Our EditorsIn some good news, Coinbase plans on reimbursing users who fell for the phishing attempts. The company is also bolstering its security around customer support to prevent a repeat. “We’re actually relocating some of our customer support operations as a result of this,” Armstrong added. Coinbase is also offering a $20 million reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the culprits. “For these would-be extortionists, or anyone seeking to harm Coinbase customers, know that we will prosecute you and bring you to justice,” Armstrong said.Still, the hackers could use the stolen data to commit identity theft and other malicious schemes against the impacted users. Hence, victims should take measures to protect themselves. Coinbase says it already sent alert notices to affected customers, though details on the reimbursement process are scant. For now, the blog post merely says: “Coinbase will voluntarily reimburse retail customers who mistakenly sent funds to the scammer as a direct result of this incident prior to the date of this post, following a review to confirm the facts.”In the meantime, the company says it's working with law enforcement to ID the scammers.

As the demand for real-time 3D continues to surge across industries like automotive, manufacturing, government, architecture, energy, retail, and more, we’ve been listening closely to what our industry customers need. We heard loud and clear that this world is different from that of game developers and requires tailored solutions. Industry creators need more support to onboard growing teams, face time-to-market pressure to deliver differentiated experiences, and need to integrate cutting edge technologies, standards, sensors, and other real-world data into experiences to stay ahead of the competition.We’re excited to announce the release of Unity Industry, a suite of products and services designed just for industry creators.Unity Industry enables developers, artists, and engineers across industries to build and deliver custom real-time 3D experiences for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mobile, desktop, and web. Unity Industry includes:Unity Enterprise: Manage complex real-time 3D projects across teams using built-in support and creation tools that scale. Includes three-year Long Term Support (LTS) and read-only source code access.Industry Success: Exclusive to Unity Industry, Industry Success helps you overcome challenges faster with dedicated advisors, professional training and onboarding, and rapid response support.Pixyz Plugin: Import more than 40 3D, CAD, and BIM file types to bring source data into Unity’s real-time 3D platform.Unity Mars: Efficiently create AR apps with better workflows and purpose-built authoring tools.Unity Build Server: Utilize on-premises solutions for faster project build testing as you scale, on dedicated network hardware.Unity Industry addresses developers’ needs from the early stages of discovery to building and scaling complex industry applications. From product visualization, marketing content, and sales configurators to smart factories, digital twins, and simulations, Unity Industry enables customers to turn every touchpoint into an immersive and interactive real-time 3D experience anywhere, on a wide range of devices.Building complex solutions requires a dedicated team at your side. Industry Success – an exclusive support offering for Unity Industry – helps teams solve critical onboarding challenges, accelerate time-to-market, optimize resources, and achieve business goals. Industry Success includes:Mitigate risk and get your project off the ground with access to Unity’s ticketing system which provides a 48-hour guaranteed response time.For each Unity Industry seat purchased, customers get access to more than 300 hours of On-Demand Training, covering topics from Unity basics to lighting, optimization, and deploying projects. The extensive self-serve training catalog is designed to help your team members develop their skills further.Every account is assigned a dedicated Partner Relations Manager to act as an internal advocate and strategic advisor, handling issues from submission to resolution. Partner Relations Managers act as the bridge between customer teams and Unity to help onboard new products, perform regular check-ins to ensure teams are meeting their goals, and guide customers to resources for new projects.Get one month of product activation support through documentation, training videos, and a technical point of contact to ensure you’re set up to start your Unity journey.Get access to 90 days of customer onboarding engagement. Dedicated advisors provide guidance on how best to leverage support and resources, so you can get started quickly and access help faster.With the release of Unity Industry, there are some upcoming changes to the Unity Industrial Collection (UIC) and Unity’s Terms of Service.UIC is being deprecated, which means that Unity Industry will now be the default path for industry customers to access the Unity Editor. To ease the transition, existing UIC customers have until October 3, 2023 to renew their UIC subscription or purchase additional seats for one extra year at the current price. You can also choose to upgrade to Unity Industry.For details and migration paths, visit the FAQ or contact your Unity sales representative.Starting April 3, 2023, new industry customers who make more than $1 million per year in total finances will be required to purchase Unity Industry. This requirement also applies to renewals done after October 3, 2023. If an industry customer makes less than $1 million per year, they can use Unity Pro, Unity Enterprise, or Unity Industry.Industry is identified as a non-games, non-entertainment customer. Users of Educational Versions are also excluded. Industry customers include, but are not limited to, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, government, architecture, engineering, construction, energy, and retail sectors.To learn more, visit the FAQ.Talk to our team to learn how Unity Industry can help your business build without constraints.

Author Colour prediction games have gained massive popularity across digital platforms in recent years, especially in regions like India. These games are easy to play, visually engaging, and promise quick results. But there's one question that every player or potential participant asks: Are colour prediction games based on luck or skill? This article dives deep into the mechanics, psychology, and patterns of these games to answer that question thoroughly. Understanding Colour Prediction GamesColour prediction games are a category of online games where players predict the outcome of the next color (often red, green, or violet) that will appear on a screen or wheel. If their prediction matches the result, they win and earn rewards. Many platforms and apps host such games, often labeling them as entertainment or lottery-style games.One such platform making waves is the 82 lottery game, which combines colour prediction with a digital lottery model. This has led to increased searches for 82 lottery download, as users are eager to try their luck or test their predictive skills on these platforms. The Appeal of Colour Prediction Games in IndiaIndia has witnessed a surge in casual gaming, and colour prediction games India has become a trending search term. With the rise of smartphone penetration and cheap internet access, millions are participating in these games, either for fun or for potential monetary gain.Games like lottery 82 not only offer a chance to win but also present an exciting challenge. The minimal entry barrier, instant results, and the possibility of winning make these games a top choice among young players and casual gamers. Are They Games of Luck or Skill?This is the core question — are these games purely chance-based, or do they require a level of skill? The answer isn’t entirely black and white. The Argument for LuckMany players argue that colour prediction games are fundamentally based on luck. Since the outcomes are typically generated by Random Number Generators (RNGs), each result is independent of the previous ones. This makes it almost impossible to accurately predict the next outcome using any pattern or strategy.Moreover, games like 82 lottery game or others on any colour prediction website often operate similarly to online lotteries, where luck plays the dominant role. In such cases, previous results offer little or no clue about the future outcome. The Argument for SkillOn the other hand, some seasoned players believe that there is a skill element involved, especially in understanding patterns, probability, and psychological tactics. These players use data analysis, game theory, and risk management strategies to make predictions that are slightly better than random guessing.Moreover, experienced users who frequently engage with platforms like lottery 82 often claim that consistent gameplay, proper bankroll management, and emotional control contribute significantly to success. Elements of Skill That May Influence ResultsWhile RNG systems are designed to be random, some subtle aspects of gameplay and human behavior can introduce a skill factor:Pattern Recognition: Some platforms may not use perfectly random systems, and users sometimes identify patterns.Probability and Statistics: Understanding odds and probability distribution helps make informed decisions.Risk Management: Smart players avoid all-in bets and stick to calculated risks.Experience: Like poker or fantasy sports, experience might provide an edge over new players.So while luck dominates, there is some room for skill—particularly on platforms where data transparency or algorithmic design allows for analytical prediction. Responsible Gaming Is KeyWhether you're playing the top colour prediction game or downloading the latest 82 lottery download, it’s crucial to play responsibly. These games can be entertaining and even rewarding, but they should not be seen as a reliable income source. Set a budget, know your limits, and avoid chasing losses.Several colour prediction websites now also offer responsible gaming features to help players manage their time and money effectively. This is a positive step, especially in markets like India, where regulatory frameworks are still evolving. Final Verdict: Luck or Skill?In conclusion, while colour prediction games may seem like they involve skill due to the decision-making element, the majority of their outcomes are driven by randomness. Luck plays a significant role, especially when RNG systems are involved. However, with proper strategies and experience, a small skill factor might influence outcomes in a player’s favor.For casual players, games like lottery 82 or the top colour prediction game provide thrilling entertainment. But always remember — treat them as games, not as a source of guaranteed earnings. Keywords Summary:82 lottery game: A popular colour prediction platform.82 lottery download: Refers to downloading the mobile version of the 82 lottery game.lottery 82: Another name or variant of the 82 lottery platform.top colour prediction game: Highlights the most popular platforms in this genre.colour prediction games India: Discusses the rise of such games specifically in the Indian market.colour prediction website: Refers to platforms offering these games online. Final ThoughtsThe rise of colour prediction games reflects our age-old fascination with prediction, chance, and challenge. Whether you're in it for fun or the thrill of winning, always remember the balance between luck and skill. Play smart, stay safe, and enjoy the colourful world of online predictions.

Alibaba has unveiled Wan2.1-VACE, an open-source AI model designed to shake up how we create and edit videos.VACE isn’t appearing out of thin air; it’s part of Alibaba’s broader Wan2.1 family of video AI models. And they’re making a rather bold claim for it, stating it’s the “first open-source model in the industry to provide a unified solution for various video generation and editing tasks.”If Alibaba can succeed in shifting users away from having to juggle multiple, separate tools towards one streamlined hub—it could be a true game-changer.So, what can this thing actually do? Well, for starters, it can whip up videos using all sorts of prompts, including text commands, still pictures, and even snippets of other video clips.But it’s not just about making videos from scratch. The editing toolkit supports referencing images or specific frames to guide the AI, advanced video “repainting” (more on that in a sec), tweaking just selected bits of your existing video, and even stretching out the video. Alibaba reckons these features “enable the flexible combination of various tasks to enhance creativity.”Imagine you want to create a video with specific characters interacting, maybe based on some photos you have. VACE claims to be able to do that. Got a still image you wish was dynamic? Alibaba’s open-source AI model can add natural-looking movement to bring it to life. For those who love to fine-tune, there are those advanced “video repainting” functions I mentioned earlier. This includes things like transferring poses from one subject to another, having precise control over motion, adjusting depth perception, and even changing the colours.One feature that caught my eye is its ability to “supports adding, modification or deletion to selective specific areas of a video without affecting the surroundings.” That’s a massive plus for detailed edits – no more accidentally messing up the background when you’re just trying to tweak one small element. Plus, it can make your video canvas bigger and even fill in the new space with relevant content to make everything look richer and more expansive.You could take a flat photograph, turn it into a video, and tell the objects in it exactly how to move by drawing out a path. Need to swap out a character or an object with something else you provide as a reference? No problem. Animate those referenced characters? Done. Control their pose precisely? You got it.Alibaba even gives the example of its open-source AI model taking a tall, skinny vertical image and cleverly expanding it sideways into a widescreen video, automagically adding new bits and pieces by referencing other images or prompts. That’s pretty neat.Of course, VACE isn’t just magic. There’s some clever tech involved, designed to handle the often-messy reality of video editing. A key piece is something Alibaba calls the Video Condition Unit (VCU), which “supports unified processing of multimodal inputs such as text, images, video, and masks.”Then there’s what they term a “Context Adapter structure.” This clever bit of engineering “injects various task concepts using formalised representations of temporal and spatial dimensions.” Essentially, think of it as giving the AI a really good understanding of time and space within the video.With all this clever tech, Alibaba reckons VACE will be a hit in quite a few areas. Think quick social media clips, eye-catching ads and marketing content, heavy-duty post-production special effects for film and TV, and even for generating custom educational and training videos.Building AI models this powerful usually costs a fortune and needs massive computing power and tons of data. So, Alibaba making Wan2.1-VACE open source? That’s a big deal.“Open access helps lower the barrier for more businesses to leverage AI, enabling them to create high-quality visual content tailored to their needs, quickly and cost-effectively,” Alibaba explains.Basically, Alibaba is hoping to let more folks – especially smaller businesses and individual creators – get their hands on top-tier AI without breaking the bank. This democratisation of powerful tools is always a welcome sight.And they’re not just dropping one version. There’s a hefty 14-billion parameter model for those with serious horsepower, and a more nimble 1.3-billion parameter one for lighter setups. You can grab them for free right now on Hugging Face and GitHub, or via Alibaba Cloud’s own open-source community, ModelScope.(Image source: www.alibabagroup.com)Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorMay 15, 20255 Min ReadTuta via Alamy Stock PhotoGetting a new IT project off the ground requires a concept, a goal, meticulous planning, and, perhaps most importantly, a willingness to assume a certain amount of risk. It's this last point that often keeps IT leaders awake at night. Addressing risk prior to launching an IT project is crucial, since it helps to set clear expectations, identify potential obstacles, and create a roadmap for handling unforeseen challenges, says Anbang Xu, founder of JoggAI, an AI-powered video platform, and a former senior product manager at Apple and senior software engineer at Google. "Particularly when it comes to AI-driven projects, understanding the risks -- whether they're related to technology, data security, scalability, or talent -- can make the difference between a smooth launch and a failed initiative," he observes in an email interview. "By addressing these concerns early, you also ensure that resources are allocated effectively, and your team is better equipped to handle surprises." Building a strong mechanism to address risk during project planning is crucial to ensure that all decisions are made with transparency into cost, benefit, and risk, says Ola Chowning, a partner with technology research and advisory firm ISG. "Project decisions that don't estimate risk and its tangible or intangible impacts at the start, or even during a project, likely don't have the data needed to make informed decisions and balance cost, risk, and benefit," she explains in an online interview. "More importantly, failing to address risk can waste time if an event occurs and the team is left scrambling to determine how to respond." Related:There are also secondary risks, including budget, resources, and technology challenges, says Munir Hafez, CTO of Independence Pet Holdings via email (Hafez was senior vice president and CIO at credit reporting firm TransUnion at the time of the interview.) "Each of these risks should be addressed before launching an IT project to ensure that the project is starting off on a solid foundation and will gain alignment with all stakeholders." Accurate Estimations By quantifying risks, project managers can objectively assess their potential likelihood and impact, allowing efficient resource allocation and the development of appropriate mitigation strategies, Hafez says. "This structured approach ensures that no significant risks are overlooked and that the project remains on track." The best way to estimate risk is to divide the project into small components and assess the uncertainty around each unit, Xu says. This process includes examining the project's technical feasibility, the team's ability to handle complexity, and any potential dependencies on third-party tools or services. Xu states he relies on a combination of historical data from similar past projects and predictive models -- particularly when it comes to AI and machine learning applications, where it's often unknown how algorithms will perform at scale. "This allows us to develop a more nuanced risk profile, instead of relying on assumptions," he explains. Related:Many organizations use a risk scoring tool, built on previous project experiences and common risk categories, to guide project teams on risk types for their particular project, Chowning says. "Some [organizations] even have statistics on how often risks have occurred in the past and the average impact on previous projects." Risk Tips If a risk estimate appears overly optimistic, the leader should reassess the situation and adjust the project plan accordingly, Hafez says. "This may involve consulting industry experts or revisiting lessons learned from previous internal projects to accurately reflect the risk." The biggest mistake is underestimating the impact of technical debt and the complexity of scaling solutions, Xu warns. "Leaders often focus too much on the initial development phase and don’t account for the ongoing maintenance and optimization required," he explains. "Risk should be measured not only by the initial launch, but also by the long-term implications of maintaining and improving the post-launch system." Related:Final Thoughts As a project progresses, existing risks can evolve and new risks may emerge, Hafez says. "Regularly reviewing and updating the risk management plan ensures that the project will remain resilient and adaptable to these changes." Fostering a culture of open communication and encouraging team members to report potential risks early can significantly enhance a project's ability to respond effectively, Hafez says. This proactive approach helps avoid the "watermelon effect," where performance metrics appear positive (green) on the surface, but reveal underlying problems (red) when examined more closely. Embrace flexibility, Xu advises. In tech, especially in fields such as AI, things are constantly evolving. "A leader’s ability to adapt and pivot when necessary is as critical as the ability to plan," he notes. That's why it's important to continue refining risk assessments throughout the project's life. It’s important for project team and business decision-makers to understand that risks aren't a bad thing, Chowning says. "The underlying objective of risk management is to understand and mitigate risk, and to be prepared if risk events occur." Making high project risk scores a "bad thing" will simply drive team leaders and members to underestimate, ignore, or even attempt to hide potential risk. About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

resistance is futile A peer’s promise can help kids pass the marshmallow test Younger children were slightly more likely to successfully delay gratification than older children. Jennifer Ouellette – May 15, 2025 9:46 am | 0 For decades, Walter Mischel's "marshmallow test" was viewed as a key predictor for children's future success, but reality is a bit more nuanced. Credit: Igniter Media For decades, Walter Mischel's "marshmallow test" was viewed as a key predictor for children's future success, but reality is a bit more nuanced. Credit: Igniter Media Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more You've probably heard of the infamous "marshmallow test," in which young children are asked to wait to eat a yummy marshmallow placed in front of them while left alone in a room for 10 to 15 minutes. If they successfully do so, they get a second marshmallow; if not, they don't. The test has become a useful paradigm for scientists interested in studying the various factors that might influence one's ability to delay gratification, thereby promoting social cooperation. According to a paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, one factor is trust: If children are paired in a marshmallow test and one promises not to eat their treat for the specified time, the other is much more likely to also refrain from eating it. As previously reported, psychologist Walter Mischel's landmark behavioral study involved 600 kids between the ages of four and six, all culled from Stanford University's Bing Nursery School. He would give each child a marshmallow and give them the option of eating it immediately if they chose. But if they could wait 15 minutes, they would get a second marshmallow as a reward. Then Mischel would leave the room, and a hidden video camera would tape what happened next. Some kids just ate the marshmallow right away. Others found a handy distraction: covering their eyes, kicking the desk, or poking at the marshmallow with their fingers. Some smelled it, licked it, or took tiny nibbles around the edges. Roughly one-third of the kids held out long enough to earn a second marshmallow. Several years later, Mischel noticed a strong correlation between the success of some of those kids later in life (better grades, higher self-confidence) and their ability to delay gratification in nursery school. Mischel's follow-up study confirmed the correlation. Mischel himself cautioned against over-interpreting the results, emphasizing that children who simply can't hold out for that second marshmallow are not necessarily doomed to a life of failure. A more nuanced picture was offered in a 2018 study that replicated the marshmallow test with preschoolers. It found the same correlation between later achievement and the ability to resist temptation in preschool, but that correlation was much less significant after the researchers factored in such aspects as family background, home environment, and so forth. Attentiveness might be yet another contributing factor, according to a 2019 paper. There have also been several studies examining the effects of social interdependence and similar social contexts on children's ability to delay gratification, using variations of the marshmallow test paradigm. For instance, in 2020, a team of German researchers adapted the classic experimental setup using Oreos and vanilla cookies with German and Kenyan schoolchildren, respectively. If both children waited to eat their treat, they received a second cookie as a reward; if one did not wait, neither child received a second cookie. They found that the kids were more likely to delay gratification when they depended on each other, compared to the standard marshmallow test. An online paradigm Rebecca Koomen, a psychologist now at the University of Manchester, co-authored the 2020 study as well as this latest one, which sought to build on those findings. Koomen et al. structured their experiments similarly, this time recruiting 66 UK children, ages five to six, as subjects. They focused on how promising a partner not to eat a favorite treat could inspire sufficient trust to delay gratification, compared to the social risk of one or both partners breaking that promise. Any parent could tell you that children of this age are really big on the importance of promises, and science largely concurs; a promise has been shown to enhance interdependent cooperation in this age group. Koomen and her Manchester colleagues added an extra twist: They conducted their version of the marshmallow test online to test the effectiveness compared to lab-based versions of the experiment. (Prior results from similar online studies have been mixed.) "Given face-to-face testing restrictions during the COVID pandemic, this, to our knowledge, represents the first cooperative marshmallow study to be conducted online, thereby adding to the growing body of literature concerning the validity of remote testing methods," they wrote. The type of treat was chosen by each child's parents, ensuring it was a favorite: chocolate, candy, biscuits, and marshmallows, mostly, although three kids loved potato chips, fruit, and nuts, respectively. Parents were asked to set up the experiment in a quiet room with minimal potential distractions, outfitted with a webcam to monitor the experiment. Each child was shown a video of a "confederate child" who either clearly promised not to eat the treat or more ambiguously suggested they might succumb and eat their treat. (The confederate child refrained from eating the treat in both conditions, although the participant child did not know that.) Then the scientist running the experiment would leave the Zoom meeting for an undisclosed period of time, after telling the child that if both of them resisted eating the treat (including licking or nibbling at it), they would each receive a second one; if one of them failed, neither would be rewarded. Children could not see or communicate with their paired confederates for the duration of the experiment. The scientist returned after ten minutes to see if the child had managed to delay gratification. Once the experiment had ended, the team actually did reward the participant child regardless of the outcome, "to end the study on a positive note." The results were controlled for unavoidable accidental distractions, so the paper includes the results from both the full dataset of all 68 participants and a subset of 48 children, excluding those who experienced some type of disruption during the ten-minute experiment. In both cases, children whose confederate clearly promised not to eat their treat waited longer to eat their treat compared to the more ambiguous "social risk" condition. And younger children were slightly more likely to successfully delay gratification than older children, although this result was not statistically significant. The authors suggest this small difference may be due to the fact that older children are more likely to have experienced broken promises, thereby learning "that commitments are not always fulfilled." Of course, there are always caveats. For instance, while specific demographic data was not collected, all the children had predominantly white middle-class backgrounds, so the results reflect how typical children in northern England behave in such situations. The authors would like to see their online experiment repeated cross-culturally in the future. And the limitation of one-way communication "likely prevented partners from establishing common ground, namely their mutual commitment to fulfilling their respective roles, which is thought to be a key principle of interdependence," the authors wrote. DOI: Royal Society Open Science, 2025. 10.1098/rsos.250392  (About DOIs). Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban. 0 Comments

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled a new mixed-use development that features spacious balconies inspired by nature on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.Called Oystra, the 128,000 square meter development consists of 950 apartments with one to four bedrooms, duplexes, penthouses, and waterfront villas. The seaside complex offers a wealth of dining, retail, and recreational options.Image © RedvertexWith a population expected to increase by 55% by 2030, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE's fastest-growing emirates, necessitating the construction of an extra 45,000 dwellings to accommodate future demand, as Zaha Hadid Architects explained. The tourism industry in Ras Al Khaimah is also expanding at an unprecedented rate; by 2030, the emirate is expected to receive 3.5 million visitors annually, up from 100,000 in 2013, the firm added.Al Marjan Island's infrastructure is being developed as a top destination in the United Arab Emirates. The island's 23 kilometers of shoreline, which includes 7.8 kilometers of white sand beaches, extend 4.5 kilometers into the Arabian Sea. The island, which has parks, marinas, spa centers, and entertainment venues, is located 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 25 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah Airport.Image © RedvertexThe development's flowing geometries, which include expansive balconies and terraces sculpted to mimic the undulating patterns shaped by waves in sand, were designed by Zaha Hadid Architects to provide over 75% of its units with unhindered views of the sea. These balconies protect the interiors from direct sunshine while acting as smooth additions to each apartment's living area.Within its 42,000 square meter plot, which includes landscaped gardens, courtyards, swimming pools, and a beach club with a view of the bay, are Oystra's sculptural 20-story waterfront towers. The 360° infinity pool and rooftop restaurant offer expansive views of the Arabian Sea and Al Marjan Island.Image © RedvertexThrough this protected waterfront path, which is maintained cool by the predominant north-westerly winds that blow inland from the sea, inhabitants have direct access to the tree-lined coastal promenade of Al Marjan Island.Digital mapping analysis optimized the design's external solar shade and improved natural ventilation, while environmental simulations maximized efficiencies in site conditions, structure, and orientation. In addition to an insulating space between the building envelope and the project's façades that get direct sunlight, the development will incorporate seawater-based cooling. In the arid climate of Ras Al Khaimah, these tactics will improve interior comfort while lowering the energy requirement for cooling.Image © Redvertex"Our collaboration with Richmind is the result of shared ambition and creative dialogue. Oystra’s sculptural design is inspired by the natural energies of the sea and the sky, responding to its environment with a sense of dynamism and openness," said Christos Passas, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects."Oystra reflects our passion for visionary design, lifestyle innovation, and a bold approach to shaping spaces that inspire and endure through time. Working with Zaha Hadid Architects has been both a privilege and a purposeful choice. We share a vision rooted in bold thinking, design excellence, and a deep commitment to originality," said Mohammad Rafiee, Chief Executive Officer of Richmind. Image © Redvertex"Al Marjan has become a canvas for exceptional developments, and Oystra is a strong addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s narrative, reflecting the forward-thinking developments that align perfectly with Al Marjan Island's ambition and vision," said Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan.Image © PyxidZaha Hadid Architects recently completed a spaceship-like science and technology museum in Shenzhen. In addition, the firm unveiled design for a new cityzen tower inspired by Tbilisi's rolling hills in Georgia. Project factsClient: RichmindArchitect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)Design: Patrik Schumacher, Christos PassasZHA Project Director: Christos PassasZHA Project Associates: Mei-Ling Lin, Joao Bravo Da Costa, Eider FernandezZHA Project Architects: Sattor Jabbor, Branko Svarcer, Kourosh Asgar IraniZHA Project Leads: Ben Kikkawa, Ekaterina Smirnova, Gaganjit Singh, Anri Gyoloyan, Nassim Eshaghi, Maria BystrovaZHA Project Team: Dahyun Kim, Elizabeth Konstantinidou, Shizhao Yang, Mirella Dourambei, Abdullah Ummer Farook, Ali Rais, Avneesh Rathor, Theodoros Tamvakis, Danae Mavridi, Canon LeeZHA Competition Project Director: Christos PassasZHA Competition Associates: Joao Bravo Da Costa, Mei-Ling LinZHA Competition Project Architects: Ben Kikkawa, Maria Bystrova,ZHA Competition Project Leads: Dieter Matuschke, Akis Polykandriotis, Anri Gyoloyan, Avneesh RathorZHA Competition Team: Abdullah Ummer Farook, Ali Rais, Dahyun Kim, Shizhao Yang, Mirella Dourambei, Theodoros Tamvakis, Gaganjit SinghZHA BIM Team: David Fogliano, Michael O’Reilly, Muaz MasriZHA Environment & Sustainability Team: Carlos Bausa, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Shibani Choudhury, Aleksander Mastalski, Aditya Ambare, Disha Shetty, Abhilash Menon, Jing XuConsultantsExecutive Architect: Dewan Architects and Engineers, DubaiFaçade Engineering: Koltay FacadesM&E Engineering: Samadhin AssociatesTransport Consultant: RMC, DubaiFire Engineer: SHE, DubaiLandscape Consultant: Cracknell LandscapesLighting Design: FPOVInterior Design: HBA, LondonSignage and Wayfinding: TDCWaste Management: Climatize, DubaiThe top image in the article © MIR.> via Zaha Hadid Architects