Uniswap Reveals Plans to Launch Ethereum Layer-2 Network Unichain – Decrypt
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The Next Chapter Awaits: Dive Into ‘Diablo IV’s’ Latest Adventure ‘Vessel of Hatred’ on GeForce NOW
Prepare for a devilishly good time this GFN Thursday as the critically acclaimed Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred downloadable content (DLC) joins the cloud, one of six new games available this week.
GeForce NOW also extends its game-library sync feature to Battle.net accounts, so members can seamlessly bring their favorite Blizzard games into their cloud-streaming libraries.
Hell’s Bells and Whistles
Get ready to rage. New DLC for the hit title Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is available to stream at launch this week, with thrilling content and gameplay for GeForce NOW members to experience.
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred DLC is the highly anticipated expansion of the latest installment in Blizzard’s iconic action role-playing game series. It introduces players to the lush and dangerous jungles of Nahantu. Teeming with both beauty and dangers, this new environment offers a fresh backdrop for action-packed battles against the demonic forces of Hell. A new playable class, the Spiritborn, offers unique gameplay mechanics tied to four guardian spirits: the eagle, gorilla, jaguar and centipede.
The DLC extends the main Diablo IV story and includes new features such as recruitable Mercenaries, a Player vs. Everyone co-op endgame activity, Party Finder to help members team up and take down challenges together, and more. Vessel of Hatred arrives alongside major updates including revamped leveling, a new difficulty system and Paragon adjustments that will continue to enhance the world of Diablo IV.
Ultimate members can experience the wrath at up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second with support for NVIDIA DLSS and ray-tracing technologies. And members can jump right into the latest DLC without having to wait around for updates. Hell never looked so good, even on low-powered devices.
Let That Sync In
With game syncing for Blizzard’s Battle.net game library coming to GeForce NOW this week, members can connect their digital game store accounts so that all of their supported games are part of their streaming libraries.
Members can now easily find and stream popular titles such as StarCraft II, Overwatch 2, Call of Duty HQ and Hearthstone from their cloud gaming libraries, enhancing the games’ accessibility across a variety of devices.
Battle.net joins other digital storefronts that already have game sync support, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox and Ubisoft Connect. This allows members to consolidate their gaming experiences in one place.
Plus, GeForce NOW members can play high-quality titles without the need for high-end hardware, streaming from GeForce RTX-powered servers in the cloud. Whether battling demons in Sanctuary or engaging in epic firefights, GeForce NOW members get a seamless gaming experience anytime, anywhere.
Hot and New
Europa is a peaceful game of adventure, exploration and meditation from Future Friends Games, ready for members to stream at launch this week. On the moon Europa, a lush terraformed paradise in Jupiter’s shadow, an android named Zee sets out in search of answers. Run, glide and fly across the landscape, solve mysteries in the ruins of a fallen utopia, and discover the story of the last human alive.
Members can look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week:
Empyrion – Galactic Survival (New release on Epic Games Store, Oct. 10)
Europa (New release on Steam, Oct. 11)
Dwarven Realms (Steam)
Star Trek Timelines (Steam)
Star Trucker (Steam)
Starcom: Unknown Space (Steam)
What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.
the cloud is a hell of a good time
— 🌩️ NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) October 9, 2024
Introducing Linea ENS Support in Hyperledger Web3j
Ethereum addresses, with their 42 characters, have become a hallmark of the web3 ecosystem. However, memorizing these long strings is nearly impossible for most users. The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) addresses this issue by offering a decentralized naming protocol on the Ethereum blockchain.
As of July 30th, ENS domains are also available on Linea, the fastest-growing zkEVM on Ethereum. With the recent updates in Hyperledger Web3j, developers can now seamlessly integrate Linea ENS functionality into their Java applications. This makes it easier to interact with these human-readable domain names across the Ethereum ecosystem.
What is Linea ENS?
The adoption of ENS on Linea marks a significant milestone. Linea, a zkEVM Layer 2 blockchain, has implemented the EIP-3668 standard – CCIP Read, enabling efficient operation of ENS with lower gas costs and improved interoperability. Linea ENS domains take the format name.linea.eth and provide users with a human-readable alternative to their Ethereum addresses, all while ensuring high security and lower transaction costs.
This system simplifies the user experience, reduces the likelihood of transaction errors, and increases accessibility. Users can switch their wallet address to a human-readable domain. Developers can use CCIP Read (ERC-3668) for cross-chain data retrieval.
Linea Support in Hyperledger Web3j
Hyperledger Web3j, the Java library for interacting with Ethereum, now supports Linea ENS, thanks to recent updates. We have added the ENS registry contracts for both Linea Mainnet and Linea Sepolia testnet from their GitHub repository.
This enhancement allows developers to seamlessly integrate Linea ENS functionality into their Java applications. It enables them to resolve all ENS names into addresses or reverse resolve addresses into Linea ENS domains. The inclusion of both the Linea Mainnet and Linea Sepolia testnet ensures that developers can test and deploy their applications across different environments with ease.
Code Example: Resolving Linea ENS with Hyperledger Web3j
Below is a simple example of how to use ENS on the Linea network using Hyperledger Web3j:
This code snippet demonstrates how to resolve a Linea ENS domain (alex.linea.eth) to its associated Ethereum address and then reverse resolve that address back to the ENS name. The functionality is available for both Linea Mainnet and Linea Sepolia testnet, ensuring full support for developers working across different stages of deployment.
For more details, you can check the pull request on GitHub.
Conclusion
The addition of Linea ENS support in Hyperledger Web3j, now an LF Decentralized Trust project, marks a significant step forward for developers looking to build on the Linea network. By enabling easier interaction with ENS domains on Linea, this update reduces complexity and fosters a more user-friendly experience within the Ethereum ecosystem.
What Are Arcade Games & More
Arcade games hold today a unique and lasting appeal. These quick and engaging experiences evoke nostalgia in players while also introducing newbies to the thrill of action-packed entertainment. What are arcade games today, and what is their long and fascinating history? We will also explore the evolution of mobile phone arcade games and their increasing popularity and highlight some of the standout titles currently captivating players.
A Brief History of Arcade Gaming
The history of arcade games dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when video games became a cultural phenomenon. They became social hubs where friends would gather, compete, and bond over their love for games. Titles like Pac-Man and Space Invaders became part of daily life. Players would save up their pocket money just to enjoy a few rounds with friends at the arcade. Later hits like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat not only pushed technical boundaries but also established a sense of friendly (or fierce) competition.
This social aspect, combined with the excitement of trying to beat the high score, is what makes these games deeply nostalgic for many people. The allure wasn’t just in the game itself but in the shared experience. Whether it was making new friends or creating unforgettable memories. Fast forward to the present, the nostalgia of arcades finds a home in our smartphones today. Modern mobile devices, with their powerful processors, high-resolution screens, and responsive touch controls, provide an ideal platform for reimagining the magic of classic arcade gaming.
The Mobile Arcade Renaissance
The 1990s were a golden era for arcade games, with pinball machines and video game cabinets reaching their peak in entertainment. While arcades held a dominant place in games throughout the 80s and early 90s, the tide began to shift earlier than 1996. By the late ’80s and early ’90s, home consoles like the NES, Sega Genesis (Mega Drive), and Game Boy started making gaming more accessible from home. With the release of PlayStation in 1994, home gaming systems finally began to rival arcades in popularity. Despite this, arcades retained their unique allure, offering games and experiences that weren’t easily replicated at home until much later. Between 1997 and 1998, home gaming systems finally overtook arcades in popularity.
As we moved into the 2000s, arcades in the Western world started to decline. Many tried to adapt by offering experiences you couldn’t easily recreate at home, like unique pinball machines and speciality arcade games, often paired with attractions like restaurants or bars.
Even though arcades became less common, the appeal of their simple, engaging gameplay never really disappeared. They’ve had a resurgence thanks to a wave of 80s and 90s nostalgia through pop culture phenomenons like the Palace Arcade in Stranger Things. Thanks to advances in mobile technology, classic arcade games have also found new life on our phones. While AR and VR might grab more attention, mobile arcade games have made a serious comeback, winning over longtime fans and introducing these timeless classics to a whole new generation.
What are Mobile Arcade Games Exactly?
You might wonder, what are arcade games that stand out from the endless options available on mobile app stores? Apple even launched ‘Apple Arcade,’ a subscription service that gives access to hundreds of games, covering everything from action and puzzles to sports and word games. But in a sea of options, what are mobile arcade games, and what makes them special?
Mobile arcade games are essentially digital versions or modern takes on the classic games from old-school arcades. Think of familiar names like Tetris, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Mortal Kombat, Space Invaders or newly imagined games that don’t rely on these IPs. These games aren’t about complex strategies or deep thinking. Instead, they focus on precise timing and fast reflexes. The gameplay is simple and often repetitive, letting players sharpen their skills over time. Sessions are short and quick, making them perfect for filling those little gaps in your day, whether it’s during a commute or while waiting in line.
What really sets these games apart is their simplicity. There’s no need for lengthy tutorials or complicated controls. You can jump in and start playing right away, often using just one hand. This ease of use makes mobile arcade games so accessible and enjoyable, even for people who might not typically play games.
What Makes the Best Arcade Games Stand Out?
The most popular arcade games on Android and iOS tend to follow a similar formula: simple gameplay at their core, with added layers of depth and a smart monetisation strategy.
Arcade Mobile Game = Simple Core Gameplay + Meta Layers + Monetisation Strategy + Nostalgia
What sets mobile arcade games apart from Hybrid Casual games is their pure focus on fast reflexes, timing, and simplicity. Hybrid Casual games often layer deeper strategy or story elements, while arcade games are defined by their ability to offer quick bursts of gameplay with minimal learning curve. Arcade games tap into nostalgia, offering an experience that feels familiar and instantly gratifying, while Hybrid Casual titles may incorporate more progression systems or in-depth mechanics.
This should be emphasised – at the heart of a successful arcade game is nostalgia. While simplicity is key, the real appeal for many players, especially adults and seniors, is the chance to relive memories from their childhood. The familiar gameplay mechanics, retro graphics, and iconic characters act as a portal to the past, allowing players to reconnect with a simpler time.
For many, these games are less about learning something new and more about feeling that familiar rush of excitement they experienced in their younger years. The gameplay is straightforward, easy to learn, and gives players a quick sense of satisfaction. Classic arcade games were once limited to 8-bit graphics and basic colour schemes, which today bring a nostalgic charm that developers can still use. A great example is Crossy Road, which reimagines the classic Frogger gameplay with a modern, pixelated look, capturing both new and old players.
But in today’s competitive mobile games market, developing just a simple game isn’t enough. To keep players coming back, games need to offer more than just the core experience. This is where “meta layers” come in.
For arcade game fans, it’s not just about engaging gameplay. It’s about nostalgia and meeting expectations. These players are often revisiting the titles they loved as kids, and they come with a sense of loyalty and emotional connection to the game. If the mobile version doesn’t do justice to the original, players may quickly lose interest. For developers, it’s important to stay true to the essence of the original while also bringing something fresh to the table, whether through graphics, smoother controls, or updated challenges. These could be things like leaderboards to encourage competition, customisation options to let players personalise their experience or multiplayer modes for social interaction. These extra layers create a sense of progression and habit, keeping players invested.
Monetisation is another key factor (as much as we love to play, analysing how they make money is essential to understanding them). Once a game has a solid player base, it needs to find ways to generate revenue. Most arcade games follow a free-to-play model, offering players the chance to make in-app purchases for things like extra lives, special items, or upgrades. Ads can also be integrated in a way that doesn’t disrupt the gameplay. A thoughtful combination of these methods usually works best for balancing user experience with profitability.
Remembering the Classics
Before we get closer to modern mobile arcade games, let’s revisit some legendary arcade games:
Donkey Kong (1981): A Nintendo masterpiece known for its challenging multi-level design, earning $280 million in revenue.Asteroids (1979): An iconic shooter by Atari that amassed $800 million by 1991.Space Invaders (1978): Another iconic shoot ’em up arcade game that had grossed $3.8 billion, with a net profit of $450 million by 1982.Defender (1981): Celebrated for its rescue-based gameplay, this title garnered $1 billion by 1993.Ms. Pac-Man (1981): A beloved maze game that became a non-violent favourite (unless you count eating ghosts), generating $1.2 billion by 1987.
These games made a lasting impact on the gaming world and are still loved by players of all ages.
The Allure of Modern Mobile Arcade Games
Modern mobile arcade games have a charm that extends beyond nostalgia appeal. It’s the blend of gameplay and user accessibility that makes them so captivating. With their visuals and controls the games manage to attract players from all walks of life, making them an ideal choice for those seeking amusement during their daily commute or leisure time without the hassle of intricate learning curves.
Top Mobile Arcade Games Today
Here are some standout mobile arcade games that successfully blend classic appeal with modern innovation:
Subway Surfers
Released in 2012 by Kiloo and SYBO Games, Subway Surfers is an endless runner featuring vibrant graphics and dynamic gameplay. Its intuitive controls and increasing difficulty levels make it enjoyable for players of all ages.
Angry Birds Classic
Rovio Entertainment’s Angry Birds, launched in 2009, became a global sensation with its creative physics-based puzzles. Offering over 640 levels, it remains a fan favourite and a staple in mobile gaming.
Sonic Dash
In 2013, Sega introduced Sonic Dash, bringing the iconic hedgehog to mobile screens in an endless runner format. The game boasts impressive 3D graphics and thrilling boss battles, solidifying its status as a modern arcade classic.
Teeter Pro – labyrinth maze
Developed by Thesurix, Teeter Pro is a unique maze game that challenges players to guide a steel ball through intricate wooden labyrinths. With over 120 levels, it tests precision and problem-solving skills.
Fruit NinjaSince its release in 2010 by Halfbrick Studios, Fruit Ninja has captivated players with the simple yet addictive task of slicing fruit using swift finger swipes. Multiple game modes enhance its replayability and enduring appeal.
Crafting Your Own Mobile Arcade Game
Developing a mobile arcade game is all about blending classic, nostalgic gameplay with today’s tech. It starts with designing a game that’s simple and fun, with easy controls that anyone can pick up quickly. The real challenge is making sure the game offers just enough difficulty to keep players hooked and coming back for more.
When it comes to choosing the right game engine, Unity is a great all-around option for both 2D and 3D games. If you’re aiming for something with more advanced graphics or a larger scale, Unreal Engine might be the way to go. For simpler, 2D-focused projects, Cocos2d-x can be a good choice since it doesn’t demand a lot of resources.
Figuring out how to make money from your game is also key. In-app purchases work well, whether it’s offering players new skins, power-ups, or extra levels. Ads can bring in revenue, too, especially if you use formats like rewarded videos that fit smoothly into the game without being annoying. Subscriptions are another idea, giving players access to exclusive content or removing ads entirely for a fee.
Overcoming Development Challenges
One of the key challenges for mobile arcade game development is optimising performance across devices. Arcade games, known for their fast-paced action, need to run smoothly on both high-end and budget devices. But beyond technical performance, there’s also an art challenge: capturing the classic, often pixelated aesthetic of arcade games in a way that resonates with both nostalgic players and modern audiences. Developers must balance staying true to the retro look while incorporating enough modern polish to make the games visually appealing on today’s high-resolution screens. Achieving this balance is key to capturing both the heart and eyes of players.
For an interesting perspective on the art challenges in game development, here’s a video that dives deeper into these intricacies: Art Challenges in Game Design.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mobile Arcade Games
Looking to the future, mobile arcade games are only going to get more exciting as technology keeps pushing forward. We’ll see better graphics, more complex game mechanics, and creative new features that weren’t possible before. But even with all these advancements, the heart of arcade games stays the same. It’s all about offering fast, thrilling gameplay that brings back the energy and fun of the classic arcade experience.
If you’re looking for fun, free games, check out Kwalee’s hit mobile games, played by millions each month – with everything from drawing challenges, simulations and police chases!
Linea ENS Support in Hyperledger Web3j
Ethereum addresses, with their 42 characters, have become a hallmark of the web3 ecosystem. However, memorizing these long strings is nearly impossible for most users. The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) addresses this issue by offering a decentralized naming protocol on the Ethereum blockchain.
As of July 30th, ENS domains are also available on Linea, the fastest-growing zkEVM on Ethereum. With the recent updates in Hyperledger Web3j, developers can now seamlessly integrate Linea ENS functionality into their Java applications. This makes it easier to interact with these human-readable domain names across the Ethereum ecosystem.
What is Linea ENS?
The adoption of ENS on Linea marks a significant milestone. Linea, a zkEVM Layer 2 blockchain, has implemented the EIP-3668 standard – CCIP Read, enabling efficient operation of ENS with lower gas costs and improved interoperability. Linea ENS domains take the format name.linea.eth and provide users with a human-readable alternative to their Ethereum addresses, all while ensuring high security and lower transaction costs.
This system simplifies the user experience, reduces the likelihood of transaction errors, and increases accessibility. Users can switch their wallet address to a human-readable domain. Developers can use CCIP Read (ERC-3668) for cross-chain data retrieval.
ENS Implementation in Linea
Linea Support in Hyperledger Web3j
Hyperledger Web3j, the Java library for interacting with Ethereum, now supports Linea ENS, thanks to recent updates. We have added the ENS registry contracts for both Linea Mainnet and Linea Sepolia testnet from their GitHub repository.
This enhancement allows developers to seamlessly integrate Linea ENS functionality into their Java applications. It enables them to resolve all ENS names into addresses or reverse resolve addresses into Linea ENS domains. The inclusion of both the Linea Mainnet and Linea Sepolia testnet ensures that developers can test and deploy their applications across different environments with ease.
Code Example: Resolving Linea ENS with Hyperledger Web3j
Below is a simple example of how to use ENS on the Linea network using Hyperledger Web3j:
This code snippet demonstrates how to resolve a Linea ENS domain (alex.linea.eth) to its associated Ethereum address and then reverse resolve that address back to the ENS name. The functionality is available for both Linea Mainnet and Linea Sepolia testnet, ensuring full support for developers working across different stages of deployment.
For more details, you can check the pull request on GitHub.
Conclusion
The addition of Linea ENS support in Hyperledger Web3j, now an LF Decentralized Trust project, marks a significant step forward for developers looking to build on the Linea network. By enabling easier interaction with ENS domains on Linea, this update reduces complexity and fosters a more user-friendly experience within the Ethereum ecosystem.
DC’s New Batman Comic Just Changed Bruce Wayne’s Origin Story In A Major Way – SlashFilm
Some context for “Absolute DC” is necessary. Snyder isn’t just writing “Absolute Batman,” he’s one of this initiative’s architects. The big idea behind the project is flipping the familiar superheroes of DC on their head. “DC All-In Special” #1 (by Snyder and Joshua Williamson), which depicts how the “Absolute” universe came to be, literally has its back half pages printed upside down.
So in this “Absolute” world created by the God of Evil, Darkseid, Superman is an orphan on both Earth and Krypton, Wonder Woman was raised in Hell instead of Paradise, and Batman belongs to the working class; he fights outside the system instead of sitting atop it. Not to fret, though, you can read “Absolute Batman” without this context if you choose.
“Absolute Batman” #1 opens on the day that Bruce became Batman. He’s not walking out of a movie theater, instead, he’s on a school field trip to the Gotham City Zoo. The young Bruce is looking, where else, at the bat exhibit.
This Thomas Wayne is a teacher, not a billionaire industrialist/surgeon. While his class is on the trip, a gunman enters the zoo and starts firing. Thomas is shot after getting Bruce and his classmates to safety. Since Martha Wayne isn’t there, she’s spared her husband’s fate. (The shooter is not named or clearly seen in this first issue — will it be Joe Chill, the usual killer of Bruce Wayne’s parents, or someone else?)
So yes, Absolute Batman’s origin is centered not on a mugging, but a mass shooting event. This sort of topical writing is typical of Snyder. (“I always love anvil-to-the-head symbolism,” he’s said before.) In a blurb for his and Greg Capullo’s “Batman: Last Knight on Earth,” he writes about the alarm he felt about his own son having to do active shooter drills at school.
As you’d expect from a teacher’s salary, this Bruce Wayne didn’t inherit a multi-billion fortune from his father. He’s got a day job as a Gotham City engineer, Martha appears to live in a modest apartment complex, and as Batman, Bruce’s secret base is on the top floor of an empty office building, not in a Batcave.
Speaking to Polygon about “Absolute Batman,” Snyder said that Batman’s strength as a character is how he inspires people both the ones in the stories and those reading them to overcome fear and be better. So, he wanted this Batman to be one that readers would have more common ground with: “Well, the first thing would be to strip away some of the resources, some of the privilege, some of the things that make [Batman] so much a part of the system.”
It remains to be seen if that’ll head off the exhausting discourse about all the “better” ways Bruce Wayne could solve crime than by being Batman.
Elevate Holiday Online Shopping with Virtual Pop-Up Experiences
Every year, brands invest in stunning, festive campaigns such as over-the-top brick-and-mortar displays and interactive pop-up experiences to capture shopper’s attention, highlight seasonal collections and drive sales during the holiday season. With virtual holiday pop-up experiences, brands get the best of both worlds: digital extravagance and engaging interactivity in immersive pop-up experiences primed for the busy shopping season. Plus, as an added bonus, a virtual plane to showcase holiday campaign assets.
Virtual holiday pop-ups are temporary installations that offer a unique blend of engagement and immersive storytelling, offering holiday shoppers a one-stop shop to discover, research and seamlessly purchase gifts. Just like physical holiday pop-ups, virtual holiday pop-up experiences are interactive and memorable—perfect for building buzz around seasonal collections and brand moments.
Pair physical holiday pop-up activations with a digital counterpart to maximize the ROI and extend its reach, or create a standalone virtual holiday pop-up filled with decor and features only possible in the digital realm to engage shoppers. See how leading brands in fashion, beauty, CPG and more have worked with Obsess to create virtual pop-up experiences for their holiday campaign mix.
Coach Virtual Holiday Gift Shop
Open for the holidays, Coach unveiled an ultra-engaging, highly-gamified virtual pop-up store set in a retro gift shop for shoppers on their direct-to-consumer e-commerce site. The virtual experience showcased products form the brand’s holiday collection, and featured several engaging features such as a mascot scavenger hunt game and the ability to shop with friends via live video feeds. Combining technology, innovation and creativity, Coach won a Webby Award in Retail and Shopping in the Metaverse, Immersive and Virtual Category for this virtual holiday experience.
E.l.f. Cosmetics Virtual Holiday Workshop
The e.l.f.z worked their holiday magic with the Virtual Workshop by e.l.f. Cosmetics, coating every virtual corner with glitter and the “most OMG gifts” of the season. The virtual holiday pop-up shop enabled visitors to discover must-have beauty stocking stuffers and digital branded mini games like a matching game built into a red sequin wall. The virtual playscape was primed for shopping during the busy gifting season, with each product available for purchase directly in the workshop. Spotlighting the Sleigh the Holiday Gift Finder, shoppers could find their perfect present with a three-question quiz.
Elizabeth Arden Holiday Experience
Revlon beauty brand, Elizabeth Arden, routinely refreshes the products and decor in their virtual experience, leveraging visual merchandising to highlight new products. For the holiday season, they showcased their curated gift sets, wrapped neatly in red and gold. Outside, visitors were greeted with a flurry of snow. Inside, they were met with festive decor, a personalized skincare quiz, new branded online games such as a two-level matching game and their infamous AI-generated gallery-style exhibit to showcase the brand’s history through AI-enhanced archival footage.
Rao’s Virtual Holiday Saucery Pop-up
Legendary specialty foods brand Rao’s immortalized their IRL pop-up experience with a digital twin—later revealing a holiday version of the Virtual Saucery as part of their seasonal marketing campaign. The Virtual Holiday Saucery Pop-up shop empowered users to explore the brand’s best in glass products and get lost in the sauce, learning more about their premium portfolio and difference. Shoppers were immersed into Rao’s virtual brand world with seasonal decor, animated cheer and interactive features such as their custom digital jigsaw puzzle game and holiday giveaway challenge.
Crocs Virtual Holiday Pop-up Shop
Adding to their troupe of virtual pop-ups, including their innovative Jibbitz experience, Crocs created a virtual 3D holiday experience—decking the halls with boughs of holly and seasonal Jibbitz. When entering, users could take a quiz for suggestions on the perfect present, directing them to thematic rooms with the recommended products; from glitzy, disco balls to pink, fuzzy walls, each room emphasized the personality of the famed shoe charms in it. To further engage visitors of the experience, Crocs also included media assets from their holiday campaign and a custom branded game to catch Jibbitz for an exclusive prize.
Laura Mercier World of Beauty: Holiday Edition
Stocking stuffers and gift sets galore, the Laura Mercier World of Beauty virtual experience got a stunning, festive makeover for the holidays. Sporting new animations and decor, the temporary look showcased the Orveon brand’s seasonal collection alongside engaging, fan-favorite features of the original experience. Visitors could still play the scavenger hunt game, take a custom color quiz and try on personalized product recommendations with AR technology. As always, each product was available for purchase directly in the virtual experience—users could even add full looks from their color quiz results and the Virtual Try-On feature.
Immersive holiday pop-up experiences are a powerful tool for brands looking to engage shoppers in new and exciting ways. Focused on personalization and engagement, these highly-visual experiences are transforming holiday online shopping. To learn more about how to stand out this holiday season with interactive virtual holiday pop-up experiences, book a demo or email contact@obsessvr.com.
Getting Started with Llama 3.2: The Latest AI Model by Meta
Llama 3.2, Meta’s latest model, is finally here! Well, kind of. I’m excited about it, but there’s a slight catch—it’s not fully available in Europe for anything beyond personal projects. But honestly, that can work for you if you are. Only interested in using it for fun experiments and creative AI-driven content.
Let’s dive into what’s new with Llama 3.2!
The Pros, Cons, and the “Meh” Moments
It feels like a new AI model is released every other month. The tech world just keeps cranking them out, and keeping up is almost impossible—Llama 3.2 is just the latest in this rapid stream. But for AI enthusiasts like us, we’re always ready to download the newest version, set it up on our local machines, and imagine a life where we’re totally self-sufficient, deep in thought, and exploring life’s great mysteries.
Fast-forward to now—Llama 3.2 is here, a multimodal juggernaut that claims to tackle all our problems. And yet, we’re left wondering: How can I spend an entire afternoon figuring out a clever way to use it?
But on a more serious note, here’s what Meta’s newest release brings to the table:
What’s New in Llama 3.2?
Meta’s Llama 3.2 introduces several improvements:
Smaller models: 1B and 3B parameter models optimized for lightweight tasks.
Mid-sized vision-language models: 11B and 90B parameter models designed for more complex tasks.
Efficient text-only models: These 1B and 3B models support 128K token contexts, ideal for mobile and edge device applications like summarization and instruction following.
Vision Models (11B and 90B): These can replace text-only models, even outperforming closed models like Claude 3 Haiku in image understanding tasks.
Customization & Fine-tuning: Models can be customized with tools like torchtune and deployed locally with torchchat.
If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry; I’m not diving too deep into the “Llama Stack Distributions.”… Let’s leave that rabbit hole for another day!
How to Use Llama 3.2?
Okay, jokes aside, how do you start using this model? Here’s what you need to do:
Head over to Hugging Face…or better yet, just go to ollama.ai.
Find Llama 3.2 in the models section.
Install the text-only 3B parameters model.
You’re good to go!
If you don’t have ollama installed yet, what are you waiting for? Head over to their site and grab it (nope, this isn’t a sponsored shout-out, but if they’re open to it, I’m down!).
Once installed, fire up your terminal and enter the command to load Llama 3.2. You’ll chat with the model in a few minutes, ready to take on whatever random project strikes your fancy.
Multimodal Capabilities: The Real Game Changer
The most exciting part of Llama 3.2 is its multimodal abilities. Remember those mid-sized vision-language models with 11B and 90B parameters I mentioned earlier? These models are designed to run locally and understand images, making them a big step forward in AI.
But here’s the kicker—when you try to use the model, you might hit a snag. For now, the best way to get your hands on it is by downloading it directly from Hugging Face (though I’ll be honest, I’m too lazy to do that myself and will wait for Ollama’s release).
If you’re not as lazy as I am, please check out meta-llama/Llama-3.2-90B-Vision on Hugging Face. Have fun, and let me know how it goes!
Wrapping It Up: Our Take on Llama 3.2
And that’s a wrap! Hopefully, you found some value in this guide (even if it was just entertainment). If you’re planning to use Llama 3.2 for more serious applications, like research or fine-tuning tasks, it’s worth diving into the benchmarks and performance results.
As for me, I’ll be here, using it to generate jokes for my next article!
FAQs About Llama 3.2
What is Llama 3.2?
Llama 3.2 is Meta’s latest AI model, offering text-only and vision-language capabilities with parameter sizes ranging from 1B to 90B.
Can I use Llama 3.2 in Europe?
Llama 3.2 is restricted in Europe for non-personal projects, but you can still use it for personal experiments and projects.
What are the main features of Llama 3.2?
It includes smaller models optimized for mobile use, vision-language models that can understand images, and the ability to be fine-tuned with tools like torchtune.
How do I install Llama 3.2?
What’s exciting about the 11B and 90B vision models?
These models can run locally, understand images, and outperform some closed models in image tasks, making them great for visual AI projects.
Coronation Street: What happened to original Martin Platt return storyline? Everything we know about Sean Wilson’s mysterious exit
Jesse Chadwick returned to the cobbles tonight (Wednesday, October 9), as part of Gail Platt’s exit storyline. However, he wasn’t originally lined up to return. Instead, Sean Wilson was originally planned to be returning as Martin Platt on Coronation Street.
Sean Wilson stepped down from Coronation Street ahead of his return due to “personal reasons”, ITV announced.
The actor was due to make a return to the ITV soap to reprise his role as Martin Platt ahead of Helen Worth’s soap exit.
However, ITV then issued a statement to confirm that Sean would no longer make a return.
Coronation Street: Sean Wilson’s Martin Platt
ITV said: “Sean Wilson has stepped down from filming for personal reasons.”
Sean was reportedly due to make a return to the cobbles in October. Martin is the ex-husband of Gail Platt.
The Sun claims that Sean was “suddenly summoned” to the head office before his exit.
A source reportedly said: “It has come as a complete and utter shock to everyone – and his sudden exit has rocked everyone involved with Corrie. Sean was loving his time on the show, and he was very popular on set.
“He had filmed scenes with loads of the cast, but then suddenly he was summoned to head office, and later it filtered out he wouldn’t be returning or his scenes airing, but no explanation offered.
“Clearly it’s a major blow for bosses who must now find a new magical and happy ending for Helen – but they are confident they’ll pull it out of the bag, and give viewers something wonderful.”
Sean Wilson has stepped down from filming for personal reasons.
ED! has contacted reps for Sean for comment.
Sean played the role of Martin Platt from 1985 to 2005. He then made a brief stint in 2018.
Helen Worth leaving Corrie
In June, actress Helen announced she was leaving the soap after an incredible 50 years.
She said: “This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world. I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.
“I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.”
The actress added: “The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.”
Jesse Chadwick: Martin Platt replacement
Now, instead of Martin Platt, Eileen’s ex Jesse Chadwick has returned to the Street. He struck up a friendship with Gail years ago in Thailand.
Returning to see Gail after being concerned about Bethany’s health, Jesse is about to cause chaos for Eileen. But, why is he back? And, can he be trusted?
Read more: Complete Coronation Street cast list 2024 – meet them all here!
Coronation Street usually airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.
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Coronation Street: Everything you need to know about Jesse Chadwick – from his past relationship with Eileen to new friendship with Gail
The cobbles were abuzz tonight (Wednesday, October 9) after the shock return of Coronation Street character Jesse Chadwick.
Coming back as Gail’s friend, Jesse has a long history in Weatherfield, including a disastrous relationship with Eileen.
Now, the Platts are about to descend into an argument about his true intentions, as he works on worming his way into the family as Gail gears up to sell the house.
Here’s everything you need to know about the mysterious Jesse Chadwick.
Coronation Street: Jesse Chadwick’s life on the cobbles
Jesse first appeared on screen in December 2008. He worked as a children’s entertainer named General Custard. He was married and often performed alongside his wife.
When he entered the Street he – perhaps unsurprisingly – ran into some trouble…
Jesse’s performance did not go quite as planned as his wife walked out on him. The ever-heroic Eileen stepped up to the challenge and took over the double act.
The pessimistic Eileen embraced her less serious side and put on the performance of a life time at Amy Barlow’s birthday party in front of all the kids.
Some would say it was love at first magic trick, as the two went for a drink after and hit it off. Months went by before they managed to cross paths again.
General Custard performed in a play at Weatherfield Community Centre. Eileen took Amy along. Jesse and Eileen locked eyes from the stage and the rest is history…
Except it wasn’t. The pair dated for months and got into a seemingly happy relationship. He moved in with her, and brought his parrot, John, which took an instant dislike to Eileen. Can’t imagine she’d be too happy with him, either.
Jesse’s relationship with Eileen
The honeymoon phase quickly faded and life with a children’s entertainer wasn’t as sweet as it seemed.
Further problems were caused when he began to audition for new sidekicks in his play, although none of them were suitable. Eileen quickly grew jealous after he eventually recruited her half-sister, Julie Carp, as an assistant.
She grew tired of her relationship and often mocked him for her ‘childish’ job for months. However, Jesse fought back in his own way…
He won a huge sum after placing a bet at Barlow’s Bookies. Eileen grew delighted thinking they were all due a big holiday.
Well, at least until he announced he was taking his parents and not her. Having had enough, she chucked him out.
That didn’t stop him, however. When he returned from the sunny paradise, he went back to Eileen to try for another chance.
Eileen actually considered it, until she learned that he made an unsuccessful pass at Julie from Julie herself. They revealed the truth in typical soap-fashion (in front of the whole of the Rovers) and chased him down the street with his stuff.
Feeling deflated, he left the street for good. Well, at least for the next 14 years.
Jesse’s departure
Sometime after his departure in 2010, Jesse made his way over the Thailand to enjoy a different culture. It was there he crossed paths with none other than Gail Platt.
She was travelling the country and made good friends with Jesse. Being long-time enemies with Eileen, she stayed in touch with Jesse after she returned to the cobbles.
Now, he’s back to see her. He claims they’re still good friends and speak frequently over email.
But is that all?
It’s safe to say Eileen is shocked when she returns to the cobbles and comes face to face with her ex.
Gail reveals to Eileen that she and Jesse met many years ago in Thailand. Jesse insists he wanted to check on Gail and as a result she quickly ushers him into No.8.
Coronation Street: Why is Jesse back?
The Platts are equally as confused by Jesse’s arrival. Things become suspicious while Adam is discussing Damon’s money with Daniel, Jesse points out that he recognises him from Sarah’s wedding pictures.
With Gail adamant she wants to sell the house to cover Bethany’s expensive medical care after her botched cosmetic surgery in Turkey, David thinks Jesse might be influencing Gail.
The Platts think Jesse might have an ulterior motive after Gail makes some huge life changes. They warn her to be careful and to not trust him.
However, with Helen Worth confirming she’s leaving the soap after 50 years, Gail’s story is due to come to a conclusion. Could Jesse be a part of this?
We’ll have to wait and see…
Read more: Complete Coronation Street cast list 2024 – meet them all here!
Coronation Street usually airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.
So, what do you think of this story? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.
Find out how you can join our Coronation Street WhatsApp to keep up with the latest goss from the cobbles here!
