Microsoft has agreed to union contract language regarding its use of artificial intelligence, which should give workers a voice when challenging how the technology’s deployed, as reported by Bloomberg. This is the first US instance of collective bargaining in Microsoft’s history and could be a huge step for those employed with the tech giant.
This came to pass as part of negotiations with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union and involves contract language that covers a few hundred staffers at Microsoft’s game studio ZeniMax, which includes well-known subsidiaries like Bethesda and Arkane, among others.
The gist here is that the contract language incorporates Microsoft’s previously-announced AI principles, sort of a ten commandments type deal. The language dictates that AI systems will “treat all people fairly” and “empower everyone.” To that end, it will give employees covered under the contract an avenue of recourse should they feel that Microsoft isn’t holding up its end of the bargain. Microsoft even hired dozens of ZeniMax contract workers as full-time employees, potentially as a show of good faith.
“The goal is to ensure tools and technologies benefit rather than harm workers,” the contract states. The language stipulates that Microsoft must inform the CWA whenever AI or related automation technology is implemented in a way that could impact workers. If requested, the company must enter into good-faith negotiations regarding the change. This is a big first step, considering Microsoft’s massive play into the AI space via integration with OpenAI products.
This would be news on its own, given Microsoft’s former hesitance to engage with unions in any way, shape or form. However, there’s more. The company also entered into a partnership with the AFL-CIO, the country’s largest federation of unions. The entities struck a deal that ensures Microsoft will remain neutral in efforts by unions to encourage workers to join up.
The partnership also creates an “open dialogue” to discuss AI and how it impacts workers. The AFL-CIO calls this team-up the “first of its kind between a labor organization and a technology company.” Microsoft has committed to share information with labor leaders regarding impactful AI trends and consider “worker perspectives” when developing new technologies.
Why the about face? There’s a whole lot of uncertainty out there regarding artificial intelligence and how it will impact workers across multiple industries. It looks like Microsoft is setting itself up to be the “adult in the room” when compared to rival entities. It’s worth noting, though, that Microsoft shareholders rejected a proposal last week that would slow down AI spending until a risk-assessment project could be conducted.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-agrees-to-union-contract-terms-involving-the-use-of-ai-173354643.html?src=rss
Microsoft has agreed to union contract language regarding its use of artificial intelligence, which should give workers a voice when challenging how the technology’s deployed, as reported by Bloomberg. This is the first US instance of collective bargaining in Microsoft’s history and could be a huge step for those employed with the tech giant.
This came to pass as part of negotiations with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union and involves contract language that covers a few hundred staffers at Microsoft’s game studio ZeniMax, which includes well-known subsidiaries like Bethesda and Arkane, among others.
The gist here is that the contract language incorporates Microsoft’s previously-announced AI principles, sort of a ten commandments type deal. The language dictates that AI systems will “treat all people fairly” and “empower everyone.” To that end, it will give employees covered under the contract an avenue of recourse should they feel that Microsoft isn’t holding up its end of the bargain. Microsoft even hired dozens of ZeniMax contract workers as full-time employees, potentially as a show of good faith.
“The goal is to ensure tools and technologies benefit rather than harm workers,” the contract states. The language stipulates that Microsoft must inform the CWA whenever AI or related automation technology is implemented in a way that could impact workers. If requested, the company must enter into good-faith negotiations regarding the change. This is a big first step, considering Microsoft’s massive play into the AI space via integration with OpenAI products.
This would be news on its own, given Microsoft’s former hesitance to engage with unions in any way, shape or form. However, there’s more. The company also entered into a partnership with the AFL-CIO, the country’s largest federation of unions. The entities struck a deal that ensures Microsoft will remain neutral in efforts by unions to encourage workers to join up.
The partnership also creates an “open dialogue” to discuss AI and how it impacts workers. The AFL-CIO calls this team-up the “first of its kind between a labor organization and a technology company.” Microsoft has committed to share information with labor leaders regarding impactful AI trends and consider “worker perspectives” when developing new technologies.
Why the about face? There’s a whole lot of uncertainty out there regarding artificial intelligence and how it will impact workers across multiple industries. It looks like Microsoft is setting itself up to be the “adult in the room” when compared to rival entities. It’s worth noting, though, that Microsoft shareholders rejected a proposal last week that would slow down AI spending until a risk-assessment project could be conducted.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-agrees-to-union-contract-terms-involving-the-use-of-ai-173354643.html?src=rss
You can pick up Blink 4 security cameras for up to 53 percent off, via Amazon. The most notable deal here is a combo pack that includes both the fourth-gen Blink Outdoor camera and the Mini indoor camera. That comes out to $72, a discount of 53 percent or a whopping $83 slashed from the MSRP of $155.
The Blink Outdoor 4 is the crown jewel in the company’s lineup. There’s a reason, after all, why it made our list of the best smart home devices. The camera may have “outdoor” right in the name, but this is a fantastic option for both indoor and outdoor use. They run on AA batteries and last up to two years before those cells need replacing. These cameras are weather-resistant and offer support for night vision, motion detection and two-way audio.
This is a wireless camera and clips are stored in the cloud if you have a Blink Subscription Plan, but you can also store them locally via a USB flash drive. The camera works with Alexa, but just Alexa, so other digital assistants are left out in the cold. The Blink Mini, which also ships with this set, is a decent indoor camera for keeping an eye on things, like which cat is stealing all the food.
Amazon is also selling other Blink products at deep discounts. If a combo pack isn’t your bag, the Blink Outdoor 4 by itself costs $72, which is a discount of 40 percent. The Blink Mini Pan-Tilt is on sale for $30, a discount of 50 percent and a record-low. This is an upgraded version of the Mini that ships with the combo pack, as it can pan and tilt for 360-degree coverage.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-knocks-up-to-53-percent-off-blink-outdoor-4-security-camera-packs-161447084.html?src=rss
You can pick up Blink 4 security cameras for up to 53 percent off, via Amazon. The most notable deal here is a combo pack that includes both the fourth-gen Blink Outdoor camera and the Mini indoor camera. That comes out to $72, a discount of 53 percent or a whopping $83 slashed from the MSRP of $155.
The Blink Outdoor 4 is the crown jewel in the company’s lineup. There’s a reason, after all, why it made our list of the best smart home devices. The camera may have “outdoor” right in the name, but this is a fantastic option for both indoor and outdoor use. They run on AA batteries and last up to two years before those cells need replacing. These cameras are weather-resistant and offer support for night vision, motion detection and two-way audio.
This is a wireless camera and clips are stored in the cloud if you have a Blink Subscription Plan, but you can also store them locally via a USB flash drive. The camera works with Alexa, but just Alexa, so other digital assistants are left out in the cold. The Blink Mini, which also ships with this set, is a decent indoor camera for keeping an eye on things, like which cat is stealing all the food.
Amazon is also selling other Blink products at deep discounts. If a combo pack isn’t your bag, the Blink Outdoor 4 by itself costs $72, which is a discount of 40 percent. The Blink Mini Pan-Tilt is on sale for $30, a discount of 50 percent and a record-low. This is an upgraded version of the Mini that ships with the combo pack, as it can pan and tilt for 360-degree coverage.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-knocks-up-to-53-percent-off-blink-outdoor-4-security-camera-packs-161447084.html?src=rss
Alan Wake 2 won big at last night’s The Game Awards and the developer wasted no time to capitalize on that momentum. Remedy just announced that the game is getting free DLC next week, December 11, in the form of a New Game Plus mode. This has been a long-requested feature for fans of the title. Well, if by long-requested you mean within the past two months.
Alan Wake 2: The Final Draft will include a brand-new ending for the story, though you must first beat the game in the traditional way to access it. Remedy says this ending will “spark speculation and theories from dedicated fans.” The updates go beyond the last act, however, as The Final Draft will feature new lore videos and manuscript pages and, of course, tougher enemies.
These enemies will populate a new Nightmare difficulty level. The baddies in the original game were already notorious bullet sponges, so we’ll see what happens with the DLC. Once you beat the game, you’ll be able to access New Game Plus. Also, you’ll have all of your weapons, charms and character upgrades from the first playthrough.
Alan Wake 2: The Final Draft will be available on all platforms, including PS5, Xbox X/S and PC. Set your calendars for December 11 and get ready to venture back into Bright Falls. In related news, the titular hero recently popped up in Fortnite as part of a cross-promotional campaign.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/alan-wake-2-to-dispatch-a-new-game-plus-mode-on-december-11-193451922.html?src=rss
After much speculation and waiting, Threads is finally launching in Europe. Meta’s social media app will likely release in the EU on December 14, just in time to post photos of holiday dinners or whatever. There’s no official announcement by Zuck and the gang, but there is a countdown timer on Instagram appearing for EU users. These users will find a ticket within the app that advertises the pending release for the Twitter-like platform.
The timer is also available on the Threads website, but only for those clicking from EU-based IP addresses, as reported by The Verge. Finally, European Instagram users can simply search for “ticket” to find a scannable QR code that announces the forthcoming launch. We don’t know, however, which countries in the EU will get the app on December 14. Engadget reached out to Meta and will update this story if we hear back.
So what’s been the holdup? Meta has had trouble complying with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Meta and other tech giants were designated as platform gatekeepers back in July, forcing stricter rules regarding user consent and data protection. It looks like the company worked everything out in time for this release, though it remains unclear if the app itself would change to accommodate the regulations. We’ll find out next week.
The Game Awards is over and done with, leaving an empty theater in Los Angeles and plenty of happy game developers placing pointy statuettes on their mantels. To that end, Larian Studios and its massively successful RPG Baldur’s Gate 3 was the big winner of the night, taking home the prize for game of the year, player’s choice, best multiplayer game and more.
Remedy’s Alan Wake 2 was also on fire, winning best game direction, best narrative and best art direction, among others. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom paraglided away with the statue for best action/adventure and the RPG Sea of Stars won for best indie game, with Cocoon being awarded best debut indie game.
Okay. Now that the actual awards are out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff. The main reason people watch The Game Awards is for reveals and trailers, and this year didn’t disappoint. There were over a dozen announcements, and here are the best and brightest of the bunch.
Light No Fire
Boy oh boy, a new title from Hello Games, the makers of a little-known space sim called No Man’s Sky. The studio has finally announced a follow up, which has been in development for five years. Light No Fire, another three-word monosyllabic game name, is being billed as the “the first real open world” title, a lofty promise that Hello may be able to pull off. The world is allegedly the same size as Earth, with secrets and mysteries around every corner. It’s also multiplayer, which is neat. Who knows when this one will come out, but it looks gorgeous.
Jurassic Park: Survival
It’s been a couple of years since a new Jurassic Park game, and more than that for a proper adventure title. Jurassic Park: Survival actually takes place one day after the events of the first film, and looks to feature plenty of stealthy action as you hide from hungry dinos. There’s no release date, but it’s launching on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC.
OD
Did you think Hideo Kojima would be spending all of his time on Death Stranding 2? Heck no. The legendary developer has also been busy preparing the cinematic horror gameOD, previously called Overdose. It’s described as something “no one has ever experienced or seen before,” which is entirely possible, given Kojima’s pedigree. Filmmaker Jordan Peele is also on board, as are actors Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer and Udo Kier. Details are scant, as it’s a Kojima joint, but the game will release for Xbox X/S and PC at some point.
Marvel’s Blade
That’s right. Everyone’s favorite vampire hunter is getting his own video game. Even better? It’s being developed by Arkane Lyon, the talented team behind Deathloop and Dishonored 2. Sure, the dev also made Redfall, but maybe Arkane can take some of the best parts of that vampire shooter and translate it to Marvel’s hero. There’s no release date and no announced platforms for this one.
Exodus
This is the first game from Archetype Entertainment, a studio staffed by former developers from Bioware, Naughty Dog and other AAA developers. Exodus is a sci-fi RPG that deals with the effects of time dilation, the notion that time passes more slowly to those experiencing high-velocity space travel. It looks cinematic and gorgeous, with a major emphasis on player choice. Exodus has no release date, but it's in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom is busy working on a new Monster Hunter entry.Monster Hunter Wilds is a direct followup to Monster Hunter World and it looks to feature all of the big, bad beasties you can shake a sharpened stick at. It’s on the way to PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, with more information coming this summer.
Windblown
Motion Twin, the developer of Dead Cells, is back with another roguelike. Windblownlooks to be a fast-paced release that promises “a whole new level of speed to the action rogue-like genre.” It’s also not a sidescroller, which is a definitive break from the Dead Cells formula. Windblown launches in 2024 for PC, though consoles are likely to follow.
Big Walk
Looking to relax? House House, the developer behind Untitled Goose Game, has got you covered. Big Walk is, well, a multiplayer walking sim with plenty of secrets to uncover. Cooperation is a major part of the game as you and your friends work to explore the wilderness. Big Walk is slated to arrive on Steam and the Epic Game Store in 2025.
No Rest for the Wicked
No Rest for the Wicked is the new project from Moon Studios, the team behind Ori and the Blind Forest and its sequel. It’s a top-down action RPG, departing from Ori’s metroidvania roots, set during the middle ages. The graphics are stunning, which is no surprise considering the developer. It's due to hit early access on Steam in the first quarter of 2024, and will eventually launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Pony Island 2: Panda Circus
Indie developer Daniel Mullins made a name for himself with Inscryption and the original Pony Island. Now he’s back with Pony Island 2: Panda Circus, a game that’s not actually about ponies. The trailer is weird and creepy, as one would expect, with sudden shifts from a 3D adventure to a 2D point-and-click and back again. Voice actor SungWon "ProZD" Cho is also on board. The game may not be released until 2026, so put on your waiting cap.
Sega Embraces its Roots
Sega dropped a trailer for not just one game, but a whole bunch of games based on classic IPs. You can look forward to forthcoming reboots of Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage and Shinobi. Everything old is new again. But, where’s Seaman?
Final Fantasy XVI and God of War Ragnarok get DLC
The DLC faeries were good to us this year. There’s a God of War Ragnarok update launching next week, bringing a new roguelite game mode to Sony’s hit adventure. We also got a surprise drop for the first Final Fantasy XVI DLC. Echoes of the Fallen, set before the base game’s final battle, is available now, with a second DLC planned for next year. To that end, Square Enix dropped a trailer for next year’s installment, The Rising Tide.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/heres-everything-that-was-announced-during-the-game-awards-173051610.html?src=rss
The Sonos Era 100 wireless bookshelf speaker is back down to $199, matching prices found during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s a discount of around $50, as the MSRP for this speaker is $250. If you squint, it’s almost like the holiday spending season never ended. (That’s because it mostly didn’t.)
This sale is for the both the black and white colorways, suiting those with diverging aesthetic preferences. The Sonos Era 100 boasts touch controls and voice controls, like many modern speakers. It’s wireless via Bluetooth or WiFi, which is handy, but also features a line in for connecting record players, home stereo systems and other audio devices that require an analog input.
We admired the Sonos Era 100 in our official review, calling out the excellent sound quality for the price, the simple yet attractive form factor and the built-in mics that allow for easy TruePlay tuning. For the uninitiated, TruePlay measures how sound reflects off of your walls and furniture to fine tune the speakers for optimal playback.
It has Alexa built-in, but recently lost support for Google Assistant, which is a bummer. You can, however, also access proprietary voice controls. The stereo separation is minimal, but that comes with the territory of trying to use a single speaker to complete the work of a matched stereo pair.
Sonos is also selling other speakers at Black Friday/Cyber Monday prices. The wireless soundbar Beam is down to $400 instead of $500 and the portable Roam speaker now costs $134 instead of $180. All of these speakers make for great stocking stuffers, except for the fact that they likely won’t actually fit in stockings.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-sonos-era-100-is-back-down-to-199-in-a-new-holiday-sale-140035755.html?src=rss
Arkane Lyon, the developer of Deathloop, is making a game based on Marvel’s resident vampire hunter Blade. There’s a trailer, but it’s just a cinematic with no gameplay. Still, this is very exciting news as Arkane Lyon is the talented team behind Prey and the Dishonored2. It also made the vampire shooter Redfall, which had some good ideas that were marred by, well, some very bad ideas. Here’s hoping the second time’s a holy watered charm.
This doesn’t have anything to do with Marvel’s upcoming Blade film, which has been in and out of development hell these past few years. It’s an original game set in Paris that adapts the comic book character. Arkane calls it a mature single-player adventure, so it's likely to feature more gore than other Marvel games because, well, that’s kind of Blade’s whole bag. As usual, Marvel Games is on board, as VP and creative director Bill Roseman took the stage at The Game Awards after the trailer reveal.
Marvel is fairly hands-on with its games nowadays, and recent titles like Spider-Man 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy had its stamp of approval. There’s no release date and no announced platforms for Blade, though the entire team at Arkane Lyon is currently “pouring so much love” into the game.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/arkane-lyon-is-making-a-blade-game-and-were-all-very-excited-032148485.html?src=rss
Sorry Evolution fans, there’s a new Jurassic Park game in town. Saber Interactive and Universal just dropped a trailer for Jurassic Park: Survival at The Game Awards.This is an adventure game set on Isla Nublar just one day after the events of the original film. You play as InGen scientist Dr. Maya Joshi, who missed the last plane out of dodge. In other words, she’s stuck on an island full of hungry dinosaurs.
The single-player action-adventure has you hiding from all kinds of menacing species, and the publisher boasts that each dinosaur boasts its own set of “distinct and adaptive behaviors.” Obviously, with a name like Jurassic Park: Survival, staying alive will be the name of the game. There’s not much, after all, one person can do to hurt a rampaging T-rex. This looks to be a stealth-heavy nailbiter, but one with all of the familiar landmarks from the film. It even features that iconic John Williams theme.
There’s no release date yet, so we likely have a bit of time before we get our hands on this one. Jurassic Park: Survival launches on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC. There’s just one final question on my mind. Will the player find the body of recently-deceased Dennis Nedry? The dude sucked, but he didn’t deserve that.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jurassic-park-survival-is-an-adventure-game-set-one-day-after-the-original-film-023630203.html?src=rss