The new Genie 2 model only needs one concept art to generate a game world. The neural network itself decodes the image into components, animates the character and simulates lighting sources.
The game engine works in the manner of GameNGen: the neural network does not write code and does not model three-dimensional space, but only generates a short video sequence in real time, taking into account the player’s clicks on the keyboard.
Google DeepMind trained Genie 2 on real games, including No Man’s Sky, Valheim and Teardown, which is why video generation algorithms completely repeat lighting artifacts and shadow rendering problems typical of games of the last generation.
There are concerned about the implications for intellectual property. DeepMind, a subsidiary of Google, has unrestricted access to YouTube. Google has previously suggested that its Terms of Service permit using YouTube videos to train models. The question is whether Genie 2 actually creates unauthorized copies of the video games it has watched
The neural network often hallucinates on the move: sometimes the walls of a house turn into a cave, and a character descending from a mountain throws a snowboard and starts running down the slope on his own two feet. In first-person games, in static scenes, ghostly silhouettes appear in the frame in the manner of NPCs from Skyrim.
Google does not specify the resolution and frame rate of working prototypes, and the maximum duration of the game demo does not exceed 60 seconds
It seems to me that such a model will simply help provide people with an idea for the implementation of any locations or heroes
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, continues to strengthen its position as one of the largest players in the Internet infrastructure. Meta plans to build a large-scale underwater fiber optic cable with a length of more than 40,000 km, covering the entire globe. This ambitious project will require investments in excess of $10 billion, making Meta the sole owner and user of the cable — a first for the company.
Strategic Reasons For Investments Improving
Traffic Quality: With the increasing use of the Internet, Meta, which serves 10% of fixed and 22% of mobile traffic worldwide, needs to ensure reliable and high-speed data transmission. Own cable will allow the company to optimize the traffic flow, reducing dependence on third-party providers.
Development of AI and Data Centers: Meta is considering the possibility of creating a data center in India, which will reduce the cost of computing power and accelerate the training of artificial intelligence models. The submarine cable will be a key element of this infrastructure.
The project is in the early stages of development. The initial budget is $2 billion, but as we move forward, it may increase to more than $10 billion. Meta is expected to officially announce the details of the project in early 2025, including the route, capacity and construction justification.
Straight Arrow News
Conclusion This step will allow Meta to ensure reliable data transmission, increase security and support the development of artificial intelligence, strengthening its position in the global Internet market. In the long run, such investments are likely to pay off, providing Meta with a sustainable advantage in the rapidly developing digital world.
Market Impact I think Meta shows a very ambitious and strategically important step. Despite the high initial costs and risks, this project can significantly improve and strengthen the Meta company in the world and open up new opportunities for innovation
The Air Max 1000, Nike’s first sneakers made almost entirely with 3D printing technology, was released. The shoes, which were created in partnership with Zellerfeld, the company, known for its mastery in the production of 3D-printed shoes, has completed its work in Las Vegas. Although it was on display at the event, the Air Max 1000 is not yet on the market.
The design of the Air Max 1000 is a modern take on the legendary Nike Air Max 1 sneakers, released in 1987 and featuring a visible air cushion in the sole. The rest of the shoes are made of a single flexible material using 3D printing, even if the Air Max 1000 airbag is still made in the traditional way.
The use of 3D printing has enabled the Air Max 1000 to have a sole with varying densities and textures. The bottom of the sole is firm and supportive, while the upper section is soft and flexible.
Nike has not shared with any details regarding the launch of the Air Max 1000 in a wider range. For reference, 3D-printed footwear from Zellerfeld ranges from $159 for shoes to nearly $400 for high-top designs.
I believe that it will be a completely new product variant that allows customers to create their perfect pair of shoes directly inside the Nike store, offering a personalized experience where they can choose every detail.
Qatar Airways has reached a groundbreaking milestone by operating the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 flight from Doha to London. This achievement makes Qatar Airways the first airline in the MENA region to offer Starlink’s ultra-fast, low-latency internet to all passengers, free of charge, from gate to gate.
With Starlink, passengers can enjoy fast and reliable internet access, stay connected with loved ones, stream entertainment, watch live sports, and even work or relax – all at 35,000 feet.
Qatar Airways plans to expand Starlink connectivity to its entire Boeing 777 fleet by 2025 and to its Airbus A350 fleet by summer 2025, surpassing its original targets. This commitment to innovative in-flight technology reflects Qatar Airways’ vision to improve the passenger experience.
Group CEO Eng Badr Mohammed Al Mir expressed his pride at the achievement, saying: “The launch of Starlink-equipped flights confirms our position as an industry leader. By providing seamless internet connectivity, we make every journey with Qatar Airways an unforgettable one.”
This collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink not only provides passengers with a premium experience, but also connectivity in remote areas, including over the oceans. With several industry firsts, Qatar Airways continues to set new standards in inflight connectivity and passenger service.
Apple has just introduced the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, expanding its powerful M4 chip lineup for Mac. These new chips are designed with second-generation 3-nanometer technology, giving them unmatched efficiency and performance. The M4 Pro and M4 Max are equipped with the fastest CPU (Central Processing Unit) cores in the industry, improving single-threaded performance and multitasking capabilities across the board.
Apple.com
The M4 Pro is particularly suited for users with demanding tasks, featuring a 14-core CPU and up to 64GB of memory, while also introducing Thunderbolt 5 support for the first time on Mac. This upgrade makes data transfers twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4, ideal for professional work in areas like coding, 3D modeling, and app development.
Meanwhile, the M4 Max chip, the most powerful in the lineup, is tailored for professionals in data science, video editing, and other intensive fields. With a 16-core CPU and up to 128GB of memory, the M4 Max handles large-scale projects seamlessly, thanks to its higher memory bandwidth and faster data processing capabilities.
Apple.com
Alongside these chips, Apple also introduced “Apple Intelligence,” which uses the M4’s Neural Engine to boost productivity and ensure user privacy. Apple Intelligence offers tools like advanced Writing Tools and an upgraded Siri. This all happens with a focus on sustainability, as Apple commits to reducing energy consumption, helping achieve its carbon neutrality goals by 2030.
Nowadays, the decentralized solutions, cryptocurrencies continue to change the world of finance. However, regulators around the world are faced with the need to find a balance between the freedom of decentralized financial institutions and the protection of the stability of the financial system.
This image has been generated by AI
How do cryptocurrencies work?
Crypto assets are digital assets that can be transferred and stored electronically using distributed ledger technologies (DLT), such as blockchains. DLT allows you to store, update and verify encrypted data in a decentralized manner, ensuring transparency and security.
Blockchain is a chain of “blocks” in which transaction data is recorded, which allows users to verify them without the need to involve intermediaries. This ensures a high degree of decentralization and reliability of data.
What are crypto assets used for?
1. Investments: Many investors consider crypto assets as a way to diversify their portfolio.
2. Means of payment: Cryptocurrencies can be used as an alternative to traditional currencies to pay for goods and services.
3. Smart contracts: Blockchain technologies allow you to create smart contracts that are automatically executed when certain conditions occur, which makes them useful for financial and legal transactions.
How is cryptocurrency regulated in Europe?
In the European Union, cryptocurrency regulation is mainly carried out through the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which came into force in June 2023. MiCA aims to create a unified framework for crypto asset trading and investment in the EU, regulating three main types of crypto assets:
The main goal of MiCA is to establish clear rules for the cryptocurrency market, which allows you to create a safe environment for users and investors. One of the key requirements of MiCA is the obligation of issuers of crypto assets to provide complete information about their products, including a description of the risks associated with them, which significantly increases the level of transparency in the market.
MiCA also includes strict regulations for stablecoins, especially those linked to fiat currencies or other assets such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC). These requirements ensure the stability of stablecoins and reduce risks for users.
In addition to MiCA, the EU has anti-money laundering directives such as AMLD5 and AMLD6. These directives require cryptocurrency exchanges to verify the identity of their customers and report suspicious transactions. The Money Transfer Regulation (TFR) has also been introduced, which introduces the “travel rule” rule — the obligation to collect and transmit information about transactions, which increases transparency and security of transactions.
How is cryptocurrency regulated in the world?
• China has completely banned the use of cryptocurrencies, restricting access to exchanges and digital assets.
• Japan has recognized cryptocurrencies as legitimate property, obliging exchanges to comply with anti-money laundering rules.
• Canada requires cryptocurrency companies to register and comply with strict AML rules.
• The US uses various legislative initiatives such as the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act and the Financial Innovation and Technology (FIT) for the 21st Century Act to distinguish cryptocurrencies as securities or commodities.
Bottom line
The EU aims to become a leader in digital finance by implementing clear rules through MiCA and anti-money laundering measures. This approach creates favorable conditions for innovation, providing a high level of security and transparency. As countries around the world choose their paths in regulating cryptocurrencies, the EU’s experience can be an important example for creating a secure and inclusive digital economy.
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