Monthly Archives: October 2024

Stable Diffusion 3.5 follows your prompts more closely and generates more diverse people

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Stable Diffusion, an open-source alternative to AI image generators like Midjourney and DALL-E, has been updated to version 3.5. The new model tries to right some of the wrongs (which may be an understatement) of the widely panned Stable Diffusion 3 Medium. Stability AI says the 3.5 model adheres to prompts better than other image generators and competes with much larger models in output quality. In addition, it’s tuned for a greater diversity of styles, skin tones and features without needing to be prompted to do so explicitly.

The new model comes in three flavors. Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large is the most powerful of the trio, with the highest quality of the bunch, while leading the industry in prompt adherence. Stability AI says the model is suitable for professional uses at 1 MP resolution.

Meanwhile, Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large Turbo is a “distilled” version of the larger model, focusing more on efficiency than maximum quality. Stability AI says the Turbo variant still produces “high-quality images with exceptional prompt adherence” in four steps.

Finally, Stable Diffusion 3.5 Medium (2.5 billion parameters) is designed to run on consumer hardware, balancing quality with simplicity. With its greater ease of customization, the model can generate images between 0.25 and 2 megapixel resolution. However, unlike the first two models, which are available now, Stable Diffusion 3.5 Medium doesn’t arrive until October 29.

The new trio follows the botched Stable Diffusion 3 Medium in June. The company admitted that the release “didn’t fully meet our standards or our communities’ expectations,” as it produced some laughably grotesque body horror in response to prompts that asked for no such thing. Stability AI’s repeated mentions of exceptional prompt adherence in today’s announcement are likely no coincidence.

Although Stability AI only briefly mentioned it in its announcement blog post, the 3.5 series has new filters to better reflect human diversity. The company describes the new models’ human outputs as “representative of the world, not just one type of person, with different skin tones and features, without the need for extensive prompting.”

Let’s hope it’s sophisticated enough to account for subtleties and historical sensitivities, unlike Google’s debacle from earlier this year. Unprompted to do so, Gemini produced collections of egregiously inaccurate historical “photos,” like ethnically diverse Nazis and US Founding Fathers. The backlash was so intense that Google didn’t reincorporate human generations until six months later.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/stable-diffusion-35-follows-your-prompts-more-closely-and-generates-more-diverse-people-184022965.html?src=rss

Anthropic is letting Claude AI control your PC

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Anthropic's latest development gives its Claude AI assistant the ability to control a PC, reportedly just like a person would. The feature, dubbed 'computer use,' entered public beta today. With computer use, Claude can be directed to execute tasks such as "looking at a screen, moving a cursor, clicking buttons, and typing text," according to the company's announcement. 

In theory, this could make the AI even more useful in automating repetitive computer tasks. However, a second blog post focused on computer use acknowledged that this application of Anthropic's AI models is still early in development and, to paraphrase, buggy as heck. The company said that in internal testing, Claude stopped in the middle of an assigned coding task and began opening images of Yellowstone National Park. While that is uncannily human behavior (who doesn't want to take a break to stare at natural beauty during the work day?), it's also a reminder that even the best AI models can have errors.

In addition to unveiling computer use, Anthropic also released an upgraded version of its Claude 3.5 Sonnet model alongside a brand new model called Claude 3.5 Haiku that will be released later in October. In August, Anthropic joined OpenAI in agreeing to share its work with the US AI Safety Institute.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropic-is-letting-claude-ai-control-your-pc-181500127.html?src=rss

Redact-A-Chat is an old-style chatroom that censors words after one use

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If you're a word and game lover like me, then prepare to join me in excitement — and, eventual frustration — as there's a new daily word puzzle of sorts. New York-based art collective MSCHF has introduced an AOL-style chatroom called Redact-A-Chat that censors a word each time someone uses it. Josh Wardle, creator of Wordle, recently worked at MSCHF there for a few years. 

So, how does it work? There's a main chatroom where you can write anything, but if a word gets repeated, then it's covered with a blue blurry line and unavailable for the rest of the day. I got to try it out early, and it seems duplicated words in sentences also lead to the second mention being blurred out. All words become fair game again at midnight. Announcements about newly censored words and when the time starts again come from three one-eyed safety pins reminiscent of the Microsoft Word safety pin. 

In a statement, MSCHF said Redact-A-Chat "forces creative communication. You must constantly keep ahead of the censor in order to continue your conversation. On the other hand, you can be that a**hole who starts working their way through the dictionary to deprive everyone else of language."

If you're unsure about participating in the main room, you can start a chat just for your friends. You just click the create a chat room button, give it a name and it will appear. You can then invite other people to the group with a unique code. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/redact-a-chat-is-an-old-style-chatroom-that-censors-words-after-one-use-180014370.html?src=rss

More than 10,500 artists sign open letter protesting unlicensed AI training

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Some of the biggest names in Hollywood, literature and music have issued a warning to the artificial intelligence industry. The Washington Post reports that more than 10,500 artists have signed an open protest letter objecting to AI developers’ “unlicensed use” of artists’ work to train their models.

“The unlicensed use of creative works for training generative AI is a major, unjust threat to the livelihoods of the people behind those works, and must not be permitted,” the one sentence letter reads.

The letter has support from some huge names across the film, television, music and publishing industries. Some of the more famous signatures include actors Julianne Moore, Rosario Dawson, Kevin Bacon and F. Murray Abraham, as well as former Saturday Night Live star Kate McKinnon, author James Patterson and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke.

The unauthorized use of their work to train AI models has been an area of major concern among creatives. The SAG-AFTRA union and Writers Guild of America recently held industry-wide strikes demanding better protections for their work and livelihood against the use of AI in studio projects.

There are also several lawsuits currently in courts accusing some AI developers of using copyrighted content without permission or proper compensation.On Monday, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post sued Perplexity AI for violating their copyright protections. Music labels like Universal, Warner and Sony sued the makers of the Suno and Uido AI music makers back in June for violating its copyright protections on a “massive scale.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/more-than-10500-artists-sign-open-letter-protesting-unlicensed-ai-training-174544491.html?src=rss

7 Reasons Why the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold Is the Ultimate Collector’s Dream

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Welcome to Speedy Tuesday, where we share our favorite Speedmaster models. This week, we’re spotlighting this special edition, which pays tribute to the original 1957 Speedmaster. The Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold combines tradition and modern style, capturing the essence of Omega’s rich heritage while showcasing the height of contemporary watchmaking. It embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that has defined the Speedmaster series for decades. This luxurious timepiece draws attention with its rich history, exquisite craftsmanship, and advanced materials.

Designer: Omega

Omega has long been revered for its role in space exploration, with the Speedmaster famously accompanying astronauts on their lunar missions. The reintroduction of the Calibre 321 movement in this model pays homage to that legacy, offering enthusiasts a piece of history encased in a functional and beautiful watch. The Canopus Gold edition enhances this legacy with its unique elegance and durability, making it a coveted addition for collectors and enthusiasts.

6 Features That Make the Speedmaster Calibre 321’s Dial Unique

The Speedmaster Calibre 321 dial in Canopus Gold embodies Omega’s dedication to thoughtful design and refined quality, making a powerful statement. Crafted from black onyx, the dial offers a bold contrast to the watch’s white gold elements, creating a visual harmony that is both elegant and distinctive. The deep black of the onyx is complemented by the luminous sheen of the 18K white gold hands and indexes, which are further enhanced by a Canopus Gold PVD treatment.

One of the dial’s most captivating features is the applied vintage Omega logo, complete with the historical oval “O.” This subtle detail honors the brand’s storied past while seamlessly integrating with the watch’s modern aesthetic. The dial also features three subdials, meticulously arranged to display small seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. These subdials enhance the watch’s functionality and visual appeal, offering a balanced and harmonious layout.

The bezel is equally impressive, incorporating a tachymeter scale filled with black Grand Feu enamel. This technique involves firing the enamel at high temperatures to achieve a durable and vibrant finish. The bezel includes vintage-inspired details such as the “dot over ninety” (DON) and a dotted diagonal to seventy, which are subtle nods to the Speedmaster’s rich history. These elements create a visually stunning dial deeply rooted in Omega’s legacy.

The attention to detail extends to the watch’s overall aesthetic, with the Canopus Gold alloy providing a luxurious backdrop for the dial’s intricate features. This proprietary alloy enhances the watch’s brilliance and longevity, ensuring that the Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold is a beautiful and durable timepiece.

History of the Calibre 321 Movement

The Calibre 321 movement holds a special place in watchmaking history, celebrated for its precision and robust construction. Introduced in the late 1940s, it quickly earned a reputation for reliability and intricate design, becoming an iconic part of Omega’s lineup. Its most significant role came during NASA’s Apollo missions in the 1960s when it powered the first watch worn on the moon.

This manual-winding movement operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph), providing smooth, dependable performance with a 55-hour power reserve that keeps it functional even during extended periods of non-use. Its column-wheel chronograph mechanism exemplifies traditional craftsmanship, offering precise control and smooth operation, which made it a favorite among watch enthusiasts and purists. The revival of the Calibre 321 movement in modern Speedmasters reflects Omega’s commitment to honoring its heritage and celebrating the artistry of vintage watchmaking.

One of the key features of the Calibre 321 is its column-wheel chronograph mechanism, which is prized for its accuracy and smooth operation. The column-wheel design allows precise control over the chronograph functions, making it a favorite among watch enthusiasts who value traditional craftsmanship. This movement is a technical wonder and a piece of history, as it was the exact mechanism that powered the original Speedmaster watches worn during the Apollo moon missions.

The movement is beautifully displayed through a sapphire crystal caseback, allowing wearers to appreciate its creation’s intricate engineering and artistry. The caseback is engraved with the Omega Seahorse logo, symbolizing the brand’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence. Additionally, the blue sapphire eye in the caseback engraving marks the Speedmaster’s 65th anniversary, adding a touch of elegance and celebration to the watch.

Each Calibre 321 movement is assembled by a single watchmaker, ensuring every component is meticulously crafted and inspected for quality. This level of attention to detail sets the Speedmaster Calibre 321 apart, offering a timepiece that is as much a work of art as a functional watch. Omega’s dedication to preserving the authenticity and craftsmanship of the original movement is evident in every aspect of the Calibre 321, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts.

A Closer Look at the Stunning Case Design of the Speedmaster Calibre 321

The Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 case in Canopus Gold beautifully captures Omega’s signature blend of luxury, innovation, and respect for its rich history. Crafted from Omega’s proprietary Canopus Gold, an 18K white gold alloy, the case offers a unique combination of elegance and durability. This alloy is enhanced with elements like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, contributing to its brilliant luster and resilience over time.

Dimensions and Proportions

The case’s diameter is 38.6mm, which provides a refined and understated presence on the wrist. This size is slightly smaller than some other variants in the Speedmaster series, offering a more classic and elegant look that appeals to those who appreciate subtlety in their luxury timepieces. The thickness and overall proportions are carefully balanced to ensure comfort and wearability, making it suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear.

Bezel and Engravings

The Canopus Gold edition bezel features a tachymeter scale filled with black Grand Feu enamel, a traditional technique that ensures durability and a vibrant finish. The bezel also showcases vintage-inspired details like the ‘dot over ninety’ (DON) and a dotted diagonal to seventy, which honor the Speedmaster’s rich history and attract collectors who appreciate these subtle nods to the past.

Case Back and Movement

The case back is another area where Omega’s craftsmanship shines. It features a transparent sapphire crystal, allowing an inside view of the meticulously crafted Calibre 321 movement. This movement is a reissue of the original used in the Speedmasters of the 1960s, celebrated for its precision and role in space exploration. The transparency of the case back not only highlights the movement’s intricate details but adds a modern touch to the watch’s classic design.

Finishing and Details

The case’s finishing is executed with great attention to detail, showcasing a combination of polished and brushed surfaces that enhance the watch’s visual appeal. The polished areas reflect light beautifully, while the brushed sections add a subtle texture that highlights the case’s contours. This interplay of finishes contributes to the watch’s overall elegance and sophistication.

Crown and Pushers

The crown and chronograph pushers are also crafted from Canopus Gold, maintaining the watch’s cohesive aesthetic. The crown is engraved with the Omega logo, a mark of authenticity and heritage. The pushers are designed for ease of use, providing a satisfying tactile response when operating the chronograph functions.

Key specifications:

  • Case Material: Made from Omega’s proprietary Canopus Gold (18K white gold alloy), this case offers enhanced brilliance and longevity. The alloy’s unique composition includes platinum, rhodium, and palladium.
  • Case Diameter: At 38.6mm, it is slightly smaller, offering a more understated elegance.
  • Bezel: The Canopus Gold bezel with black Grand Feu enamel tachymeter scale combines luxury with traditional craftsmanship.
  • Dial: The black onyx dial with Canopus Gold PVD-treated markers provides a striking contrast and a modern touch.
  • Bracelet/Strap: The Canopus Gold bracelet adds to the watch’s cohesive luxury, ensuring a seamless look.
  • Price: Priced at approximately $81,000, this variant is for those who appreciate top-tier luxury and innovative materials.

The Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold combines classic design with modern touches, creating a beautiful and historically significant timepiece. This watch celebrates Omega’s rich history and craftsmanship and features a stunning dial, iconic movement, and high-quality materials. It’s an excellent choice for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate true artistry in luxury watches.

The post 7 Reasons Why the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold Is the Ultimate Collector’s Dream first appeared on Yanko Design.

Metal Slug Tactics finally arrives on November 5

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The return of Metal Slug is almost upon us. It's been three years since spin-off Metal Slug Tactics was unveiled. After some delays, the game finally has a firm release date of November 5.

Rather than the classic run-and-gun gameplay of the original games, Metal Slug Tactics takes a more methodical approach to the action. As the name suggests, it's a tactical RPG. It does retain the pixel art look of the old games, though. Metal Slug Tactics is billed as both an homage to its predecessors and a new spin on the series, with some roguelite elements designed to boost replayability.

In their latest trailer, developer Leikir Studio and publisher Dotemu provide a fresh look at the game. It reveals three additional characters who appeared in earlier games from original publisher SNK in Clark Still, Ralf Jones and Leona Heidern.

The last new mainline game, Metal Slug 7, debuted in 2008. Since Metal Slug Tactics was announced, a couple of other spin-offs have arrived in the form of mobile titles Metal Slug: Commander and Metal Slug: Awakening, which later came to PC. However, this one is bound for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/metal-slug-tactics-finally-arrives-on-november-5-171012984.html?src=rss

Medical record tracking comes to Samsung Health

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In an update spotted by 9to5Google, Samsung Health now lets users view their medical records. Samsung is working with b.well Connected Health, a platform designed to provide people with access to their health data, to make these changes happen. They can access previous medical records, including vaccinations, prescriptions and specific medical tests.

Not only does Samsung Health provide information from the past. It can also provide recommendations for next steps and actions, as well as prompt users to seek medical attention.

Since the end of last year, Samsung Health has had a medication tracking feature. Now, Samsung says the feature is coming to South Korea and India, and it is collaborating with healthcare providers in those countries as needed.

One final notable update involves food intake monitoring. Samsung Health now has a barcode scanner to more easily record food products. The company is partnering with fatsecret, a provider of verified food and nutrition data. As a result, you can scan a barcode to get nutritional information instantly. This feature is coming first to the US and some EU countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. There are plans to expand it to other regions in the future.

Samsung isn’t only working to improve people’s health with the Samsung Health app. The FDA greenlit a sleep detection feature for Galaxy Watch this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/medical-record-tracking-comes-to-samsung-health-170011090.html?src=rss

The next-gen Roomba Essential robovacs have self-emptying docks and double the suction

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Only six months after iRobot launched its budget-friendly Essential robot vacuums, the lineup already has two new models. The Roomba Combo 2 Essential and Roomba Vac 2 Essential “double the cleaning power” of their predecessors and bring self-emptying dust bins to the series for the first time.

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential ($425) combines vacuuming and mopping capabilities, while the Vac 2 Essential ($400) is a vacuuming-only model for those without tile or hardwood floors. Both have 100 percent stronger suction than the first Essential vacs. The latter already had 20 times the suction power of the Roomba 600 series it replaced on the low end of iRobot’s product line.

Both machines have self-emptying capabilities, spitting dirt and debris into self-sealing bags inside the docking station. The bags can hold up to 60 days of dirt before you need to change them. The vacuums have four levels of suction power, a multi-surface bristle brush and an edge-sweeping brush.

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential mopping a floor in front of a couch.
iRobot

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential has the cheaper model’s vacuuming capabilities while adding mopping with three levels of water dispensing. For only $25 over the vacuum-only model, this one seems like the obvious choice unless your home is fully carpeted.

One thing higher-end models offer that these don’t is advanced navigation with LiDAR. Instead, budget models like these move in simple (but still effective) neat rows.

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential is now available in North America for $425 on iRobot’s website and at third-party retailers. The vacuum-only Vac 2 Essential costs $400 and is sold at select retailers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/the-next-gen-roomba-essential-robovacs-have-self-emptying-docks-and-double-the-suction-164014213.html?src=rss

Meta and GoFundMe team up to streamline social media donations

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Meta and GoFundMe have partnered up to simplify the process by which folks use social media to donate to charitable causes. GoFundMe links will still be shared via social media, but now they’ll boast a suite of improvements. This integration impacts both Instagram and Facebook.

The companies say the new GoFundMe links create an “interactive experience for potential donors.” To that end, there’s a big and bold new donate button that jettisons users to the official GoFundMe page to complete the transaction. The social media posts are also now dynamic, meaning they change in real time as the amount of money raised and the number of donors fluctuates.

The integration in action.
GoFundMe

There’s also new “seamless” integration with Instagram Stories, which is handy. GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan said in a press release that this move was intended to “give organizations the tools to inspire a new generation of supporters to make a difference for the causes they care about.”

These new features will soon be available in the US, Australia, Ireland, Canada and the UK. Beyond GoFundMe integration, social media sites have always experimented with different ways to streamline charitable giving. Instagram gave users the ability to create group fundraisers back in 2021 and added donation stickers before that.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-and-gofundme-team-up-to-streamline-social-media-donations-163042446.html?src=rss

The Ring Stick Up Cam is back on sale for a record-low price

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FAO bargain hunters: in case you happened to miss this deal when it was previously available, the Ring Stick Up Cam has dropped back down to a record-low price at Amazon. The camera is available for $55, which is $45 off of the $100 list price. The device fell to this price a couple of times in recent months, including in the lead up to the October edition of Prime Day.

The camera's name doesn't have anything to do with an old-fashioned heist. Instead, the "stick up" part refers to the fact you can position the camera just about anywhere. This is a model with a rechargeable battery, so you won't have to worry about figuring out how to hook it up to a power outlet.

You can keep an eye on the live 1080p camera feed using the Ring app or a compatible Echo device, such as the Echo Show. Two-way communication is available through those too. You'll get real-time notifications when the Stick Up Cam detects movement. There's the option to set up privacy zones for which the camera won't record or enable motion detection. In addition, there's a night vision mode. To store footage in the cloud, you'll need to subscribe to the Ring Protect Plan. This costs between $5 and $20 per month.

The latest Ring Battery Doorbell is on sale as well. This model only debuted in August but it has already dropped from $100 to a record low of $60. Amazon says this iteration has a 23 percent improvement in battery life compared with the prior version. There's a pin-push mount that's said to make installation easier as well, while there's support for the Head-to-Toe HD video mode seen on other Ring cameras.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-ring-stick-up-cam-is-back-on-sale-for-a-record-low-price-154035881.html?src=rss