All posts tagged: adds

Adobe Adds New AI Tools to Photoshop and Illustrator

Adobe Adds New AI Tools to Photoshop and Illustrator

Published by skeptic

Adobe today updated its Illustrator and Photoshop Creative Cloud apps, introducing a range of new features that streamline productivity. Many of the additions take advantage of generative AI and machine learning to save creators time. Photoshop has a new Selection Brush Tool for selecting areas by brushing over them without having to use the Quick Mask mode. The tool has opacity and hardness settings for feathered edges, allowing for more seamless selections. The Adjustment Brush Tool, which has been in beta, is also available. It allows for painting on adjustments to brightness, saturation, and more, with options for fine tuning selections. Photoshop’s Generate Image text to image feature is also out of beta, and it can be used to generate dozens of ideas in minutes using a text prompt and/or reference images. Other new Photoshop features include an improved Contextual Task Bar, support for bulleted and numbered lists, and an Enhance Detail option for Generative Fill. Adobe Illustrator has a Generative Shape Fill feature for filling shapes with detail and color. Adobe says that users …

Google Play adds Cash App Pay to woo Gen Z gamers

Google Play adds Cash App Pay to woo Gen Z gamers

Published by skeptic

GamesBeat is excited to partner with Lil Snack to have customized games just for our audience! We know as gamers ourselves, this is an exciting way to engage through play with the GamesBeat content you have already come to love. Start playing games here.  Payments platform Cash App has launched an integration with Google Play, giving Android users more choices at checkout. Consumers can use Cash App Pay to purchase the millions of apps, games, music, movies, books and more available on Google Play. “We’re continuously expanding payment options on Google Play, and adding Cash App Pay is a significant step in giving users more choice and convenience while meeting their evolving payment preferences,” said Pete Albers, director, Google Play retail & payments activation. According to the release, this initiative is aimed at appealing to younger users, particularly gamers. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that consumers spend $3 trillion annually outside of the traditional financial system. To date, Cash App Pay has grown to 4 million monthly active users over the last year. “Next gen shoppers are …

United States adds 37 Chinese entities to trade blacklist

United States adds 37 Chinese entities to trade blacklist

Published by skeptic

The United States added 37 Chinese entities to a trade blacklist Thursday, May 9, including some companies accused of supporting a suspected spy balloon that flew over US soil last year. The Commerce Department said it also took aim at those that sought to acquire US goods to advance China’s quantum technology capabilities. “These activities have substantial military applications and pose a significant threat to US national security,” said the Commerce Department in a statement. Companies added to the so-called “entity list” are restricted from obtaining US items and technologies without government authorization. The latest additions to China’s “high altitude balloon program” come after the Commerce Department added six Chinese entities to the trade restriction list in February 2023 over the balloon incident. The balloon’s days-long flyover from Alaska to South Carolina captured the attention of many Americans before the US military shot it down off the country’s east coast. On Thursday, the Commerce Department added that certain targeted entities this time were linked to advancements in China’s nuclear programs as well, or were “involved …

A new video AI generator emerges: Krea AI adds capabilities for paid subscribers

A new video AI generator emerges: Krea AI adds capabilities for paid subscribers

Published by skeptic

Join us in returning to NYC on June 5th to collaborate with executive leaders in exploring comprehensive methods for auditing AI models regarding bias, performance, and ethical compliance across diverse organizations. Find out how you can attend here. When it comes to AI video generation, Open’s unreleased Sora model has so far this year stolen the spotlight away from compelling rivals Runway and Pika. But now comes a new challenger: Krea AI, a lesser-known San Francisco generative AI media startup co-founded by Victor Pérez and Diego Rodriguez that launched its public beta in late 2023. At the time, Krea offered AI image upscaling (adding details and improving resolution of a user-submitted image), and soon after, realtime AI image generation capabilities and a novel user interface — cursor-based brushes and simple shapes that a user could move to guide generations, in addition to more common text prompts. Earlier today, Krea upgraded to allow one tier of its paying subscribers to generate videos. The company announced the new feature through its X account, posting a helpful thread …

WhatsApp’s latest update streamlines navigation and adds a ‘darker dark mode’

WhatsApp’s latest update streamlines navigation and adds a ‘darker dark mode’

Published by skeptic

WhatsApp is updating its mobile apps for a fresh and more streamlined look, while also introducing a new “darker dark mode,” the company announced on Thursday. The messaging app says that over the years, it has primarily focused on adding utility to the app and that while the product continues to grow, its design needs to evolve as well.  The messaging app is introducing a new color palette after considering over 35 different colors. WhatsApp focused on deeper tones to reduce eye strain in low-light situations. The app’s dark mode, a popular option for many people, is now one shade darker to make it easier to read messages. Image Credits: WhatsApp WhatsApp is adding a native bottom navigation bar on Android to make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for quickly. The new navigation bar, which has been available on iOS for quite some time now, lets you quickly look at your chats, updates, communities, and calls.  As for iOS users, WhatsApp is making it easier to send photos and videos thanks …

WiiM Ultra Adds Screen to Popular Streamer for 9

WiiM Ultra Adds Screen to Popular Streamer for $369

Published by skeptic

WiiM has unveiled a buffed-up version of its popular line of streamers with one essential feature the others lack: a screen. The new WiiM Ultra not only has the best features, but it’s a lot cheaper than any competitive streamer. The WiiM Ultra features a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen which displays the current track and enables playback controls. The device also has a physical volume knob, with a play button in the center, which means the unit can operate as a preamp when tethered to a power amp. WiiM Ultra connections WiiM The streamer’s preamp capabilities are only accentuated by its connections, which include HDMI ARC, analog line-ln, a dedicated phono-input and optical inputs along with analog and optical outs. The streamer also features a subwoofer-out and a headphone jack. The WiiM comes with a ES9038 Sabre DAC as well as built-in room correction technology, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Like the WiiM Pro and Pro Plus, the Ultra supports a wide number of streaming formats including Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, Amazon multiroom and Roon …

Land Rover Defender Update Adds New Models

Land Rover Defender Update Adds New Models

Published by skeptic

The Land Rover Defender, a vehicle renowned for its rugged durability and unparalleled off-road capabilities, has recently unveiled its latest iteration: the Defender 110 Sedona Edition. This special edition model not only improves the Defender’s luxury features but also pays tribute to the adventurous spirit of Sedona, Arizona. The Sedona Edition captures the essence of its namesake with a unique color inspired by the region’s iconic red sandstone landscapes, making it the perfect choice for those who seek a harmonious blend of luxury and adventure in their vehicle. Exclusive Enhancements and Interior Refinement Building upon the high-specification Defender X-Dynamic HSE, the Defender 110 Sedona Edition boasts several exclusive enhancements that set it apart from its counterparts. The vehicle features an Extended Black Pack, which includes Narvik Black accents on the Defender script, front grille, and skid plates, creating a bold and striking appearance. These dark accents are complemented by the addition of 22-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels, further emphasizing the Sedona Edition’s distinctive style. Inside the cabin, the Sedona Edition offers a first-time option of …

Matter 1.3 Specification Adds Energy Reporting, Electric Vehicle Charging, Water Management Support and More

Matter 1.3 Specification Adds Energy Reporting, Electric Vehicle Charging, Water Management Support and More

Published by skeptic

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) today announced the debut of a new Matter 1.3 specification that’s available for device makers and platforms. Matter is a smart home protocol that allows smart devices to work across multiple platforms, including HomeKit. Matter 1.3 adds support for a range of new device types and features, including water management devices, electric vehicle chargers, kitchen and laundry appliances, and TVs. For smart plugs and other devices, the update includes energy management reporting, allowing users to see actual and estimated measurements of power, voltage, and current, both in-real time and over time. EV Charging manufacturers are able to include Matter-based features such as manually starting and stopping charging, adjusting charging rate, and optimizing charging times. Water management devices like leak and freeze detectors, rain sensors, and controllable water valves are supported in Matter 1.3, as are several new appliance types including microwave ovens, ovens, cooktops, extractor hoods, and dryers. For TVs, Matter 1.3 improves casting initialization and search, plus it adds support for push messages and dialog for ambient experiences, expanded …

Apple Logic Pro update adds new AI features

Apple Logic Pro update adds new AI features

Published by skeptic

During its ‘Let Loose’ event Apple unveiled new iPads, new accessories and announced a major new update for Logic Pro for iPad. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production software has been a catalyst for the industry. AI music production tools have become increasingly sophisticated, offering a wide range of features designed to streamline workflows, inspire creativity, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in music creation. These tools assist musicians, producers, and composers by automating complex tasks, providing intelligent suggestions, and allowing them to focus on the artistic aspects of their work. As a result, AI has become an indispensable asset for both professional and amateur music creators alike. Key Takeaways : Session Players: AI-driven virtual musicians including Drummer, Bass Player, and Keyboard Player. Stem Splitter: AI-powered feature to isolate parts of an audio recording into Drums, Bass, Vocals, and Other instruments. ChromaGlow: Offers five saturation styles to enhance track warmth and presence. Compatibility: Logic Pro for Mac 11 requires macOS Ventura 13.5 or later; Logic Pro for iPad 2 requires iPadOS …

Star Wars’ next Lego playset adds video game hero Cal Kestis

Star Wars’ next Lego playset adds video game hero Cal Kestis

Published by skeptic

Star Wars has had its ups and downs with fans over a decade of TV series and theatrical releases, but one thing most can agree on is Cal Kestis, the reluctant Jedi starring in two PlayStation and Xbox video games over the past five years, is a fan favorite. Now he’s a minifig in a forthcoming Imperial Star Destroyer playset, somewhat certifying his status among the best heroes of the canon. The Lego set in question was reported on Monday by Jay’s Brick Blog, and it includes a Star Destroyer that, fully assembled, is 6 inches (height) by 18 inches (long) by 11 inches deep, comprising 1,555 bricks. Kestis, the star of the Star Wars: Jedi series by Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts is one of seven minifigs that kids (or their adult counterparts) can hop around as they play with the huge space battle wagon. The other six figurines are Darth Vader (of course) three unnamed Imperial Navy troops, and a Stormtrooper, alongside Commander Praji. Praji might be the bigger scene-stealer here, actually. He …