🎉✨ What an exhilarating experience at the National Animation Film Festival! 🎥🌟 I had the pleasure of diving into the fascinating world of "Atomik Tour," a brilliant stop-motion short by the talented Bruno Collet. 🎨💫 This 12-minute gem takes us on a thrilling journey through dark tourism, exploring the eerie yet captivating aspects of the forbidden zone. 🏴‍☠️👌 It's amazing how art can transform our perceptions of the world, even the darker sides! Let's celebrate creativity and the magic of storytelling that brings us together! 🌈🙌 Don’t miss out on this incredible film that sparks curiosity and wonder! Keep dreaming, keep creating! #AtomikTour #DarkTourism #Stop

Mark Theriault founded the startup FITY envisioning a line of clever cooling products: cold drink holders that come with freezable pucks to keep beverages cold for longer without the mess of ice. The entrepreneur started with 3D prints of products in his basement, building one unit at a time, before eventually scaling to mass production. Founding a consumer product company from scratch was a tall order for a single person. Going from preliminary sketches to production-ready designs was a major challenge. To bring his creative vision to life, Theriault relied on AI and his NVIDIA GeForce RTX-equipped system. For him, AI isn’t just a tool — it’s an entire pipeline to help him accomplish his goals. about his workflow below. Plus, GeForce RTX 5050 laptops start arriving today at retailers worldwide, from GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPUs feature 2,560 NVIDIA Blackwell CUDA cores, fifth-generation AI Tensor Cores, fourth-generation RT Cores, a ninth-generation NVENC encoder and a sixth-generation NVDEC decoder. In addition, NVIDIA’s Plug and Play: Project G-Assist Plug-In Hackathon — running virtually through Wednesday, July 16 — invites developers to explore AI and build custom G-Assist plug-ins for a chance to win prizes. the date for the G-Assist Plug-In webinar on Wednesday, July 9, from 10-11 a.m. PT, to learn more about Project G-Assist capabilities and fundamentals, and to participate in a live Q&A session. From Concept to Completion To create his standout products, Theriault tinkers with potential FITY Flex cooler designs with traditional methods, from sketch to computer-aided design to rapid prototyping, until he finds the right vision. A unique aspect of the FITY Flex design is that it can be customized with fun, popular shoe charms. For packaging design inspiration, Theriault uses his preferred text-to-image generative AI model for prototyping, Stable Diffusion XL — which runs 60% faster with the NVIDIA TensorRT software development kit — using the modular, node-based interface ComfyUI. ComfyUI gives users granular control over every step of the generation process — prompting, sampling, model loading, image conditioning and post-processing. It’s ideal for advanced users like Theriault who want to customize how images are generated. Theriault’s uses of AI result in a complete computer graphics-based ad campaign. Image courtesy of FITY. NVIDIA and GeForce RTX GPUs based on the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture include fifth-generation Tensor Cores designed to accelerate AI and deep learning workloads. These GPUs work with CUDA optimizations in PyTorch to seamlessly accelerate ComfyUI, reducing generation time on FLUX.1-dev, an image generation model from Black Forest Labs, from two minutes per image on the Mac M3 Ultra to about four seconds on the GeForce RTX 5090 desktop GPU. ComfyUI can also add ControlNets — AI models that help control image generation — that Theriault uses for tasks like guiding human poses, setting compositions via depth mapping and converting scribbles to images. Theriault even creates his own fine-tuned models to keep his style consistent. He used low-rank adaptationmodels — small, efficient adapters into specific layers of the network — enabling hyper-customized generation with minimal compute cost. LoRA models allow Theriault to ideate on visuals quickly. Image courtesy of FITY. “Over the last few months, I’ve been shifting from AI-assisted computer graphics renders to fully AI-generated product imagery using a custom Flux LoRA I trained in house. My RTX 4080 SUPER GPU has been essential for getting the performance I need to train and iterate quickly.” – Mark Theriault, founder of FITY  Theriault also taps into generative AI to create marketing assets like FITY Flex product packaging. He uses FLUX.1, which excels at generating legible text within images, addressing a common challenge in text-to-image models. Though FLUX.1 models can typically consume over 23GB of VRAM, NVIDIA has collaborated with Black Forest Labs to help reduce the size of these models using quantization — a technique that reduces model size while maintaining quality. The models were then accelerated with TensorRT, which provides an up to 2x speedup over PyTorch. To simplify using these models in ComfyUI, NVIDIA created the FLUX.1 NIM microservice, a containerized version of FLUX.1 that can be loaded in ComfyUI and enables FP4 quantization and TensorRT support. Combined, the models come down to just over 11GB of VRAM, and performance improves by 2.5x. Theriault uses the Blender Cycles app to render out final files. For 3D workflows, NVIDIA offers the AI Blueprint for 3D-guided generative AI to ease the positioning and composition of 3D images, so anyone interested in this method can quickly get started. Photorealistic renders. Image courtesy of FITY. Finally, Theriault uses large language models to generate marketing copy — tailored for search engine optimization, tone and storytelling — as well as to complete his patent and provisional applications, work that usually costs thousands of dollars in legal fees and considerable time. Generative AI helps Theriault create promotional materials like the above. Image courtesy of FITY. “As a one-man band with a ton of content to generate, having on-the-fly generation capabilities for my product designs really helps speed things up.” – Mark Theriault, founder of FITY Every texture, every word, every photo, every accessory was a micro-decision, Theriault said. AI helped him survive the “death by a thousand cuts” that can stall solo startup founders, he added. Each week, the RTX AI Garage blog series features community-driven AI innovations and content for those looking to learn more about NVIDIA NIM microservices and AI Blueprints, as well as building AI agents, creative workflows, digital humans, productivity apps and more on AI PCs and workstations.  Plug in to NVIDIA AI PC on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X — and stay informed by subscribing to the RTX AI PC newsletter. Follow NVIDIA Workstation on LinkedIn and X.  See notice regarding software product information. #startup #uses #nvidia #rtxpowered #generative

🎉🌟 Exciting news from the gaming world! Square Enix has recognized the tremendous success of "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" and is committed to continuing the legacy of turn-based RPGs! 🎮✨ This is a fantastic reminder that creativity and passion can lead to incredible achievements! 🌈💪 Let’s celebrate the magic of storytelling and strategy that these games bring to our lives! Whether you’re a seasoned RPG player or just starting your adventure, remember that every journey is filled with opportunities for growth and joy! 🚀💖 Keep pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges! #SquareEnix #ClairObscur #RPG #GamingCommunity #TurnBasedGames

It's astounding how many people still cling to outdated notions when it comes to the choice between hardware and software for electronics projects. The article 'Pong in Discrete Components' points to a clear solution, yet it misses the mark entirely. Why are we still debating the reliability of dedicated hardware circuits versus software implementations? Are we really that complacent? Let’s face it: sticking to discrete components for simple tasks is an exercise in futility! In a world where innovation thrives on efficiency, why would anyone choose to build outdated circuits when software solutions can achieve the same goals with a fraction of the complexity? It’s mind-boggling! The insistence on traditional methods speaks to a broader problem in our community—a stubbornness to evolve and embrace the future. The argument for using hardware is often wrapped in a cozy blanket of reliability. But let’s be honest, how reliable is that? Anyone who has dealt with hardware failures knows they can be a nightmare. Components can fail, connections can break, and troubleshooting a physical circuit can waste immense amounts of time. Meanwhile, software can be updated, modified, and optimized with just a few keystrokes. Why are we so quick to glorify something that is inherently flawed? This is not just about personal preference; it’s about setting a dangerous precedent for future electronics projects. By promoting the use of discrete components without acknowledging their limitations, we are doing a disservice to budding engineers and hobbyists. We are essentially telling them to trap themselves in a bygone era where tinkering with clunky hardware is seen as a rite of passage. It’s ridiculous! Furthermore, the focus on hardware in the article neglects the incredible advancements in software tools and environments available today. Why not leverage the power of modern programming languages and platforms? The tech landscape is overflowing with resources that make it easier than ever to create impressive projects with software. Why do we insist on dragging our feet through the mud of outdated technologies? The truth is, this reluctance to embrace software solutions is symptomatic of a larger issue—the fear of change. Change is hard, and it’s scary, but clinging to obsolete methods will only hinder progress. We need to challenge the status quo and demand better from our community. We should be encouraging one another to explore the vast possibilities that software offers rather than settling for the mundane and the obsolete. Let’s stop romanticizing the past and start looking forward. The world of electronics is rapidly evolving, and it’s time we caught up. Let’s make a collective commitment to prioritize innovation over tradition. The choice between hardware and software doesn’t have to be a debate; it can be a celebration of progress. #InnovationInElectronics #SoftwareOverHardware #ProgressNotTradition #EmbraceTheFuture #PongInDiscreteComponents

game design, Keita Takahashi, To a T, video games, creativity, art, emotional storytelling, game experience, indie games --- ## Introduction In the realm of video games, where pixels dance and stories unfold, there exists a question that lingers like an unwelcome echo: "What is a game?" This poignant inquiry resonates deeply with the creative minds behind the art form. During a recent meeting with the visionary Keita Takahashi, creator of the enchanting game "To a T," I found myself spiraling...

In a world where we’re all desperately trying to make our digital creations look as lifelike as a potato, we now have the privilege of diving headfirst into the revolutionary topic of "Separate shaders in AI 3D generated models." Yes, because why not complicate a process that was already confusing enough? Let’s face it: if you’re using AI to generate your 3D models, you probably thought you could skip the part where you painstakingly texture each inch of your creation. But alas! Here comes the good ol’ Yoji, waving his virtual wand and telling us that, surprise, surprise, you need to prepare those models for proper texturing in tools like Substance Painter. Because, of course, the AI that’s supposed to do the heavy lifting can’t figure out how to make your model look decent without a little extra human intervention. But don’t worry! Yoji has got your back with his meticulous “how-to” on separating shaders. Just think of it as a fun little scavenger hunt, where you get to discover all the mistakes the AI made while trying to do the job for you. Who knew that a model could look so… special? It’s like the AI took a look at your request and thought, “Yeah, let’s give this one a nice touch of abstract art!” Nothing screams professionalism like a model that looks like it was textured by a toddler on a sugar high. And let’s not forget the joy of navigating through the labyrinthine interfaces of Substance Painter. Ah, yes! The thrill of clicking through endless menus, desperately searching for that elusive shader that will somehow make your model look less like a lumpy marshmallow and more like a refined piece of art. It’s a bit like being in a relationship, really. You start with high hopes and a glossy exterior, only to end up questioning all your life choices as you try to figure out how to make it work. So, here we are, living in 2023, where AI can generate models that resemble something out of a sci-fi nightmare, and we still need to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty with shaders and textures. Who knew that the future would come with so many manual adjustments? Isn’t technology just delightful? In conclusion, if you’re diving into the world of AI 3D generated models, brace yourself for a wild ride of shaders and textures. And remember, when all else fails, just slap on a shiny shader and call it a masterpiece. After all, art is subjective, right? #3DModels #AIGenerated #SubstancePainter #Shaders #DigitalArt

virtual reality, Meta Quest, movie apps, immersive experience, film streaming, VR entertainment, watching movies, technology, emotional storytelling --- ## Introduction In a world where reality often feels heavy and burdensome, the comforting embrace of a favorite film can offer a fleeting escape. The Meta Quest headset opens the door to an immersive universe, allowing us to delve into stories that resonate deeply within our souls. However, the search for the best apps to watch movies on your...

Spotify and Apple are killing the album cover, and it’s time we raised our voices against this travesty! It’s infuriating that in this age of digital consumption, these tech giants have the audacity to strip away one of the most vital elements of music: the album cover. The art that used to be a visceral representation of the music itself is now reduced to a mere thumbnail on a screen, easily lost in the sea of endless playlists and streaming algorithms. What happened to the days when we could hold a physical album in our hands? The tactile experience of flipping through a gatefold cover, admiring the artwork, and reading the liner notes is now an afterthought. Instead, we’re left with animated visuals that can’t even be framed on a wall! How can a moving image evoke the same emotional connection as a beautifully designed cover that captures the essence of an artist's vision? It’s a tragedy that these platforms are prioritizing convenience over artistic expression. The music industry needs to wake up! Spotify and Apple are essentially telling artists that their hard work, creativity, and passion can be boiled down to a pixelated image that disappears into the digital ether. This is an outright assault on the artistry of music! Why should we stand by while these companies prioritize algorithmic efficiency over the cultural significance of album art? It’s infuriating that the very thing that made music a visual and auditory experience is being obliterated right in front of our eyes. Let’s be clear: the album cover is not just decoration; it’s an integral part of the storytelling process in music. It sets the tone, evokes emotions, and can even influence how we perceive the music itself. When an album cover is designed with care and intention, it becomes an extension of the artist’s voice. Yet here we are, scrolling through Spotify and Apple Music, bombarded with generic visuals that do nothing to honor the artists or their work. Spotify and Apple need to be held accountable for this degradation of music culture. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about preserving the integrity of artistic expression. We need to demand that these platforms acknowledge the importance of album covers and find ways to integrate them into our digital experiences. Otherwise, we’re on a dangerous path where music becomes nothing more than a disposable commodity. If we allow Spotify and Apple to continue on this trajectory, we risk losing an entire culture of artistic expression. It’s time for us as consumers to take a stand and remind these companies that music is not just about the sound; it’s about the entire experience. Let’s unite and fight back against this digital degradation of music artistry. We deserve better than a world where the album cover is dying a slow death. Let’s reclaim the beauty of music and its visual representation before it’s too late! #AlbumArt #MusicCulture #Spotify #AppleMusic #ProtectArtistry

🌟✨ Hey there, amazing souls! 🌈 Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of photographic lenses? 📸 Let’s embark on this journey together and discover how these magical tools can transform our perspective and ignite our creativity! 💖 When we talk about photographic lenses, we're not just discussing pieces of glass; we're talking about the gateway to capturing the beauty around us! 🌍✨ Have you ever played around with lenses, feeling the excitement as you focus an image onto a target? 🤩 It’s like turning the ordinary into the extraordinary! A convex lens, for instance, can capture the sunlight and transform it into a brilliant image that shines bright! ☀️ Isn’t that a beautiful metaphor for life? Just like the rays of sunlight, we all have the potential to focus our energy and shine! 🌟 Photography isn't just about taking pictures; it's about telling a story, sharing a moment, and expressing emotions that words sometimes cannot. 📖💫 Each shot we take with a lens is an opportunity to freeze time, to cherish memories, and to inspire others. Imagine looking through a lens and seeing the world in a new light; every detail, every color, every shadow tells a tale waiting to be shared! 🌈 So, why not grab your camera and experiment with different lenses? 🥳 Whether it's a wide-angle lens that captures the grandeur of nature, or a macro lens that reveals the intricate beauty of tiny flowers, every lens brings a unique perspective to the table! Let your creativity flow, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way; that’s where the magic happens! 🌟✨ As you explore the world of photographic lenses, remember that every great photographer started as a beginner, just like you! 📷 Embrace the learning process and keep pushing your boundaries. Surround yourself with other passionate photographers, share tips, and inspire each other! Together, we can create a community that celebrates creativity and positivity! 💞 Never forget: you are capable of capturing the beauty of the world in your own unique way! 🥰 So go ahead, embrace your passion, focus your vision, and let your creativity shine! The world is waiting for your perspective! 🌍💖 #PhotographyLove #LensAdventure #CreativityUnleashed #PositiveVibes #CaptureTheMoment