Month: August 2024
New AI model can hallucinate a game of 1993’s Doom in real time
“Why write rules for software by hand when AI can just think every pixel for you?”
Enlarge (credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images)
On Tuesday, researchers from Google and Tel Aviv University unveiled GameNGen, a new AI model that can interactively simulate the classic 1993 first-person shooter game Doom in real time using AI image generation techniques borrowed from Stable Diffusion. It’s a neural network system that can function as a limited game engine, potentially opening new possibilities for real-time video game synthesis in the future.
For example, instead of drawing graphical video frames using traditional techniques, future games could potentially use an AI engine to “imagine” or hallucinate graphics in real time as a prediction task.
“The potential here is absurd,” wrote app developer Nick Dobos in reaction to the news. “Why write complex rules for software by hand when the AI can just think every pixel for you?”
Apple Seeds Eighth Betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to Developers
Apple today seeded the eighth betas of upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the seventh betas.
Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the “Beta Updates” option, and toggling on the iOS 18/iPadOS 18 Developer Beta setting. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta. The iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 beta track is now separate from the iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 beta track, with the .1 betas adding support for Apple Intelligence on devices that are able to run the features.
iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, a set of AI features that are built deeply into the operating system. Apple Intelligence won’t be coming until later in the beta testing process, but it includes features for refining and editing writing, generating images and emoji, and most notably, improving Siri and search. Siri is gaining a better understanding of natural language, improved contextual awareness, and the personal assistant will integrate with ChatGPT to answer more complex queries.
Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads with an M-series chip, but there are a number of other features that are coming. Apple is allowing users to rearrange Home screen apps to have open spaces, plus there’s a dark mode for app icons and tinting options.
The Control Center is customizable and third-party developers can add controls for their apps, with the Lock Screen Flashlight and Camera icons able to be replaced or removed. Messages is gaining Rich Communication Services support to improve conversations with Android users, the option to schedule texts to be sent later, new text effects, messages over satellite when there’s no cellular, and the option to use any emoji for Tapback responses.
There’s a dedicated Passwords app for logins, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes, and there’s now an option to lock and hide apps, which means they can’t be opened without secondary Face ID or Touch ID authentication even when your phone is unlocked.
Safari has a highlights feature that summarizes articles and surfaces key information on websites, the Photos app interface has been overhauled, and there’s a new Tap to Cash feature for privately and securely transferring money using Apple Cash. Other features include equation solving and voice memo transcription in Notes, a game mode for improving game performance, and an option to respond to Siri on AirPods with head gestures.
Apple will release iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to the public this fall.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18This article, “Apple Seeds Eighth Betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to Developers” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple today seeded the eighth betas of upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the seventh betas.
Registered developers are able to opt into the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to the Software Update section, tapping on the “Beta Updates” option, and toggling on the iOS 18/iPadOS 18 Developer Beta setting. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta. The iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 beta track is now separate from the iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 beta track, with the .1 betas adding support for Apple Intelligence on devices that are able to run the features.
iOS 18 introduces Apple Intelligence, a set of AI features that are built deeply into the operating system. Apple Intelligence won’t be coming until later in the beta testing process, but it includes features for refining and editing writing, generating images and emoji, and most notably, improving Siri and search. Siri is gaining a better understanding of natural language, improved contextual awareness, and the personal assistant will integrate with ChatGPT to answer more complex queries.
Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads with an M-series chip, but there are a number of other features that are coming. Apple is allowing users to rearrange Home screen apps to have open spaces, plus there’s a dark mode for app icons and tinting options.
The Control Center is customizable and third-party developers can add controls for their apps, with the Lock Screen Flashlight and Camera icons able to be replaced or removed. Messages is gaining Rich Communication Services support to improve conversations with Android users, the option to schedule texts to be sent later, new text effects, messages over satellite when there’s no cellular, and the option to use any emoji for Tapback responses.
There’s a dedicated Passwords app for logins, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes, and there’s now an option to lock and hide apps, which means they can’t be opened without secondary Face ID or Touch ID authentication even when your phone is unlocked.
Safari has a highlights feature that summarizes articles and surfaces key information on websites, the Photos app interface has been overhauled, and there’s a new Tap to Cash feature for privately and securely transferring money using Apple Cash. Other features include equation solving and voice memo transcription in Notes, a game mode for improving game performance, and an option to respond to Siri on AirPods with head gestures.
Apple will release iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to the public this fall.
This article, “Apple Seeds Eighth Betas of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 to Developers” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Seeds Eighth Beta of macOS Sequoia to Developers
Apple today seeded the eighth beta of upcoming an upcoming macOS 15 Sequoia update to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the seventh beta.
Registered developers can opt-in to the macOS Sequoia beta through the Software Update section of the System Settings app. An Apple ID associated with an Apple Developer account is required to get the beta.
macOS Sequoia includes iPhone Mirroring, which allows you to control your locked iPhone from your Mac. You can open and use iPhone apps, interact with notifications, and drag and drop files between your iPhone and Mac and vice versa.
There are new options for window tiling, and dragging a window to the edge of the display will suggest a tiled location to make it easier to use multiple apps at once. Apple is adding a Passwords app for managing passwords, Safari can summarize websites, surface key information, and Notes has support for live audio transcription and math equations.
All of the Apple Intelligence features coming to iOS 18 will also be available in macOS Sequoia, but Apple does not plan to add these until later in the beta testing process. Apple Intelligence includes Writing Tools for editing, proofreading, and summarizing text in apps, and an Image Playground allows for AI images to be created from prompts.
Custom emoji or “Genmoji” can be created for any situation and used just like emoji, and Siri is getting much smarter. Siri will be able to do more in apps and will better understand requests, especially those made in regard to on-screen content.Related Roundup: macOS SequoiaRelated Forum: macOS SequoiaThis article, “Apple Seeds Eighth Beta of macOS Sequoia to Developers” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
Apple today seeded the eighth beta of upcoming an upcoming macOS 15 Sequoia update to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after the release of the seventh beta.
Registered developers can opt-in to the macOS Sequoia beta through the Software Update section of the System Settings app. An Apple ID associated with an Apple Developer account is required to get the beta.
macOS Sequoia includes iPhone Mirroring, which allows you to control your locked iPhone from your Mac. You can open and use iPhone apps, interact with notifications, and drag and drop files between your iPhone and Mac and vice versa.
There are new options for window tiling, and dragging a window to the edge of the display will suggest a tiled location to make it easier to use multiple apps at once. Apple is adding a Passwords app for managing passwords, Safari can summarize websites, surface key information, and Notes has support for live audio transcription and math equations.
All of the Apple Intelligence features coming to iOS 18 will also be available in macOS Sequoia, but Apple does not plan to add these until later in the beta testing process. Apple Intelligence includes Writing Tools for editing, proofreading, and summarizing text in apps, and an Image Playground allows for AI images to be created from prompts.
Custom emoji or “Genmoji” can be created for any situation and used just like emoji, and Siri is getting much smarter. Siri will be able to do more in apps and will better understand requests, especially those made in regard to on-screen content.
This article, “Apple Seeds Eighth Beta of macOS Sequoia to Developers” first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Instagram may be adding real-time Spotify integration
Mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi spotted an Instagram feature that may be in development: real-time Spotify integration. The extant code seems to indicate that songs played on Spotify will create Notes automatically within Instagram. These Notes appear on top of your inbox and profile picture if people tap to view your Instagram profile.
This sort of feature already exists in Discord. And Instagram Users can already add Spotify tracks to their Notes or Stories manually, so iterating on that isn’t completely outrageous. That said, Instagram isn’t the type of chat platform people keep open for extended periods so it’s unclear if there would be as much value in real-time music integration, should the feature ever properly see the light of day.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/instagram-may-be-adding-real-time-spotify-integration-170040342.html?src=rss
Mobile developer Alessandro Paluzzi spotted an Instagram feature that may be in development: real-time Spotify integration. The extant code seems to indicate that songs played on Spotify will create Notes automatically within Instagram. These Notes appear on top of your inbox and profile picture if people tap to view your Instagram profile.
This sort of feature already exists in Discord. And Instagram Users can already add Spotify tracks to their Notes or Stories manually, so iterating on that isn’t completely outrageous. That said, Instagram isn’t the type of chat platform people keep open for extended periods so it’s unclear if there would be as much value in real-time music integration, should the feature ever properly see the light of day.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/instagram-may-be-adding-real-time-spotify-integration-170040342.html?src=rss
In The Rings of Power season 2, the elves are ‘taking a huge risk’ with the titular rings, one of the Prime Video show’s stars teases
The Rings of Power’s Morfydd Clark lifts the lid on the elven rings’ impact in the hit series’ second season.
The Rings of Power star Morfydd Clark has teased how Galadriel and her fellow elves are “taking a huge risk” with the newly-created elven rings.
Speaking to TechRadar before the Prime Video show’s return on August 29, Clark, who plays Galadriel, suggested that the first of the titular rings, which were forged in The Rings of Power‘s season 1 finale, will do more than split opinion among the immortal race’s major players. Indeed, the magical artefacts – Nenya, Nilya, and Vilya – might end up doing more harm than good as the increasingly desperate elves look for a way to save themselves.
How so? Well, if Robert Aramayo’s Elrond is to be believed, the fact that Sauron – who spent much of season 1 masquerading as the Southlands’ so-called exiled king Halbrand – helped to craft them is reason enough not to use them. If the Great Deceiver has imbued them with some form of dark magic, there’s no telling how the ring bearers could be manipulated by Morgoth’s successor. But, with the light of the Eldar fading in Lindon, Galadriel, Benjamin Walker’s High King Gil-galad, and Ben Daniels’ Cirdan the Shipwright think it’s a risk worth taking.
Will the elves regret wearing the titular rings that were made in the season 1 finale? (Image credit: Prime Video)
Will they be rewarded for their courage? It would be remiss of me to spoil anything to anyone who hasn’t read The Lord of the Rings books or other prominent J.R.R. Tolkien literature, such as the acclaimed author’s appendices and legendarium. Clark, though, indicates that the elves will be heading into uncharted waters when, not if, they decide to wield them in The Rings of Power season 2.
“They’re taking a huge risk with these rings,” Clark told me. “It’s a kind of new science, magic, and power, and they don’t know how it’s going to affect Middle-earth or the elves that wear them. There’s a bravery or foolhardiness to that decision, and we’ll find out which way it goes once they take that chance.”
Of course, these aren’t the only rings that’ll be forged in Amazon’s high fantasy prequel series. The Rings of Power‘s Celebrimbor actor received a crash course in ring-making before season 2’s arrival, so it’s inevitable that the other 17 rings – seven for the Dwarf Lords, nine for the Kings of Men, and the One Ring itself – are going to be forged this season. With The Rings of Power‘s second season set to lean more heavily into The Lord of the Rings‘ lore, I’m betting on all of them being created before the eighth and final episode, too.
Vilya (top), Nenya (right), and Narya (bottom) were the first rings created in Prime Video’s hit show (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
At the time of writing, the elven rings are the only ones that have been fashioned in real-life and in one of the best Prime Video shows‘ fictional universes. Given they were made in season 1 episode 8, neither Clark or Walker wore their rings last time out. Cirdan, meanwhile, wasn’t part of last season’s cast, so Daniels wouldn’t have had a chance to see his, let alone wear it.
As the above images reveal, though, the trio will place their rings on one of their middle fingers – an act that pays tribute to The Fellowship of the Ring movie in the most precise way possible – this season. For Clark, a self-confessed Lord of the Rings fan, the first day of filming while wearing Galadriel’s ring Nenya was filled with full-on geeking out moments.
“It was an amazing feeling,” Clark gushed. “It was also on a day where we had so many supporting actors playing beautiful elves around us, and it was wonderful to be standing their with Robert, Ben and so many others. It was exciting that we were finally hitting those key historical moments, so I was chuffed. I was beaming for the entire day and, every time the director said ‘we need you to film another take of you putting on the ring’, I was like ‘oh, alright, if you insist!'”
Be sure to read my spoiler-light review of The Rings of Power season 2’s first three episodes while you’re here, before scrolling down to read more of my exclusives with its creators and cast. I’ll have even more exclusive content coming your way soon, too, so stick with TechRadar over the next few weeks.
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‘There’s a little bit going on’: The Rings of Power season 2 will feature some of Tom Bombadil’s famous sing-talking, actor reveals‘We’re working on it’: The Rings of Power season 3 hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the Prime Video show’s creators have an update on its developmentThe Rings of Power season 2’s final trailer seemingly teases young Saruman, shows the brutal Siege of Eregion, and confirms a three-episode premiere
Brilliant is back from the brink
Brilliant, maker of smart switches and smart control panels, is back in business. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
Brilliant is back in business. Three months after laying off its staff, shutting down its support center, and ceasing sales, the maker of smart home control panels has reemerged with a new name, new focus, and a new product on the way. The good news for Brilliant customers is that existing products never stopped working during the transition period and will continue to operate going forward.
Now called Brilliant NextGen, the company was bought by two investment firms — Almeida Strategic Investments and Cullinan Holdings — in late July. (No sale price was disclosed.) Earlier this month, they appointed Lisa Petrucci as CEO, Brilliant’s former VP of business development and sales. In the last week or so, the web store came back online, and today, the company is officially announcing its acquisition.
Other than a new name, it’s business as usual for Brilliant customers. “Customer care is up and running; there’s been no change from a customer experience,” Petrucci told The Verge in an interview ahead of the announcement. However, during the transition period, customers couldn’t buy products from the company’s website. While it was possible to find devices at third-party stores such as Amazon, Costco, and Best Buy, Petrucci says that going forward, they will cease direct-to-consumer sales everywhere other than their website.
Image: Brilliant
Brilliant launched in 2016 as a hardwired touchscreen control panel for managing connected devices. Subsequent products included smart dimmer switches, smart plugs, and a plug-in version of the panel. The products run on Brilliant’s software platform, designed to provide a unified smart home experience.
This is part of a new focus for the company to sell primarily to professional builders, developers, and custom integrators rather than individual homeowners. “Our private investors are invested in or own single-family communities and multi-family buildings; these are people that come from the space I’m trying to court,” said Petrucci. “They bought the company because they see themselves being able to use the product in their own investments.”
Petrucci also shared that they are gearing up to launch the next generation of the core controller, which was teased by co-founder and former CEO Aaron Emigh earlier this year. “We are going to start producing that evolved system, which has four times the processing power and an AI processor for edge control,” she said. The new device will have the same form factor with a faster chip and a better screen. Petrucci says they are finalizing whether they will add any new connectivity to the devices, but hope to ship the new version in the next couple of months. The current device works over Wi-Fi. She wouldn’t share pricing details yet.
Petrucci says her focus is also on continuing to evolve their integrations so the product can control more devices in your home. A smart home control device needs to work with as many smart home devices as possible. While Brilliant is compatible with many products, including Ring, Nest, Sonos, Philips Hue, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, the list was far from exhaustive.
This was a significant roadblock to the company’s growth and, according to Emigh, one factor — along with issues such as tariffs and global supply chain stressors — that led to the company running out of money earlier this year.
Today, Emigh, who is no longer involved with Brilliant, told The Verge he’s proud of what Brilliant created and excited about its future. “The re-formed Brilliant, which includes many team members from the original Brilliant, will build on the great work of the original team, and continue to grow Brilliant going forward,” he said. “From the perspective of our customers and partners, it will not have any impact that Brilliant is owned primarily by private equity investors rather than venture capitalists. I’m very happy that Brilliant’s mission will continue!”
Brilliant, maker of smart switches and smart control panels, is back in business. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
Brilliant is back in business. Three months after laying off its staff, shutting down its support center, and ceasing sales, the maker of smart home control panels has reemerged with a new name, new focus, and a new product on the way. The good news for Brilliant customers is that existing products never stopped working during the transition period and will continue to operate going forward.
Now called Brilliant NextGen, the company was bought by two investment firms — Almeida Strategic Investments and Cullinan Holdings — in late July. (No sale price was disclosed.) Earlier this month, they appointed Lisa Petrucci as CEO, Brilliant’s former VP of business development and sales. In the last week or so, the web store came back online, and today, the company is officially announcing its acquisition.
Other than a new name, it’s business as usual for Brilliant customers. “Customer care is up and running; there’s been no change from a customer experience,” Petrucci told The Verge in an interview ahead of the announcement. However, during the transition period, customers couldn’t buy products from the company’s website. While it was possible to find devices at third-party stores such as Amazon, Costco, and Best Buy, Petrucci says that going forward, they will cease direct-to-consumer sales everywhere other than their website.
Image: Brilliant
Brilliant launched in 2016 as a hardwired touchscreen control panel for managing connected devices. Subsequent products included smart dimmer switches, smart plugs, and a plug-in version of the panel. The products run on Brilliant’s software platform, designed to provide a unified smart home experience.
This is part of a new focus for the company to sell primarily to professional builders, developers, and custom integrators rather than individual homeowners. “Our private investors are invested in or own single-family communities and multi-family buildings; these are people that come from the space I’m trying to court,” said Petrucci. “They bought the company because they see themselves being able to use the product in their own investments.”
Petrucci also shared that they are gearing up to launch the next generation of the core controller, which was teased by co-founder and former CEO Aaron Emigh earlier this year. “We are going to start producing that evolved system, which has four times the processing power and an AI processor for edge control,” she said. The new device will have the same form factor with a faster chip and a better screen. Petrucci says they are finalizing whether they will add any new connectivity to the devices, but hope to ship the new version in the next couple of months. The current device works over Wi-Fi. She wouldn’t share pricing details yet.
Petrucci says her focus is also on continuing to evolve their integrations so the product can control more devices in your home. A smart home control device needs to work with as many smart home devices as possible. While Brilliant is compatible with many products, including Ring, Nest, Sonos, Philips Hue, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, the list was far from exhaustive.
This was a significant roadblock to the company’s growth and, according to Emigh, one factor — along with issues such as tariffs and global supply chain stressors — that led to the company running out of money earlier this year.
Today, Emigh, who is no longer involved with Brilliant, told The Verge he’s proud of what Brilliant created and excited about its future. “The re-formed Brilliant, which includes many team members from the original Brilliant, will build on the great work of the original team, and continue to grow Brilliant going forward,” he said. “From the perspective of our customers and partners, it will not have any impact that Brilliant is owned primarily by private equity investors rather than venture capitalists. I’m very happy that Brilliant’s mission will continue!”
Nottingham Forest vs. Newcastle Livestream: How to Watch Carabao Cup Soccer From Anywhere
Two unbeaten Premier League sides face off in the cup at the City Ground.
Two unbeaten Premier League sides face off in the cup at the City Ground.
7 Things to Know About the 2024 Paris Paralympics
From the sports to the mascots and venues, here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
From the sports to the mascots and venues, here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.