Generative AI provoked a lot of discussion last year around images, text and video, but it may soon affect the gaming industry as well. Square Enix said it plans to be "aggressively applying" AI and other cutting-edge tech in 2024 to "create new forms of content," according to president Takashi Kiryu's New Year's letter.
"Artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential implications had for some time largely been subjects of academic debate," he said. "However, the introduction of ChatGPT, which allows anyone to easily produce writing or translations or to engage in text-based dialogue, sparked the rapid spread of generative AIs. I believe that generative AI has the potential not only to reshape what we create, but also to fundamentally change the processes by which we create, including programming."
The company will start by using it to improve productivity in development and assist in marketing. "In the longer term, we hope to leverage those technologies to create new forms of content for consumers, as we believe that technological innovation represents business opportunities," Kiryu added. Square Enix also plans to build more immersive AR and VR experiences, including "new forms of content that fuse the real world and virtual worlds."
Kiryu name-checked ChatGPT, despite the fact that its creator OpenAI was recently sued by The New York Times for copyright infringement. In the gaming industry directly, companies including Valve have said they may restrict games that use AI on their platforms over similar concerns.
Square Enix didn't specifically state that AI would be used to generate content in the form of characters, voices, environments or anything else, though. Rather, it appears to be more of a broad aspiration than anything specific. The company has made similar proclamations in the past about blockchain, NFTs and Web 3.0, but it only gave those scant mention in this year's letter.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/square-enix-plans-aggressive-use-of-ai-to-create-new-forms-of-content-141602313.html?src=rss
2023 saw a huge explosion in Artificial intelligence (AI) with a wealth of AI models and services released from the likes of OpenAI, Microsoft, Google and others, paving the way to a new future in which we will harness the power of AI. This rapidly advancing sector of machine learning will again advance rapidly in […]
The T-Display AMOLED Touch ESP32 is an advanced version of the well-known ESP32 board, now equipped with a touch interface. This addition transforms the board into a more interactive platform, suitable for a wide range of applications. T-Display-S3 AMOLED is a display screen module with a 1.91″ diagonal screen, based on our previous S3 module, […]
This guide is designed to show you how to learn a new skill quickly with the help of Google Bard. The dawn of 2024 brings with it a renewed sense of possibility, a fresh canvas upon which we paint our resolutions and aspirations. Among these, the desire to expand our skillset, to sharpen our minds […]
CES 2024 is just around the corner and tech companies are already providing sneak peeks of what we can expect to see on the ground in Las Vegas. LG is bringing a range of wonderful, weird gadgets to the showcase, including the just-announced DukeBox by LG Labs. The audio device marries old and new with vacuum tube audio working alongside transparent OLED panel technology.
Vacuum tube audio has been around for over 100 years and is beloved for its ability to produce a warm sound quality that highlights each instrument — almost creating the sense that musicians are playing the music live. The DukeBox utilizes this technology alongside front-facing bottom speakers and 360-degree speakers on top. The vacuum pipes remain visible for an extra retro feel, though the OLED display's transparency is adjustable.
The DukeBox is kind of like a smart speaker for people who want a more sleek, retro design. While it's reminiscent of old jukeboxes, this device isn't exclusive to music. It has the option to play content like movies or even create a "fireplace" with the tubes visible along the flames.
The company claims its Labs zone at CES 2024 will be twice the size of last year's space. Other LG CES 2024 announcements include a two-legged AI-powered robot; laptops with AI features; and the CineBeam Qube, a 4K projector with 3,840 x 2,160 resolution images measuring up to 120 inches. The three-pound device also has image-mapping and a handle that could pass for a crank. Although LG has a CES 2024 press conference planned, the company has a pattern of announcing many of its products in the days and weeks leading up to CES.
Neither the DukeBox or the CineBeam Qube currently have a release date or price. LG will likely release more information on these and other new products during CES. The showcase should also give us a chance to test out the products' quality for ourselves and provide some early hands-on impressions.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lgs-dukebox-puts-vacuum-tube-audio-behind-a-transparent-oled-display-125526158.html?src=rss
BIOSTAR manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices, has recently unveiled the BIQ67-AHP, an industrial motherboard designed to accommodate the needs of both industrial and business applications. The BIQ67-AHP industrial motherboard is a robust and efficient solution that streamlines complex processes and operations, acting as a linchpin in managing and facilitating system integration. One […]
Street art is a form of visual art that is found in public buildings, streets, bridges, trains, and other spaces, particularly for public visibility and to reach a broader audience. Street art not only forms a powerful tool to convey messages to society but also enhances the beauty of public spaces. Street art is found all around the world and street artists are known to transform the streets with their creativity and imagination. The traditional form of street art included graffiti artists who worked with spray paint. Some of the other media include stencil art, mosaic tiling, LED art, and outdoor sculptures while the recent forms of street art include video projections of large city buildings.
The origin of street art can be found in ancient civilizations where graffiti was used to mark territories, express cultural identities, and served as historic records. The modern street art movement started in the 1960s in cities like New York and Philadelphia and 1970s artists in cities like Paris and London. In the 1980s and 1990s street art evolved, and artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Banksy rose to prominence. Today street art is touching new heights with the integration of new technology and adapting to the changing socio-political context.
Here are the top ten types of street art that one will often come across on urban streets. Each art comes with its distinct characteristics and techniques.
1. Graffiti Artwork
Designer: Banksy (via Banksy Archive)
Graffiti artwork is one of the most iconic forms of street art that has been around for ages. In this form of art images or text is painted on the building using spray paint, large bubble lettering, and decorative scripts to convey messages, evoke emotions and enhance the beauty of public walls. The term “graffiti” refers to inscriptions, figure drawings, and markings that have been found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins just like those in the Catacombs of Rome or at Pompeii. Graffiti formed a part of the hip-hop culture in the 1970s, it is a form of self-expression and rebellion, allowing youth from disadvantaged communities to gain recognition for their creative ideas in public spaces.
2. 3D Wall Graffiti
Designer: Joe Fafard
3D wall graffiti is also known as anamorphic art which can create an optical illusion of objects popping out from the wall and the artwork coming to life. It makes two-dimensional paintings appear like three-dimensional paintings when viewed from a specific angle. This skill is honed through artists by employing perspective, shading, and anamorphic methods through dedicated time and practice as it appeals to both young and old when exhibited in public spaces. Chalk or paint is used to create these incredible pieces of art.
3. Stencil Graffiti
Designer: selfie_stencils
Stencil Graffiti employs stencils to create images on public spaces like walls, and buildings. The artists use pre-cut templates to reproduce the same image multiple times and then use spray paint to make a clear representation of the design. This ensures faster execution and replication and is effective in communicating ideas to a broader audience in multiple locations.
4. Street Poster Art
Street poster art involves the pasting of posters in public spaces like walls, poles, or any other visible surface to stimulate public thought. The posters may display controversial or abstract visuals to give political statements or social messages to bring forth public awareness about their causes.
Note: Wheatpasting art is the technique of applying posters in public using a mixture of wheat flour or natural adhesives to water to create a paste. These posters are weather resistant in comparison to other simple paper posters.
5. Video Projection
Designer: Eye Studio
Also known as projection mapping street art, it combines the use of video projections to project images, animations, or videos on buildings or other urban surfaces to create an immersive visual experience. The biggest difference between street art is that is static and uses paint for the surface, video projection is dynamic, and special software is used to map the content on the surface, including captivating animations and colorful visuals. It is temporary and used for special events and festivals.
6. Guerrilla Art
Designer: S.c. MeRo
Guerrilla art is also known as street intervention, where impromptu and temporary installations are created in public without seeking permission. It blurs the line between art and activism, raises awareness of social issues, urges the public to question their surroundings, and transforms the urban city into an ever-changing canvas for artistic expression. Some of the innovative methods of incorporating this art include wheat pasting, sculptures, and yarn bombing that aims to disrupt the urban environment.
7. Flash Mobbing
Among the various forms of street art, the flash mob is most enjoyable as it usually involves dancing in a public space. A flash mob involves a spontaneous assembly of individuals in a public space where they perform and then disperse swiftly. The main aim of flash mobbing is to deliver entertainment, satire, or artistic expression. They usually perform in crowded places like malls, parks, and public squares to spread a message. Street plays are also a form of art where a large group wears simple costumes and use banners and posters to attract attention.
Street Installations are 3D structures made by artists that are displayed on the streets. They can be categorized as sculptures with or without historic significance and interactive or temporary art installations. These three-dimensional artworks are usually connected with political, religious, and historic belongings and are made in materials like stone, wood, metal, recycled materials, and fiber to name a few. Unlike conventional street art, street installations occupy physical space. It brings art to the public and blurs the boundaries between artwork and the urban environment. This is a beautiful form of street art as it evokes emotions and reactions from people who pass by. In addition, the installations can be interactive and invite viewers to engage with the art in unique ways. Kinetic sculptures, artworks incorporating movement often powered by natural elements or mechanical means, can be considered a form of street art. Installed in public spaces like streets, parks, and plazas, they offer engaging and interactive art experiences for passersby.
Also known as Earth Art, it aims to bridge the gap between art and nature. Environmental art is an artistic expression where artists create site-specific artworks with natural materials found in the landscape like sand, rock, water, plants, and wood. These artworks are temporary and they emerged in the 1960s and early 1970s in response to the concern about environmental issues and indicate that it is our responsibility to protect it.
This is a large-scale artwork that is painted onto the walls or public surfaces of urban cities. It’s a great way to beautify public spaces with vibrant colors and themes that cover entire walls, including realistic portraits, landscapes, or abstract designs. The different techniques used in mural art may include spray paint, rollers, brushes, or any other technique. The best part about mural art is that it reflects the local culture, tells stories, and attracts both locals and tourists who appreciate its beauty in public spaces. The impressive artworks effortlessly transform the urban landscapes into iconic landmarks of the city.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co3zKdVsRmA/
Hence, every form of street art leaves a unique impression on urban landscapes and plays a vital role in the dynamic and continuously evolving global street art movement.
Get ready to be blown away at CES 2024! Noveto's new soundbar crafts a personal sound bubble for an immersive 3D audio experience. It's audio like never before!
This guide is designed to show you how to reset your Samsung tablet. Whether you’re selling your old Galaxy Tab or giving it a fresh start, knowing how to reset it is crucial. A factory reset wipes your tablet clean, erasing all your data and settings and returning it to its original state, just like […]
New Year’s resolutions are usually set with the best intentions – I may have already failed at one of mine already — but the right tools (and resolutions, if I’m honest) can make achieving those goals easier.
Naturally, with all the wearables and smartwatches around, there’s a fitness theme to half of our guide, but smartwatches can help nudge you into better habits and even remind you to meditate, which is something I’ve set up on my Apple Watch this week.
We’ve also got to-do list app recommendations, cable organizing advice (that is a weak-ass New Year resolution) and help on how to cultivate a new reading habit in 2024.
What are your resolutions for the coming year? And what will you do (or buy) to achieve them?
– Mat Smith
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Wireless TV, plug-and-play solar and next-gen headphones.
The Engadget team is prepping itself for another tour (in military terms) of Las Vegas. CES is back again. Alongside the glory of huge TVs in every size, new autonomous car tech and weird robots that will never make it outside of tech trade shows, we’ve compiled a few predictions for all the tech companies and startups planning to attend. We’ve got next-gen headphones, new display technology and more.
The show officially runs from January 9 to 12, though we'll be on the ground well before that. The first CES-related events will kick off on January 7, so get ready!
LG’s latest 4K projector looks a little like, well, I’ll say it: an objet d’arte from TJ Maxx. I say that from a place of love: I’d love a projector that looks like this. I mean, it has a handle that looks like a crank! The style does betray the high-tech insides. The CineBeam Qube can blast 4K images that measure up to 120 inches, with an RGB laser light source, a 450,000:1 contrast ratio and 154 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
The price has dropped permanently to $249 following the launch of the Quest 3.
Meta is permanently cutting the price of its Quest 2 VR headset to $250 following the launch of the Quest 3, according to Meta’s official Quest blog. The Quest 2 has been on sale at that price since Black Friday anyway, but a new official retail price might spell even better deals for the previous-gen model in the next few months.
NASA’s robotic Mars explorers were given some time off, as a natural phenomenon would likely interfere with communications. Leading up to the pause, the Curiosity rover was put in park — but its Hazard-Avoidance Cameras (Hazcams) kept snapping away. By the end of the period, Curiosity recorded the passage of a Martian day over 12 hours from its stationary position, as the sun moved from dawn to dusk.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-tech-to-help-you-stick-to-your-new-years-resolutions-121518467.html?src=rss
