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Comes Next, Gaming

Assassin’s Creed Delay

[Image credit: Ubisoft]

Ubisoft‘s Assassin’s Creed Shadows has postponed its release to ensure meticulous cultural and historical accuracy in its depiction of Japan. The game, now launching in February 2025, reflects Ubisoft’s dedication to quality and responsiveness to player feedback on cultural authenticity. This decision highlights the challenges and complexities of developing a deeply immersive and accurate historical video game.

Ubisoft has officially postponed the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to February 2025 (insider-gaming.com). Initially slated for November 2024, this decision follows the cancellation of its appearances at the Tokyo Game Show and various press previews. These actions fueled speculation about a possible delay, which Ubisoft later confirmed.

Tom Henderson, a highly respected insider in the gaming industry, explains that this delay partly stems from the poor performance of Star Wars Outlaws (insider-gaming.com). Ubisoft aims to provide the development team more time to refine the game and apply lessons learned from the Outlaws release. Henderson confirms both these points and provides additional context.

According to Henderson, Assassin’s Creed Shadows had not reached a development stage ready for a November release. The team had to rework several gameplay mechanics, necessitating more time to integrate these changes seamlessly.

Japanese players’ feedback also influenced the delay. They raised concerns about the game’s depiction of Japanese culture and historical accuracy. While rumors of major character cuts like Yasuke proved unfounded, Ubisoft is actively addressing these cultural and historical issues. This includes adjusting the portrayal of Yasuke and other historical and architectural details.

Henderson finds it surprising that such issues, normally resolved internally during the asset-approval process, have surfaced this late. He notes that historical experts were consulted later than usual, contributing to these oversights. Communication issues within the team also played a role.

Ultimately, Henderson reveals that several developers had advocated for a Assassin’s Creed delay much earlier. However, it took time for their concerns to influence senior management decisions.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows delay leads to launch on February 14, 2025, barring any further setbacks. This delay underscores Ubisoft’s commitment to delivering a game that not only entertains but also respects and accurately represents the cultures it portrays.

Comes Next, Computer Chips, Security, TechNews

Intel Microcode Update

[Image credit: Intel]
Intel’s Final Fix: Ending the CPU Crashing Saga with Microcode Update

Intel is rolling out a final microcode update aimed at resolving a persistent CPU crashing issue affecting its 13th and 14th generation Core processors. After identifying excessive voltage requests as a core issue (www.tomshardware.com), Intel, in collaboration with motherboard manufacturers, has developed a comprehensive fix to stabilize performance. This update is critical for preventing further damage and ensuring system stability. Intel encourages all users to install the updated BIOS promptly to benefit from these enhancements and extends warranties to support affected consumers. This move not only resolves the immediate issues but also reinforces Intel’s commitment to product reliability and customer satisfaction.

Intel aims to end the prolonged CPU crashing issue with a crucial microcode update. This saga, marked by several bugs affecting power and voltage, has troubled users of Intel’s high-end 13th and 14th generation Core processors.

Starting in April, Intel explored various potential causes and fixes. The company initially pointed to motherboard manufacturers for setting power levels above the recommended defaults. However, the root cause was identified by summer: CPUs were requesting higher voltages than needed, leading to performance degradation and potential hardware damage.

By August, Intel had released multiple updates to address these issues. These included BIOS updates from motherboard manufacturers to correct power settings and reduce voltage demands. Today, Intel releases a comprehensive 0x12B microcode update. It addresses four critical issues: excessive motherboard defaults, overheating CPUs failing to downshift, and excessive voltage supply during active and idle states.

Motherboard and PC manufacturers will incorporate this new update into their BIOS revisions. Users should install these updates promptly to prevent further damage.

Despite these bugs, only certain Intel CPU models are affected. Intel has extended warranties (arstechnica.com) for these models from three to five years, acknowledging the potential for pre-update damage. Additionally, Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake desktop processors, manufactured by TSMC, promise freedom from these voltage and stability issues.

AI, Business, Science, TechNews

Google Gemini Live

[Image by TeX9.net: Moon Facility]
Google Unleashes Gemini Live: Revolutionizing Mobile AI Interactions for All Android Users

In a significant move towards enhancing mobile user experience, Google has announced the rollout of its voice-powered AI chatbot, Google Gemini Live. It is now available for free to all Android users. This groundbreaking feature, revealed during the launch event of the Pixel 9. It transforms how users interact with their devices, using voice commands to facilitate real-time conversations.

Initially exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers, Gemini Live has broadened its accessibility, promising an engaging interaction for any Android user via the Gemini app or its overlay. What sets this feature apart is the ability to ask questions aloud. Even interrupting the AI’s responses, brings a new level of dynamism to digital conversations. Users can personalize their experience by selecting from a variety of voice options for Gemini’s responses.

Despite the advanced capabilities of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which introduced a similar voice mode, Google has taken a definitive lead by offering this feature to a broader audience. OpenAI’s version has seen a slower rollout, likely constrained by computing power demands which are substantial for such voice-interactive features.

To engage with Gemini Live, users simply tap the new waveform icon on their device. The interface is user-friendly. It offers options to either hold the AI’s answer or end the conversation. This puts users in complete control of the interaction.

Currently available in English, Google plans to expand the language options and eventually extend this feature to iOS devices. Although no specific timeline has been provided for these updates, the anticipation continues to build.

Science, TechNews

ESA LUNA Facility

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ESA’s LUNA Facility: Pioneering the Future of Spacetech in Europe. Startups already testing in the LUNA simulator.

The European Space Agency‘s (ESA) LUNA Facility in Cologne, Germany, marks a significant advancement in European space technology. Offering a meticulously crafted lunar replica and state-of-the-art simulators, LUNA provides a unique environment for startups and researchers to test and refine their space technologies. This facility not only strengthens Europe’s position in the global race to the Moon but also promises to catalyze a renaissance in European space exploration, supporting innovative projects that could eventually lead to a self-sustaining lunar economy.

ESA LUNA facility in Cologne, Germany, marks a significant milestone in European spacetech. Known for its 700-square-metre lunar replica and a sophisticated Sun simulator, LUNA is set to revolutionize how we approach space technology. This facility allows startups like Spartan Space to rigorously test their lunar base camp designs in realistic conditions.

The LUNA simulator offers more than just a testing ground. It’s a beacon for a potential “European renaissance” in space exploration, with features like a gravity offloading system and an adjustable ramp for lunar slopes. This site is crucial for Europe’s ambitions to catch up in the new race to the Moon, where it currently trails behind the US and China.

Startups are keen to exploit LUNA’s unique environment to demonstrate their technology’s viability and attract global partners. Beyond facilitating lunar base camps, Europe aims to enhance lunar logistics, supporting deep space exploration with an array of technologies from robotic landers to energy storage solutions.

The opening of LUNA is not just a boost for European spacetech but also a strategic move to position Europe at the forefront of lunar exploration and beyond. With its high hopes for the facility, ESA’s LUNA is indeed a gateway to the cosmos.

Business, Financial

Apple’s Evolution

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Apple’s Technological Evolution: Pioneering Innovation and Technology Advancements

Apple’s Technological Evolution: In the ever-evolving tech industry, one company has consistently stood at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement – Apple Inc. This post delves into the remarkable journey of Apple, tracing its development from a visionary startup to a global tech titan. We also could not resist to write about Apple again and again in the past.

The Genesis of Apple

Apple’s story begins in 1976 when Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded the company in a humble garage. Their pioneering product, the Apple I, marked the genesis of a revolution in personal computing. It’s fascinating how this small startup grew to become a global leader.

A Trailblazer in User-Friendly Computing

In 1984, Apple unveiled the Macintosh, a game-changing computer with a graphical user interface and a mouse. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of computing, as it made computers more user-friendly and accessible. This revolutionary step cemented Apple’s reputation as an industry innovator.

Apple’s Expansion into Ecosystems

Apple’s innovation extended beyond hardware. The introduction of the iPod, iTunes, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch showcased the company’s commitment to creating a comprehensive tech ecosystem. This ecosystem-driven approach redefined the way we interact with technology, paving the way for seamless integration between devices and services.

Continuing the Legacy & Future Apple’s Technological Evolution

Apple’s future looks promising, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and sustainable practices.

In conclusion, Apple’s journey from a garage startup to a global tech powerhouse is a testament to its commitment to innovation and user-centric design. As Apple continues to shape the future of technology, we eagerly anticipate the next groundbreaking chapter in its story and follow what Apple’s Technological Evolution brings in the future.