In the domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI), workflows are essential, connecting various tasks from initial data preprocessing to the final stages of model deployment. These structured processes are necessary for developing robust and effective AI systems. Across fields such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision,…
Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Video Shares Extended Gameplay And Reveals How It Acknowledges The Original Game’s Endings
Square Enix held a special livestream today for Life is Strange: Double Exposure, which was revealed during last week’s Xbox Games Showcase. The 48-minute presentation sits down with the game’s developers and performers to shed new light on Max Caulfield’s return to the franchise and her new powers while showing off extended gameplay.
The story seemingly unfolds a few years after the events of Life is Strange. Max has moved far away from Arcadia Bay for a fresh start and now works as an artist-in-residence at Caledon University in upstate Vermont. She has sworn to never use her time-rewind ability again, and hasn’t since the first game’s conclusion. Despite this, Max’s power has evolved. She can now travel between two timelines, an ability called Shift. Unfortunately, she only discovers this power after stumbling upon the sudden murder of her new friend, Safi.
[embedded content]
Deck Nine, who developed Life is Strange: Before the Storm and True Colors, describes the game as a supernatural murder mystery. Max will travel across two realities: her present one and an alternate timeline where Safi is still alive but very much in danger. In the reality where Safi is killed, Max must find the culprit. In the timeline where Safi lives, she must prevent her murder. Solving and preventing the same crime involves searching for clues across both timelines and interacting with two versions of every character, whose behavior and relationship to Max changes based on the timelines, circumstances, and your choices. Like True Colors, Double Exposure is a single release divided into episodes.
Of course, the million-dollar question for fans is how Double Exposure addresses Life Is Strange’s two endings. Deck Nine states the game includes a conversation between Max and Safi about Arcadia Bay, which will allow players to pick the ending they chose. This essentially determines Double Exposure’s canon, and your choice of ending will be reflected in Max’s thoughts, journals, text messages, and conversations with characters going forward. An example we see is a conversation where Safi asks Max who “the blue-haired girl” is to her, presenting a choice to establish Chloe’s relationship to Max.
In terms of gameplay, Max has lost her original time-rewind power. Instead, she can instantaneously swap timelines in certain spots to explore two versions of the same space. She’ll use this power to solve puzzles and circumnavigate inaccessible spaces (for example, a locked door in one timeline may be unlocked—or Max learns how to unlock it—in the other one). She can also use a “pulse” ability to extend her supernatural senses to determine weak points between the timelines, allowing her to see and hear ghostly glimpses of people and objects in the alternate reality without Shifting to it. Using this, she can eavesdrop on characters in the other timeline for intel and stealthily track suspects.
Of course, beyond the murder mystery, Max will have to deal with the social drama of working on a college campus. As its artist-in-residence, she serves as a mentor figure to younger students, which she may or may not use to her advantage. An extended gameplay video shows Max hanging out with Safi and her best friend Moses to watch a meteor shower. In addition to showing off some of the choices that can steer this scene in different directions, we also see Max’s camera come into play, where she can capture photos of her friends. We also see the events leading up to Safi’s murder.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure looks promising, and as a fan of the original, I’m looking forward to hanging with Max again and solving a new mystery. It launches on October 29 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Apple is reportedly getting free ChatGPT access
Apple’s newly-announced partnership with OpenAI – which brings ChatGPT capabilities to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia – comes without any direct money exchange. According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, “Apple isn’t paying OpenAI as part of the partnership.” Instead, the Cupertino-based company…
5 Best Data Analytics Certifications (June 2024)
Having a strong foundation in data analytics is crucial for professionals seeking to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in their organizations. With the growing demand for data analytics skills, numerous certifications have emerged to validate individuals’ expertise and set them apart in the…
Panasonic LUMIX GH7: New Flagship Camera – Videoguys
Pete Tomkies’ blog post on Videomaker introduces the new Panasonic LUMIX GH7, a flagship micro four-thirds mirrorless camera. Building on the success of the LUMIX GH6, the GH7 features a 25.2 MP BSI CMOS sensor with over 13 stops of dynamic range. This advanced sensor enhances light-gathering efficiency, resulting in higher sensitivity and reduced noise.
Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Key Features:
High-Resolution Video Recording:
- Records up to 5.7K 30p in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ.
- Supports 10-bit 4:2:2 DCI 4K and UHD 4K up to 60p.
- Offers 10-bit 4:2:0 recording up to 120 fps.
- Provides 5.8K full-sensor open gate recording at up to 30p.
- Features unlimited video recording up to C4K 60p with internal cooling.
Advanced Autofocus and Stabilization:
- Includes Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) for precise focus.
- Introduces real-time autofocus for airplanes and trains.
- Enhanced image stabilization with perspective distortion correction.
- High mode in Active IS for powerful stabilization on the move.
Professional Audio Capabilities:
- First interchangeable lens digital camera with 32-bit float audio recording.
- Requires optional DMW-XLR2 XLR microphone adapter for 32-bit float audio.
Versatile Storage and Workflow Integration:
- Dual card slots for CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD cards.
- Real Time LUT feature for applying LUTs during recording.
- Proxy recording for efficient editing workflows.
- Native Camera to Cloud integration with Adobe Frame.io.
Durability:
- Dust and splash resistant.
- Freeze-resistant down to 14°F (-10°C).
The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 offers outstanding video recording capabilities, making it a top choice for professional video shooters. Its internal ProRes HQ and ProRes RAW recording capabilities, along with high frame rate options, provide exceptional video quality. The inclusion of 32-bit float audio recording, previously requiring external equipment, is a significant advantage for solo videographers. The GH7 is set to become a favorite among micro four-thirds camera enthusiasts, thanks to its robust features and user-friendly design.
Read the full blog post by Pete Tomkies for Videomaker HERE
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Preview – Looking Forward To Next Time On Dragon Ball Z – Game Informer
Growing up, I didn’t spend much time watching anime outside of the Pokémon animated series after school each day. However, friends kept telling me about this incredible show from Japan called Dragon Ball Z. While I have gone back and experienced the legendary anime in adulthood, as a kid, streaming wasn’t an option, so outside of catching a few episodes airing on Toonami, I was extremely late to the DBZ anime party. However, in early 2003, I went to my local game rental shop and picked up Dragon Ball Z: Budokai. For this reason, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai became the primary way I interacted with the Dragon Ball Z storyline for several years.
I loved the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai trilogy and learning about the series’ various arcs through the fun 3D fighting series, but I missed out on the Budokai Tenkaichi series (known as Sparking! in Japan). But the anime storyline has come much further along since the last entry in 2010, which is why I’m so excited to jump back in and experience the various arcs through the upcoming Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero.
A modernized 3D fighting game with many of the mechanics and features present in the original Budokai Tenkaichi games, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero allows you to experience iconic and what-if battles in a variety of modes. The flagship mode seems to be Episode Battle, which focuses on the most iconic fights from the show. Several characters are playable in this mode, with each following their storylines from Dragon Ball Z all the way up to Dragon Ball Super. Because some characters are more involved in the story than others, some Episode Battle stories are longer than others, with Goku’s serving as the longest campaign.
Though I didn’t get a chance to play Episode Battle, I did get to watch a Bandai Namco rep play through the early Raditz battle as Goku. After defeating Goku over Master Roshi’s island, Raditz kidnaps Gohan, telling Goku he needs to kill 100 Earthlings if he ever wants to see his son again. Goku isn’t going to do that, so he starts deciding how to go after Raditz. It’s here that the game’s What-If scenarios come into play. You can join Piccolo, the canonical option, or go it alone. If you decide to go alone, you cannot switch between characters mid-battle, but you might get special cutscenes and dialogue you wouldn’t get in the canon path. You can also defy canon by winning a fight you’re supposed to lose, which also grants special cutscenes.
On top of Episode Battle, you can also participate in Custom and Bonus Battles. Custom Battles allow you to create, play, and share your own battle scenarios, including which characters, environments, and win conditions are involved. Bonus Battles are special battles created by the developers that you can play through – some even have cutscenes or different win conditions. Bandai Namco has also included split-screen battles within the Hyperbolic Time Chamber for when you want to duke it out on the couch with your friends.
My hands-on session takes place through a series of straightforward classic fights. You can play with standard controls or select the classic controls meant to emulate the feeling of the older Budokai Tenkaichi games. I’m also given the choice to select the stage and background music playing while the battle unfolds. Each side of the fight offers three character slots, which can be filled with members of the absolutely massive roster of fighters. From a dizzying number of Goku and Vegeta versions to characters like Broly, Mr. Satan, and Trunks, even in this incomplete form, Bandai Namco seems to be going all out with the roster.
Once in the stage, you can swap out characters using one side of the d-pad and trigger transformations with the other. You can also charge your Ki, which allows you to perform powerful and nimble maneuvers and attacks. When you overload your Ki gauge, you can perform Super attacks, like the Super Kamehameha, which even causes the weather to change. Speaking of environments, the destructibility was on full display during fights in the city, in a mountainous region, and even in a stadium. Buildings topple, mountains crumble, and crowds evacuate as the battle gets more and more out of hand.
The gameplay feels strong in action; I loved flying around as the various characters and unleashing their most powerful attacks in their stronger forms. It will take a while for me to reacclimate myself with flying around the 3D space, but I loved beating my enemies into submission before blasting them with powerful projectiles. I’m even more excited to play through the Episode Battles to learn an abridged version of what has happened in the story since I fell off watching the anime (yes, I know I could just watch the anime, as well).
I loved my time with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. After playing through a few over-the-top fights with some of my favorite heroes and villains from the series, I immediately got the itch to revisit the earlier Budokai and Budokai Tenkaichi games. However, I will probably hold off, as we don’t have much longer to wait, as Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero comes to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on October 11.
CISA employees impersonated by phone scammers – CyberTalk
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Earlier today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported that cyber criminals are impersonating its employees. In CISA’s own words, the agency is aware of “recent impersonation scammers claiming to represent the agency.”
What happened
Scammers placed phone calls to unsuspecting professionals, claiming to represent CISA and to be relaying an urgent message pertaining to a security vulnerability. The scammers ultimately intended for victims to transfer financial resources to external accounts.
This cyber sliminess reflects a broader trend. Cyber criminals are now trying to cover for their scams by weaponizing government employees’ names and titles.
CISA’s response
For its part, CISA notes that staff will never contact anyone in order to request money – whether that’s wired, cash, cryptocurrency or use of gift cards. It will also never instruct people to keep phone-based discussions secret.
Impersonation scams
In 2023, Americans reported more than $1.4 billion in financial losses due to impersonation scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission. That’s a 3X increase over the reported estimate from 2020.
Some scammers are now impersonating more than one organization in a single scam. In theory, a scammer might impersonate CISA, and then offer to transfer you to a fake FBI or Federal Trade Commission employee, for fake assistance.
Best practices
Even the pros can fall victim to scams, especially those that involve impersonation of CISA contacts. In the event that you find yourself on the receiving end of a CISA scam call, write down the phone number though which the call came in and follow standard procedure – immediately hang up.
Afterwards, call CISA to have the agency validate the phone number (844-729-2472) or report the scam attempt to law enforcement.
Protect your organization
- To safeguard your organization from cyber scams, provide employees with training around phishing attempts, which can occur via phone, text or email.
- Also, since scammers are commonly after valuable assets or the money itself, establish clear protocols for verifying any requests for sensitive information or financial transfers.
- Beyond that, ensure that your organization leverages the latest email security solutions and advanced threat prevention technologies. Learn more here.
Scam insights
For more insights into the latest cyber scams, see CyberTalk.org’s past coverage:
- Discover how hackers tried to scam this Check Point cyber security professional – click here
- Get details about the latest 401(k) scams – click here
- Read about how hundreds of people were rescued from cyber scam factories – click here
Lastly, to receive cyber security thought leadership articles, groundbreaking research and emerging threat analyses each week, subscribe to the CyberTalk.org newsletter.
SolarWinds IT Trends Report 2024: Embracing AI – A Boon or a Risk?
The 2024 SolarWinds IT Trends Report, titled “AI: Friend or Foe?“, provides a comprehensive examination of the current landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) within IT operations. Conducted in partnership with UserEvidence, the report surveyed nearly 700 IT professionals to understand their views on AI, focusing on…
It’s Time for Law firms To Go All In on AI
Amid the excitement over how AI will revolutionize healthcare, advertising, logistics and everything else, one industry has flown under the radar: the legal profession. In fact, the business of law is a strong contender for achieving the highest return on investment (ROI) from using AI. Law…
Power of Graph RAG: The Future of Intelligent Search
As the world becomes increasingly data-driven, the demand for accurate and efficient search technologies has never been higher. Traditional search engines, while powerful, often struggle to meet the complex and nuanced needs of users, particularly when dealing with long-tail queries or specialized domains. This is where…