Image: Square EnixSquare Enix has released its financial results for FY2025, detailing a rather middling performance for the company with a distinct lack of major releases. The good news is that its HD Digital Entertainment sub-segment (i.e. the big games we're all interested in) turned a profit, but only because a combination of lower development and marketing costs mixed with higher-than-expected sales of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake effectively outweighed the higher net sales from the previous year. So, in short, Dragon Quest saved the day. Here's a look at the key figures from Square Enix itself: "Net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 totaled ¥324,506 million (a decrease of 8.9％ from the prior fiscal year), operating income amounted to ¥40,580 million (an increase of 24.6％ from the prior fiscal year), ordinary income amounted to ¥40,939 million (a decrease of 1.4％ from the prior fiscal year), and profit attributable to owners of the parent amounted to ¥24,414 million (an increase of 63.7% from the prior fiscal year)." In a separate document, Square Enix details its mid-term plan to 'Reboot and Awaken' its business operations, which focuses on four core initiatives: Enhance productivity by optimizing the development footprint in the Digital Entertainment (DE) segment Diversify earnings opportunities by strengthening customer contact points Roll out initiatives to create additional foundational stability Allocate capital giving consideration to the balance between growth investment and shareholder returns The biggest takeaway in terms of games is that Square Enix is once again reinforcing its plan to focus on multi-platform titles and optimise its development structure to significantly reduce costs; we know, of course, that it's planning to release Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the Switch 2 later this year, which was previously exclusive to PS4/PS5 and PC. It's also keen to focus more on quality over quantity, with a view to release major titles in key franchises on a steady basis. Unfortunately, this likely means that smaller, more experimental titles may fall by the wayside in the years to come. Elsewhere, Square Enix notes that it plans to improve productivity within its Japanese studios via the use of AI, but it does not elaborate on exactly what this entails. It's also implementing new HR initiatives, including the introduction of bonus funds directly linked to company performance. Finally, it's looking to optimise its overseas operations and promote more intra-group collaboration. As a result of these changes, the company is looking to achieve a consolidated operating profit margin of 15% in the fiscal year ending 31st March 2027. Going back to Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, a recent Creator's Voice video implied that both Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and the as-yet-untitled third entry would also come to the Switch 2. Square Enix's 'reboot and awaken' plan only goes toward reinforcing this possibility. While mobile games seemingly tank Along with whatever the third game will be called What do you make of Square Enix's plan going forward? Which of its games would you like to see come to Switch 2? Let us know with a comment. [source hd.square-enix.com, via hd.square-enix.com] Related Games See Also Share:0 0 Nintendo Life’s resident horror fanatic, when he’s not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Nintendo Updates Its User Agreement To Crack Down On Emulation Offenders may find their Switch bricked Here's A Look At The Back Of Mario Kart World's Switch 2 Box Art The race begins next month Nintendo Defends Switch 2's Perceived Lack Of Innovation "we feel that it is a very Nintendo-like product" Xbox Branded Handheld Photos Leak, And It's Not Quite As Slick As The Switch 2 Those fingerprints don't help Source: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/05/square-enix-details-plan-to-reboot-and-awaken-its-business #square #enix #details #plan #039reboot #and #awaken039 #its #business

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" [Sponsored] Online render farm iRender explains why its customizable, affordable solutions for freelance artists and studios unlock the full potential of GPU rendering with Redshift, Maxon’s production renderer for visual effects, animation and motion graphics work. GPU rendering is not the future; it is the present reality reshaping the 3D industry.Decades ago, CPU rendering was standard, but GPU renderers like Redshift and OctaneRender have completely changed the game. By leveraging the power of modern GPUs, they enable artists to achieve breathtaking photorealism through real-time previews and fast iterations. Cinema 4D and Redshift have become an industry favorite for artists and studios alike, and with Maxon now bundling Redshift GPU as part of Cinema 4D subscriptions, more artists than ever are benefiting from their seamless integration. However, as the demand for high-quality visuals grows, so do the hardware requirements, pushing local machines to their limits. That is where cloud-based render farms like iRender come in, offering the power artists need without the burden of expensive hardware upgrades. Rendering a Cinema 4D scene with Redshift on iRender’s 6 x GeForce RTX 4090 server. Local rendering falls short Rendering on a personal computer has long been the first choice for many 3D artists, especially freelancers and small studios. However, relying solely on local hardware can lead to major bottlenecks that reduce productivity, quality, and efficiency. Hardware limitations The biggest challenge with local rendering is the sheer demand for GPU power, CPU performance, RAM, and storage. High-resolution scenes with detailed textures, volumetric lighting, and complex simulations require massive computational resources that many personal workstations simply cannot provide. Even with high-end GPUs, artists often experience long render times, system slowdowns, or even crashes when handling large-scale projects.Time constraints and inefficiency Unlike cloud-based render farms, local machines can only process one task at a time. If an artist is working on an animation or a high-resolution still, it might take hours or even days to complete the render. This slows down iteration cycles, delays delivery dates, and reduces productivity — a major issue for professionals working under tight timeframes.Overheating and hardware wear-and-tear Continuous rendering generates a lot of heat, which can degrade the performance of a local machine over time. Thermal throttling, fan overuse, and GPU degradation become major concerns when pushing hardware to its limits. Prolonged rendering sessions accelerate wear and tear, leading to expensive repairs or replacements sooner than expected.High energy consumption Intensive GPU rendering consumes a significant amount of electricity, leading to high operational costs. A multi-hour or overnight render session can spike electricity bills, making local rendering less cost-effective in the long run.Limited scalability and upgrade challenges Even the most powerful single workstation has a performance ceiling. Upgrading a local setup — whether adding more GPUs, RAM, or CPU cores — requires significant investment. Eventually, even well-equipped systems reach their hardware limits, forcing artists to either invest in additional machines or seek external solutions. Cloud rendering with iRender is a smarter, more scalable alternative to sinking thousands of dollars into constant hardware upgrades. How iRender transforms your Redshift workflow iRender is your ultimate render farm, providing a high-performance GPU rendering platform specifically optimized for Redshift. Unlike traditional render farms, iRender operates as an IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) platform, giving artists full control over dedicated high-end GPU servers. This means you can install any version of any software application you want, pause renders to make adjustments, or tweak settings mid-project. No queues, no restrictions: just a seamless, intuitive experience that feels like working on your local machine. Key benefits of using iRender 1. Ultra-fast rendering with high-end GPUs iRender users have access to remote machines equipped with up to eight GeForce RTX 4090 or RTX 3090 GPUs, cutting render times from hours to minutes. With dedicated servers, artists can take advantage of real-time rendering and interactive previews for faster iteration.2. Flexible pricing iRender offers flexible pricing for freelancers, studios, and large-scale productions. You don’t need to invest thousands in new GPUs — iRender’s pay-as-you-go model means that you only pay for what you use. Large-scale projects that need long-term rendering can also benefit from rental plans, which provide better pricing and hardware customization tailored to specific needs.3. Customizable and scalable infrastructure From single GPU setups to multi-GPU powerhouses, iRender offers configurations with one, two, four, six or eight GeForce RTX 4090 or RTX 3090 GPUs. Need more power? Instantly scale up to thousands of nodes, eliminating hardware bottlenecks and ensuring seamless rendering for demanding projects. 4. Complete control of your projects As an IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) render farm, iRender gives artists full control over remote machines. With remote desktop access, users can: • Install any version of Redshift or 3D software (Cinema 4D, Maya, Houdini, Blender, and so on). • Pause and resume renders as needed. • Edit files mid-render without restarting the process. • Work as if they were on their own local machine without limitations.5. Reliable performance with 24/7 support iRender’s optimized hardware ensures stability, reducing the risk of crashes and failed renders. Need assistance? The 24/7 dedicated support team is always ready to help, providing professional guidance whenever needed.What’s coming next? iRender also stays ahead of the curve, continuously pioneering the latest technologies and features in the render farm industry. One of its most recent innovations is the Staking (Stake to Earn) feature, allowing users to stake their unused iRender Points and earn additional rewards. And here’s a little teaser for what’s coming up in future: GeForce RTX 5090 GPU servers and a brand-new data denter in South Korea are on the way! The ultimate render farm for Redshift users As the 3D industry pushes the limits of creativity, accessing powerful, cost-effective rendering is no longer optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re a freelancer tackling tight deadlines or a studio working on complex scenes, iRender provides the flexibility, speed, and power needed to bring your vision to life. Benefits of rendering with iRender include: • A great performance-to-price ratio for Redshift users • Full control over powerful GPU servers (no queue waiting) • Perfect for both freelancers and large studios • Seamless remote access and real-time renderingLast but not least, iRender now offers 100% extra render points with your first payment, so when you try the service for the first time, you can render more for your money. Try iRender today and unlock the full potential of GPU rendering for Redshift Source: https://www.cgchannel.com/2025/05/the-ultimate-render-farm-for-the-redshift-renderer/ #irender #the #ultimate #render #farm #for #redshift #renderer

Natural disasters—from tornadoes across the South and Midwest, to the fires in Los Angeles to Hurricane Helene’s devastation in North Carolina—have upended communities, with small businesses among the hardest hit. As extreme weather events become more frequent, these businesses have emerged as vital anchors of community recovery. While urban enterprises navigate complex rebuilding amid dense infrastructure, rural businesses face distinct challenges in disaster response. Yet across geographies, small businesses play a critical role in stabilizing and revitalizing their communities after catastrophe. Rural small businesses, in particular, serve a dual role: They’re not just economic drivers but also informal safety nets, stepping in to rebuild communities long before larger relief efforts arrive and continuing their work well after national attention fades. The resilience of these businesses—and the communities they support—is being tested like never before. Systemic barriers, most notably access to capital, exacerbate their struggles, threatening their survival and the economic stability of their regions. The first responders of local economies When Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, it left behind destroyed homes and displaced families, in many cases causing severe damage to already distressed and underfunded communities. Small businesses were among the first to join the front lines, providing critical supplies and services. Across impacted zones, local service providers pivoted quickly, transforming their operations into vital relief centers. Neighborhood establishments became distribution hubs while entrepreneurs converted storefronts into community aid stations. This grassroots network of support reached residents in critical early days, delivering essential resources before larger relief efforts could fully mobilize. While these actions highlight the essential role of small businesses in post-disaster recovery, they also reveal a stark reality: These businesses cannot, and should not, shoulder the burden of recovery alone. As they pour resources into helping their communities, they face significant hurdles in rebuilding their own operations—a challenge compounded by systemic imbalances in capital access. Rural businesses face a persistent capital deficit, leaving them uniquely vulnerable to the compounding effects of natural disasters. In Appalachia, where 99% of businesses are classified as small, the unmet capital needs amount to an estimated $70 billion annually—a gap the Appalachian Regional Commission defines as aggregate capital demand significantly outweighing aggregate capital supply. While rural small businesses rely heavily on local financial institutions—61% obtain financing from small banks compared to 39% of urban enterprises—these lenders often lack sufficient capital to meet emergency needs. Meanwhile, larger financial institutions hesitate to extend loans to rural businesses due to perceived risks, unfamiliarity with their business models, and concerns about profitability in less densely populated markets. This structural financing gap creates a dangerous cycle: Chronic underinvestment limits both disaster recovery capabilities and long-term resilience building. As a result, the very businesses that anchor rural communities—providing essential services, employment, and community gathering spaces—remain the most financially vulnerable when disasters strike. A call for collaboration Philanthropy has made strides in addressing these challenges, but lasting solutions require collaboration across sectors. Natural disasters expose deep gaps in how we support small businesses in America’s heartland. Public, private, and philanthropic partners like those below are working together to create financing models that attract new capital for growth and resilience.   Public-sector innovation Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) play a critical role in bridging the capital gap by offering tailored financing solutions focused on quality job creation, housing affordability, and economic mobility. For example, the government’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund created a Rapid Response Program that deployed $1.25 billion to crisis-impacted communities post-Helene. This model of emergency support, combined with streamlined disaster recovery systems, shows how federal resources can effectively reach businesses when they need it most. However, shifting federal priorities and budget considerations could significantly impact these programs in coming years. With potential changes in funding allocations and regulatory frameworks on the horizon, rural communities may need to develop more diversified support systems that blend public resources with private and philanthropic capital. Strengthening these alternative funding mechanisms will be critical to ensure consistent disaster response capabilities regardless of policy fluctuations. Private-sector leadership Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund exemplifies how private enterprise can drive recovery. Launched in 2020 initially as a pandemic response, this $420 million initiative didn’t just provide capital—it created a sustainable network of support through CDFIs and nonprofit organizations, helping thousands of business owners recover, rebuild, and grow. This strategic approach has helped small businesses maintain approximately 255,000 jobs nationwide while building longer-term resilience. The fund’s focus on both immediate financial needs and capacity building offers valuable lessons for disaster recovery efforts in vulnerable regions like Appalachia, where similar public-private partnerships could help bridge persistent capital gaps while strengthening business continuity planning. Philanthropic impact Collaborative funding models are proving effective in addressing capital gaps in underserved regions. By bringing together numerous stakeholders, these partnerships help build sustainable support systems that can better withstand economic and environmental challenges. One example is the Emerging Appalachian Investors Fund, a $5 million initiative that empowers students at Marshall University, West Virginia University, and Ohio University to help manage real investments in local businesses and community development projects.   This hands-on model not only enhances financial infrastructure but also fosters long-term resilience in communities that are particularly vulnerable during times of crisis. By combining immediate support with strategic investment, such approaches ensure that local enterprises have the resources they need to recover—and grow. While some collaborative models focus on long-term investment and resilience, others are designed for rapid response in times of crisis. In response to the Los Angeles fires, philanthropic groups stepped up with unique approaches that could be replicated in rural communities. The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, led by the J. Getty Trust and administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides emergency support for artists and art workers in all disciplines affected by the fires. A pooled fund of $12 million, launched on January 15, 2025, was made possible through contributions from dozens of foundations and individuals. Complementing these efforts, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Emergency Wildfire Fund equips local firefighters with tools and safety equipment to safeguard both lives and businesses. The stakes extend beyond individual businesses to the heart of community survival. When small businesses have access to capital, they create jobs, strengthen local economies, and build community resilience. The Appalachian region’s entrepreneurial spirit—reflected in more than 305,000 new business applications in 2021—highlights the potential waiting to be unlocked.   By implementing comprehensive financing solutions that bridge these capital gaps today, we can ensure rural businesses not only survive disasters but emerge stronger, ready to serve their communities for generations to come. Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91332920/what-natural-disasters-reveal-about-the-resilience-of-rural-small-businesses #what #natural #disasters #reveal #about #the #resilience #rural #small #businesses

Sporting goods manufacturer Reusch has introduced the Attrakt Fusion Carbon 3D, which it labels as the first goalkeeper glove to feature a 3D printed punch zone. Developed in collaboration with U.S.-based 3D printing company Carbon, this limited-edition glove combines advanced materials with additive manufacturing to deliver high-performance benefits tailored for modern goalkeepers.  “The heart of the glove is clearly the 3D printed punching zone,” said Christian Hilber, Product Manager at Reusch Goalkeeping. “The high-tech mesh structure not only looks futuristic, but is also highly elastic, tear-resistant, and energy-absorbing. The clear advantage over conventional rubber or latex lies in the three-dimensional grid structure, which offers unparalleled rebound and energy return, while being very light and extremely flexible.” Attrakt Fusion Carbon 3D. Photo via Reusch. Attrakt Fusion Carbon 3D: Performance Engineering The standout feature of the Attrakt Fusion Carbon 3D is its 3D printed punch zone, created using Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology. This process uses light and specialized resins to cure the material, resulting in smooth, durable parts with intricate detail and no visible layers. This technology enables fast production without compromising quality, making it ideal for efficient product development. Jiaqi Ren, Application Development Engineer at Carbon, provided insights into the development of the Attrakt Fusion Carbon, highlighting that one of the biggest challenges was transitioning the punch zone from an injection-molded part to a 3D printed component. “Within a limited thickness, we used Carbon Design Engine to provide multiple lattice (structural grid) combinations to fine-tune performance. This punch zone component needs to endure continuous flexing throughout the game, so we conducted extensive tests on bonding strength to ensure it meets professional standards.” Attrakt Fusion Carbon 3D. Photo via Reusch. Alongside the 3D printed backhand element, the glove integrates Reusch’s signature technologies designed to enhance grip, fit, and flexibility. Fusion Grip Latex ensures reliable traction in all weather conditions, while the Evolution Negative Cut provides a second-skin fit for better ball control. The AdaptiveFlex Closure System offers a balance between wrist stability and freedom of movement, enhancing the overall fit. “For decades, the backhand panel has been made using drop-molded latex,” Ren added. “By introducing a 3D printed lattice structure, we’ve reimagined the glove’s design without compromising performance. It improves energy damping to protect the back of the hand—and this is just the beginning of what 3D printing can unlock for goalkeeper gloves.” Enhancing Sports Equipment with 3D Printed Technology In 2021, sports goods manufacturer CCM partnered with Montreal-based software firm Shapeshift 3D and 3D printer manufacturer Carbon to produce a custom-fitted 3D printed hockey helmet liner. Called the Super Tacks X, the helmet uses Carbon’s proprietary DLS resin process to print the lining. Made commercially available in 2022, CCM offers a customized 3D scanning service, with their 3D printed NEST Tech liner being perfectly optimized for the customers head.  In 2024, metal 3D printing from global engineering firm Renishaw helped Team GB win eight track cycling medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.  The company collaborated with British Cycling to 3D print over 1,000 parts for 32 Olympic track bikes using its RenAM 500Q, four-laser metal 3D printer. These parts included an aerodynamic crank, dropouts, seat stay bridge and seat post. The latter was reportedly the first 3D printed component of its kind, featuring a novel design for superior aerodynamics.  Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards? Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Attrakt Fusion Carbon 3D. Photo via Reusch. Source: https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/reusch-and-carbon-unveil-the-attrakt-fusion-carbon-3d-a-goalkeeper-glove-with-3d-printed-punch-zone-239499/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reusch-and-carbon-unveil-the-attrakt-fusion-carbon-3d-a-goalkeeper-glove-with-3d-printed-punch-zone #reusch #and #carbon #unveil #the #attrakt #fusion #goalkeeper #glove #with #printed #punch #zone

COFCO Qianhai Innovation Center Office / Goettsch PartnersSave this picture!Courtesy COFCO. Image © CreatAROffice Buildings•Shenzhen, China Architects: Goettsch Partners Area Area of this architecture project Area:  190000 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024 Photographs Photographs:CreatAR Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers:  SYP Glass MEP Engineers: WSP Norge, WSP Lighting Consultants: HDA More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. The COFCO Qianhai Innovation Center is a state-of-the-art headquarters and multi-tenant office complex located in Shenzhen, China. This 190,000-square-meter development is defined by two nearly identical towers, each crowned with a large, glass-enclosed atrium. These atria provide unique identities in the skyline for the headquarters of two related companies: COFCO Group and Aviva-COFCO Life Insurance. The respective 200- and 180-meter towers are composed of three slender masses where the upper levels are carved back and exposed to reveal the open atrium and separate outdoor sky terrace that connect to the surrounding cityscape. Sited next to an urban green belt and local park, the towers are oriented to address this context and integrate closely with the natural environment. The buildings are rectangular in plan, with one side tapered to expand views toward Qianhai Bay.Save this picture!The design of the COFCO Qianhai complex is a reflection of Shenzhen's rapid growth from a fishing village into a megacity of 17 million people. Inspired by the organic development of Shenzhen's urban villages—where dwelling units stacked over time have shaped the streetscape—the complex's design features headquarters spaces that function like a connected village in the sky.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The atrium at the top of each tower serves as a dynamic, flexible space that unifies the building's headquarters floors. These atria feature interconnecting stairs, open corridors, and meeting rooms that encourage formal and informal collaboration among employees. The grand spaces can also host large company-wide events. Each atrium is entirely clad in a highly transparent cable wall, blurring interior and exterior space, and visually linking the sky villages to the traditional urban villages at the street level.Save this picture!Save this picture!"The COFCO Qianhai complex sets a new standard for urban headquarters, especially in China," said James Zheng, AIA, LEED AP, CEO and president of GP. "The design pays tribute to Shenzhen's origins while reinforcing its global ambitions with a strong visual identity."Save this picture!The cable walls are a key engineering innovation, offering a dynamic component that adapts to external forces and internal stresses. Unlike conventional static facades, the cable system uses outward-angled columns to support horizontal cables, which are reinforced by each floor slab back to the core. The vertical cables are engineered to flex, absorbing and distributing loads, ensuring stability under varying conditions—including seismic events.Save this picture!Save this picture!The towers feature operable windows for natural ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems. Double-laminated low-E glass, combined with ceramic frit coatings, minimizes solar heat gain and enhances energy efficiency. Additionally, the air circulation system within the atria draws cool air from the ground level and channels it upward, creating a passive cooling effect that helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment, even in Shenzhen's warm, humid climate.Save this picture!"The facades strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, a crucial consideration given Shenzhen's subtropical climate," said Travis Soberg, AIA, LEED AP, principal and director of sustainable design at GP. "The elegance of the design was made possible by a team of designers and engineers working in close collaboration to deliver both beauty and performance."Save this picture!The complex's ground level incorporates sustainable features, designed as a "sponge city" to absorb rainfall. Permeable surfaces and strategic landscaping help manage stormwater, reducing urban runoff and minimizing flood risk. A sunken garden and pedestrian-level greenery further connect the development to its natural surroundings.Save this picture!By combining innovative design, sustainable practices and cutting-edge engineering, the COFCO Qianhai complex establishes a new paradigm for modern Shenzhen. Its "sky village" concept promotes community and connectivity, transforming the high-rise workplace into a more human-centric environment. This development supports Shenzhen's vision to become a global leader, inspiring future projects that prioritize community, sustainability and technological advancement.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less Project locationAddress:Shenzhen, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeGoettsch PartnersOffice••• MaterialGlassMaterials and TagsPublished on May 14, 2025Cite: "COFCO Qianhai Innovation Center Office / Goettsch Partners" 14 May 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030007/cofco-qianhai-innovation-center-office-goettsch-partners&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream Source: https://www.archdaily.com/1030007/cofco-qianhai-innovation-center-office-goettsch-partners #cofco #qianhai #innovation #center #office #goettsch #partners

Intel has spent much of its goodwill with customers chasing down bugs: the Spectre and Meltdown bugs it dealt with years ago, as well as the instability that plagued its Raptor Lake processors last year. Now there are additional chapters in each of those stories. You don’t have to do anything — just make sure your PC is patched and up to date. But there will be a price to pay in performance in fixing the latest issue, and one you can’t really do anything about. On May 1, Intel issued yet another microcode update for the Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh processors. Those processors could degrade over time due to elevated operating voltages, Intel said last July. But the recent update was designed to prevent instability on systems “running multiple days with low-activity and lightly-threaded workloads” — or machines that weren’t working at their full capacity. Mitigating that bug, Intel said, will not only solve the problem, but performance fortunately will not be affected. Instead, any variation after applying the patch would be within normal “run-to-run variation,” Intel said. Unfortunately, researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered another bug that affects a number of Intel processors, dating back to the 2018 Skylake architecture. This time, mitigating it will have a significant effect, although the effects will be most pronounced in the much-maligned 11th-gen “Rocket Lake” chips. As noted by Bleeping Computer, the new bug hearkens all the back to 2018, when the Spectre and Meltdown bugs were discovered, affecting the kernel software at the heart of most X86 chips. Though Intel patched out both bugs, researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that branch target injection attacks (known as a “branch privilege injection”) can again be used against Intel CPUs to leak otherwise protected information. The affected chips include everything from 2018’s Skylake to Raptor Lake. AMD’s Zen 5 and Zen 4 chips are not affected, the researchers found. More information can be found at the ETH Zurich site. Proper security practices usually call for researchers to privately disclose bugs to the manufacturers before they’re released to the public, and the researchers did just that. Intel released microcode to the research team for testing and to confirm the microcode update works. To avoid being preyed upon by either vulnerability, what you need to do remains the same: simply make sure that your PC is properly patched, either via Windows Update or via the firmware updates your PC maker or motherboard maker provides. Intel disclosed the bug in a security advisory, and also issued a public blog post about the issue. A company representative also issued a statement, below. “We appreciate the work done by ETH Zurich on this research and collaboration on coordinated public disclosure,” Intel said in a statement. “Intel is strengthening its Spectre v2 hardware mitigations and recommends customers contact their system manufacturer for the appropriate update. To date, Intel is not aware of any real-world exploits of transient execution vulnerabilities.” However, there will be a performance price to pay, too. ETH Zurich said that it won’t be too bad: just a 2.7 percent drop in performance in Alder Lake and 1.6 percent in the 2018 Skylake (Coffee Lake Refresh) chip. (For the record, Intel says that “Intel’s performance tests conclude that standard benchmarks are within normal run-to-run variation.”) If you still own an 11th-gen “Rocket Lake” chips, however, you’re going to pay a price: an estimated 8.3 percent drop in performance, according to ETH Zurich. Knocking almost 10 percent off the performance of what was an already subpar chip may mean that it’s time for an upgrade. This story was updated at 11:56 AM with additional details from Intel. Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2780652/spectre-cpu-bug-returns-to-haunt-intel-processors.html #devastating #spectre #cpu #bug #returns #haunt #intel #processors

As we creep up to the May 15 release date for DOOM: The Dark Ages, developer id Software has revealed a host of known issues that might plague the PC and console versions of the game. In its post, the company has stated that many of these issues are dependent on new drivers being released by GPU makers. It has also provided a list of temporary solutions until more permanet fixes can arrive through driver updates. Check out the full list of known issues below. As part of a pre-launch FAQ, id Software has also confirmed that players using Nvidia RTX graphics cards should make sure that they are running on driver version 576.40 or newer, while AMD Radeon GPU users should ensure that their driver version is 25.5.1 or later. Interestingly, the company has confirmed that there isn’t official support for running DOOM: The Dark Ages on the Steam Deck because the handheld system falls beneath the minimum hardware spec requried by the game. Intel Arc GPU users might also be out of luck when it comes to official support. However, those with GPUs sporting more than 8 GB of VRAM might be able to play using the latest drivers. DOOM: The Dark Ages is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Those that grabbed the Premium Edition of the game can already start playing. For those that haven’t yet, check out our review while you wait for the game’s release later this week. List of known issues for DOOM: The Dark Ages by platform: PC Issue: If you are playing on an RTX 50 series GPU and enable G-Sync (supported display required) or V-Sync plus Multi Frame Generation through NVIDIA Control Panel you can crash the game. Resolution: Until a driver fix is available, the workaround for this issue is to either disable one of these options in the NVIDIA control panel or if you want both enabled, set them in-game. Issue: If you are playing on an RTX 40 or 50 series GPU and enable Multi Frame Generation or FrameGen, V-Sync still shows as enabled. Resolution: This is a minor cosmetic issue – the game disables V-Sync under the hood in these cases. Issue: Users with NVIDIA GPUs may find that Alt-Tabbing while launching the game can cause the game to launch in the background and not be accessible. Resolution: This is a known driver issue. Until a fix is available in a driver update, to avert this issue, avoid Alt-Tabbing during game launch. If encountered, it can be resolved by restarting your PC. Issue: Users with NVIDIA 50 series GPUs may experience TDRs or system hangs when starting gameplay recording using Shadowplay with MultiFrameGen set to 3x or 4x. Resolution: To avoid this issue, either do not use the noted MFG settings or record gameplay with a different application. Issue: If capturing with OBS, game visuals may freeze when Alt-tabbing from Fullscreen Resolution: Until there is an update from OBS, the workaround for the issue is to capture in Windowed or Borderless mode. Issue: The game can lock up when manually resizing the game window with FSR FrameGen enabled. Resolution: To avoid this issue, do not manually resize the game window with FSR FrameGen enabled. Issue: Users who unplug a 2nd monitor during gameplay may notice that the game has frozen. Resolution: To avoid this issue, do not unplug any monitors while playing the game. Issue: Players running the game with the MSI Afterburner or RivaTuner overlays enabled may experience stability issues. Resolution: To avoid this issue, do not run the game with either application running in the background. Issue: In rare cases, players running DOOM: The Dark Ages on a supported PC spec at appropriate settings, who have the latest GPU drivers installed and also have an intel CPU model number that starts with the number 13 or 14 can run into persistent crashing. Resolution: In such cases, you may have a corrupted CPU. Please contact intel Customer Support at https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/contact.html All Platforms/General Gameplay Issue: FOV changes do not carry over into Cinematics or interactive events, such as shield bashing through walls. Resolution: This is by design but we are evaluating a possible change to make FOV changes global in a post-launch update. Issue: Changes on the FOV slider after Cinematics or Wall Shield Bashes may not affect display. Resolution: This is a temporary issue that will reset when changing levels, loading checkpoints, or returning to the Main Menu. Issue: In rare cases, the Vagary in Ancestral Forge may disappear and block access to the collectible item placed at the wolf statue. Resolution: If you encounter this issue, the workaround is to reload the checkpoint. Issue: The “Barrel Stuffer” and “Super Barrel Stuffer” Mastery challenges may not appear to increment when expected. Resolution: Per the challenge descriptions, every pellet must hit demons, and this can be difficult if the demon is too small or dies before all pellets hit. Try on Heavy and Super-Heavy Demons for more consistent progress. Issue: You may maneuver the Slayer onto geometry or objects outside of intended, navigable space, and then become stuck. Resolution: If this occurs, and the object is not destructible, the workaround is to reload the checkpoint. Issue: In Siege – Part 1, the combat encounter in front of a cave to one of the Hell Portals in the swamp side of the map may not spawn under very specific conditions, blocking the player from continuing. Resolution: The current work around is to Reload the Checkpoint, which resolves the issue. Rare reports where this has occurred involve saving this Hell Portal for last, so approaching this encounter earlier may also avoid the issue. Issue: If you defeat a demon with a Melee attack while the Shield Saw is still embedded, the Shield may appear invisible in the hands for some time. Resolution: The Shield Saw will reappear after multiple uses. Issue: Some users may find that an additional button press is required to input actions when first opening the Dossier. Resolution: We are investigating a fix for a future patch. In the meantime, if you experience this issue, press your first input twice as a workaround. Issue: Some users may find that the amount of Gold in their inventory doesn’t change after purchasing an upgrade. Resolution: We are investigating a fix for a future patch. In the meantime, please be aware that this issue is purely cosmetic and that the Gold in your inventory will update after backing out of the Sentinel Shrine UI. Issue: In some cases, users may experience icons not appearing correctly after button actions have been remapped. Resolution: Remapped buttons will appear correctly after backing out of and re-entering the Inputs menu. ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go Issue: Users attempting to run the game on the ASUA ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion GO will experience poor performance and stability issues. Resolution: There are known driver issues on both devices which we are working with manufacturers to resolve. Source: https://gamingbolt.com/doom-the-dark-ages-list-of-known-issues-and-temporary-fixes-revealed #doom #the #dark #ages #list #known #issues #and #temporary #fixes #revealed

Earth has been home to life for billions of years, but could the planet itself be considered a living thing? Most people simply think of Earth as a giant rock — one with the perfect conditions to nurture life as we know it today, from animals and plants to microscopic bacteria. But English environmental scientist James Lovelock thought differently. Departing from traditional scholarly views, Lovelock collaborated with American evolutionary biologist Lynn Margulis in the 1970s to develop a new perspective called the Gaia hypothesis. This idea frames Earth as a living system in which all organisms influence the surrounding environment to maintain homeostasis (in other words, stability). Although the hypothesis remains highly controversial to this day, it has broadened scientific dialogue about the identity of our planet. The Gaia HypothesisIn formulating the Gaia hypothesis, Lovelock took inspiration from ancient Greek mythology. Gaia, the Greek goddess of Earth, was worshipped as the mother of all creation. In a chapter of the 1988 book “Biodiversity,” Lovelock insinuates that the idea of a living Earth is deep-rooted in humankind, but was largely lost in the scientific community after the 19th century. The Gaia hypothesis revived this buried idea, proposing that Earth is a whole living entity, essentially a superorganism composed of many parts acting in synergy (much like an ant or bee colony). Earth lives and breathes, Lovelock suggested, by way of closed feedback loops that balance the planet’s conditions and keep them favorable for life. By this hypothesis, organisms are said to facilitate processes that regulate things like atmospheric temperature and ocean salinity, for example. Criticisms Against the Gaia HypothesisMost criticisms that initially surfaced from opponents of the hypothesis asserted that Earth and living organisms could not be acting to support the planet consciously, with an intentional goal in mind. Staunch proponents of Darwinism didn’t believe that organisms could “reach a common good by natural selection and that natural selection cannot act on the whole planet,” in the words of a 2021 EarthArXiv preprint paper.Others argued that the hypothesis was more of a metaphor, since it couldn’t be tested for validity. Scientists debated the Gaia hypothesis over the course of four Gaia conferences, trying to resolve disagreements. In the second Gaia conference, held in 1988, Lovelock responded to criticism by developing a mathematical model called Daisyworld. Here, a hypothetical planet modeled after Earth contains two types of daisies: black daisies that absorb light and warm the planet, and white daisies that reflect light and cool the planet. The model suggests that the daisies stabilize the climate in a way that allows the planet to maintain an optimal temperature for both types to live. Daisyworld would not silence critics entirely, as they would continue to find issues with the lack of additional contributing factors that could affect life and cause the system to become unstable. For example, a system could have “cheaters” — selfish organisms that don’t work toward a planet’s stability. Making Our Planet More IntelligentEarth may not be alive in the traditional sense, but does it have a mind of its own? Scientists pondered this question in a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology.Partially inspired by the Gaia hypothesis, researchers presented the concept of planetary intelligence, explaining how collective activity can create a self-sustaining system on Earth. The study states that the planet is currently in a stage called the “immature technosphere,” in which technology has not yet been fully implemented to drive Earth’s systems. Right now, we’re still exhausting natural resources like fossil fuels without benefiting the planet in return. Eventually, though, we may unlock the next stage of planetary intelligence, what the researchers call the “mature technosphere." This would require technology to directly support Earth’s well-being without inflicting negative impacts. Although there is no telling when we would reach this point, the researchers say making Earth more intelligent with technology could help in the fight against climate change.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Biodiversity. The Earth as a Living OrganismEncyclopedia of Ecology. Gaia HypothesisReview of Geophysics. Daisyworld: A reviewInternational Journal of Astrobiology. Intelligence as a planetary scale processJack Knudson is an assistant editor at Discover with a strong interest in environmental science and history. Before joining Discover in 2023, he studied journalism at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University and previously interned at Recycling Today magazine. Source: https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/could-earth-develop-its-own-consciousness-the-gaia-hypothesis-offers-an #could #earth #develop #its #own #consciousness #the #gaia #hypothesis #offers #unorthodox #answer

As we creep up to the May 15 release date for DOOM: The Dark Ages, developer id Software has revealed a host of known issues that might plague the PC and console versions of the game. In its post, the company has stated that many of these issues are dependent on new drivers being released by GPU makers. It has also provided a list of temporary solutions until more permanet fixes can arrive through driver updates. Check out the full list of known issues below. As part of a pre-launch FAQ, id Software has also confirmed that players using Nvidia RTX graphics cards should make sure that they are running on driver version 576.40 or newer, while AMD Radeon GPU users should ensure that their driver version is 25.5.1 or later. Interestingly, the company has confirmed that there isn’t official support for running DOOM: The Dark Ages on the Steam Deck because the handheld system falls beneath the minimum hardware spec requried by the game. Intel Arc GPU users might also be out of luck when it comes to official support. However, those with GPUs sporting more than 8 GB of VRAM might be able to play using the latest drivers. DOOM: The Dark Ages is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Those that grabbed the Premium Edition of the game can already start playing. For those that haven’t yet, check out our review while you wait for the game’s release later this week. List of known issues for DOOM: The Dark Ages by platform: PC Issue: If you are playing on an RTX 50 series GPU and enable G-Sync (supported display required) or V-Sync plus Multi Frame Generation through NVIDIA Control Panel you can crash the game. Resolution: Until a driver fix is available, the workaround for this issue is to either disable one of these options in the NVIDIA control panel or if you want both enabled, set them in-game. Issue: If you are playing on an RTX 40 or 50 series GPU and enable Multi Frame Generation or FrameGen, V-Sync still shows as enabled. Resolution: This is a minor cosmetic issue – the game disables V-Sync under the hood in these cases. Issue: Users with NVIDIA GPUs may find that Alt-Tabbing while launching the game can cause the game to launch in the background and not be accessible. Resolution: This is a known driver issue. Until a fix is available in a driver update, to avert this issue, avoid Alt-Tabbing during game launch. If encountered, it can be resolved by restarting your PC. Issue: Users with NVIDIA 50 series GPUs may experience TDRs or system hangs when starting gameplay recording using Shadowplay with MultiFrameGen set to 3x or 4x. Resolution: To avoid this issue, either do not use the noted MFG settings or record gameplay with a different application. Issue: If capturing with OBS, game visuals may freeze when Alt-tabbing from Fullscreen Resolution: Until there is an update from OBS, the workaround for the issue is to capture in Windowed or Borderless mode. Issue: The game can lock up when manually resizing the game window with FSR FrameGen enabled. Resolution: To avoid this issue, do not manually resize the game window with FSR FrameGen enabled. Issue: Users who unplug a 2nd monitor during gameplay may notice that the game has frozen. Resolution: To avoid this issue, do not unplug any monitors while playing the game. Issue: Players running the game with the MSI Afterburner or RivaTuner overlays enabled may experience stability issues. Resolution: To avoid this issue, do not run the game with either application running in the background. Issue: In rare cases, players running DOOM: The Dark Ages on a supported PC spec at appropriate settings, who have the latest GPU drivers installed and also have an intel CPU model number that starts with the number 13 or 14 can run into persistent crashing. Resolution: In such cases, you may have a corrupted CPU. Please contact intel Customer Support at https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/contact.html All Platforms/General Gameplay Issue: FOV changes do not carry over into Cinematics or interactive events, such as shield bashing through walls. Resolution: This is by design but we are evaluating a possible change to make FOV changes global in a post-launch update. Issue: Changes on the FOV slider after Cinematics or Wall Shield Bashes may not affect display. Resolution: This is a temporary issue that will reset when changing levels, loading checkpoints, or returning to the Main Menu. Issue: In rare cases, the Vagary in Ancestral Forge may disappear and block access to the collectible item placed at the wolf statue. Resolution: If you encounter this issue, the workaround is to reload the checkpoint. Issue: The “Barrel Stuffer” and “Super Barrel Stuffer” Mastery challenges may not appear to increment when expected. Resolution: Per the challenge descriptions, every pellet must hit demons, and this can be difficult if the demon is too small or dies before all pellets hit. Try on Heavy and Super-Heavy Demons for more consistent progress. Issue: You may maneuver the Slayer onto geometry or objects outside of intended, navigable space, and then become stuck. Resolution: If this occurs, and the object is not destructible, the workaround is to reload the checkpoint. Issue: In Siege – Part 1, the combat encounter in front of a cave to one of the Hell Portals in the swamp side of the map may not spawn under very specific conditions, blocking the player from continuing. Resolution: The current work around is to Reload the Checkpoint, which resolves the issue. Rare reports where this has occurred involve saving this Hell Portal for last, so approaching this encounter earlier may also avoid the issue. Issue: If you defeat a demon with a Melee attack while the Shield Saw is still embedded, the Shield may appear invisible in the hands for some time. Resolution: The Shield Saw will reappear after multiple uses. Issue: Some users may find that an additional button press is required to input actions when first opening the Dossier. Resolution: We are investigating a fix for a future patch. In the meantime, if you experience this issue, press your first input twice as a workaround. Issue: Some users may find that the amount of Gold in their inventory doesn’t change after purchasing an upgrade. Resolution: We are investigating a fix for a future patch. In the meantime, please be aware that this issue is purely cosmetic and that the Gold in your inventory will update after backing out of the Sentinel Shrine UI. Issue: In some cases, users may experience icons not appearing correctly after button actions have been remapped. Resolution: Remapped buttons will appear correctly after backing out of and re-entering the Inputs menu. ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go Issue: Users attempting to run the game on the ASUA ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion GO will experience poor performance and stability issues. Resolution: There are known driver issues on both devices which we are working with manufacturers to resolve. Source: https://gamingbolt.com/doom-the-dark-ages-list-of-known-issues-and-temporary-fixes-revealed #doom #the #dark #ages #list #known #issues #and #temporary #fixes #revealed

Generative AI (genAI) companies are adopting a larger assortment of open-source and smaller language models that excel at automating specific tasks. A number of genAI players, including HubSpot, Microsoft, and ServiceNow, are hot on the trail of open-source models that can be easily customized to create AI agents that better meet customer needs. “Companies are going to have hundreds of models…, they’re going to be domain-specific models that are getting built rapidly now,” said Craig LeClair, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester Research. Service providers are adopting open-source AI models for several reasons, including flexibility, customization, smaller footprints, and lower computing costs. Microsoft is building an ensemble of small-footprint AI tools that will include open-source AI models for Microsoft 365 that will work offline, said Aparna Chennapragada, Microsoft’s chief product officer of experiences and devices. These smaller models are aimed at offline users who want to use M365 on Windows AI PCs with Copilot and neural processors. “Our own internal teams are also looking at post-training these models for specific use cases, for example, for writing versus analysis versus image creation, etc.,” Chennapragada said. Open-source models that are smaller in size are an important part of the pipeline, Chennapragada said. Microsoft’s own open-source small language model, called Phi Silica, is available for Windows developers to write offline applications that take advantage of NPUs. HubSpot last week expanded its availability of agents in its Breeze AI platform, which already includes genAI tools to improve employee productivity. Then company’s offerings include a back-end of open-source models to automate tasks. Customers can add Mistral AI SAS’s open-source Mistral AI LLM to their AI agent pipeline for sales, marketing and support processes, and Stability Diffusion 3 Large for text-to-image generation. The open-source models are in addition to OpenAI’s proprietary GPT and Anthropic’s Claude large language models (LLMs). HubSpot’s AI model card lists the models available to customers. “Our AI strategy is not trying to develop any sort of deep proprietary models or do something that no one else is doing,” said Nicholas Holland, head of AI and senior vice president of product at HubSpot. “Our job is to apply the best AI to our customers’ problems.” The back-end models for agents depend on the task, speed, quality and accuracy, needed he said. Some agents require extensive reasoning, while  smaller models built on open-source principles might excel at text or image generation, he said. “We work with all the vendors; we have open-source models that we use. We look at the customer problem and are able to apply the best solution at the time,” Holland said. Customers don’t have to worry about models or tokens, as orchestrators do the job in the background. Humans are still in the loop — and remain an important part of the process, he said. “To use a reasoning model requires a certain degree of depth, thinking complexity, and cost. Once you have the reasoning done, if you want to generate text or imagery, that’s a different model that might be less expensive,” he said. HubSpot opted for the Stability Diffusion 3 model for image generation after trying out DALL-E 3 from OpenAI. The latest Stability Diffusion model 3.5 is considered open source under specific terms. ServiceNow collaborated with Nvidia to develop an open-source genAI model called Apriel to create learning AI agents that decide on processes such as IT support, human resources, and customer-service functions. With only 15 billion parameters, Apriel is lean and specializes in reasoning, said Dorit Zilbershot, ServiceNow’s group vice president of AI experiences and innovation. “If you look at the foundation models, they’re very big, very slow…. This is only a 15-billion-parameters model, and it’s highly trained on reasoning,” Zilbershot said. The Apriel model should provide faster inferencing while also saving on computational costs, Zilbershot said. A fully governed AI platform is going to have a list of approved models that fit within a company’s AI policies, Forrester’s LeClair said. “I think there’s a drift back to on-premise. Companies are going to want models that have their proprietary information training them. They’re going to want really good control because they’re worried about IT leakage. So open-source models are going to be run in controlled on-premise environments,” said LeClair, who has authored a book about automation and AI in the workplace. Source: https://www.computerworld.com/article/3984310/genai-companies-go-granular-with-open-source-models-for-agents.html #genai #companies #granular #with #opensource #models #for #agents