Zuckerberg Prepares for Elon Showdown With Jiu-Jitsu Promotion to Blue Belt

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has moved on to receive his blue belt in jiu-jitsu ahead of his alleged cage match with Twitter, renamed X, owner Elon Musk. Zuckerberg revealed his achievement in an Instagram post on Sunday, moving one step up from a white belt since he started jiu-jitsu training during the covid-19 pandemic.

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Hit roguelike 'Dungeon of the Endless' is now free on Steam

How do you create a large audience for a game’s spiritual sequel? Make sure everyone has played the original. Sega and Amplitude Studios have made Dungeon of the Endlessavailable for free on Steam before its follow-up, Endless Dungeon, arrives on October 19th. You have until July 27th to grab the freebie. You can also download both DLC packs through the community hub “while supplies last,” according to the developers. The older game is available for both Mac and PC, although it won’t work with Macs running macOS Catalina or newer.

Dungeon of the Endless drew attention by mashing up multiple game genres, including roguelikes (a brutal crawl through dynamically generated dungeons), classic role-playing, squad tactics and tower defense. You lead a team that has to defend its crashed spaceship against a horde of enemies while exploring an ever-larger dungeon. No one element is particularly complicated, but juggling them all can be challenging.

Endless Dungeon is still a hybrid game, but it’s now more of a twin-stick shooter and has a gentler “roguelite” progression that lets you keep some of what you earn each time you fail. It’s also built from the ground up for multiplayer. While you still lead a squad in solo play, you can invite two friends to join in. While it’s more accessible, our early play session suggested it was still difficult. It’ll be available on PC, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a closed beta available in September to Last Wish Edition pre-order customers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hit-roguelike-dungeon-of-the-endless-is-now-free-on-steam-210029777.html?src=rss

The Soaring Value Of Vintage iPhones: 1st Gen 4GB Model Sold By $190K

The recent buzz in the tech world was ignited by the news of a first-generation iPhone, which unexpectedly fetched a staggering $190,000 at an auction.

This particular factory-sealed iPhone, equipped with 4GB of memory and originally released in 2007, had an initial selling price of $499 — However, in the year 2023, its value had soared to an impressive $700; The auction was hosted by LCG Auctions, who noted a remarkable surge in demand and prices for original iPhones, especially within the past year.

The founder of LCG Auctions, Mark Montero, revealed that this $190,000 sale was the third instance of an unopened, original iPhone selling for a significant sum within the last year. Notably, an 8GB model was sold for $39,340 in October 2022, and another 8GB model fetched an impressive $63,356 in February.

The 4GB model is even more special

What fueled the extraordinary interest in this particular iPhone was its rarity and distinctiveness. Unlike the more commonly found 8GB version, this iPhone was a 4GB model, discontinued merely two months after its release. The scarcity of the 4GB variant, coupled with its status as a first-generation iPhone, contributed significantly to its exceptional value.

Montero observed a rising trend among collectors who fervently seek out iconic items and memorabilia from their past, such as vintage toys and gadgets. The nostalgia factor and the allure of obtaining super rare items that were never intended to be collectibles upon their release have driven prices to soaring heights.

Important things regarding collectibles

When it comes to collectibles, the condition of the item is of paramount importance to enthusiasts. Factory-sealed, unopened items are highly coveted and command considerably higher prices than their opened counterparts. Collectors are especially drawn to recognizable and groundbreaking items like the original iPhone, which, at the time of its release, were designed for everyday use rather than being kept as prized possessions.

Looking ahead, Montero predicts that sealed, pop culture items will continue to be lucrative investments. Whether it’s a vintage iPhone, an original Transformer toy, a GI Joe action figure, or a Star Wars collectible, these items resonate particularly with the age group of 35 to 65. The mint condition and factory-sealed status of these artifacts make them even more appealing to collectors worldwide.

Valuable assets

In conclusion, the recent $190,000 sale of the first-generation iPhone exemplifies the growing trend of collectors passionately seeking out iconic and rare items from the past, particularly when they remain in factory-sealed condition.

With nostalgia and scarcity driving up prices, vintage gadgets and toys have transformed into valuable assets for collectors around the globe.

The Soaring Value Of Vintage iPhones: 1st Gen 4GB Model Sold By $190K

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Sony’s Eye-Tracking Patent May Be The Start Of A Gaming Revolution

In the rapidly evolving world of gaming, technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of immersive experiences, and Sony, a leading player in the gaming industry, has recently made headlines with its groundbreaking patent on eye-tracking technology.

This innovation promises to revolutionize the way players interact with video games, offering a more personalized and dynamic gaming experience. In this article, we will delve into the details of Sony’s eye-tracking patent, its potential implications, and how it could shape the future of gaming.

The Rise of Eye-Tracking Technology

Before delving into Sony’s innovative patent, it’s essential to grasp the concept of eye-tracking technology. Eye-tracking involves precisely monitoring and interpreting a player’s eye movem ents while engaged in a video game. Sophisticated infrared sensors and cameras track the player’s gaze, allowing the game to respond accordingly to their visual focus.

Eye-tracking technology is not entirely new to the gaming industry. Researchers and developers have been exploring its potential for years. For instance, for over a decade we have covered Tobii, one of the leading companies in eye-tracking for human-machine interactions, including for gaming.

However, Sony’s patent signifies a significant leap forward, bringing this technology closer to mainstream gaming consoles and enhancing its integration with gaming software.

Sony’s Eye-Tracking Patent

Sony’s eye-tracking patent is an impressive piece of innovation that promises to take gaming to new heights. The patent outlines a system that can track a player’s eye movements with exceptional accuracy and speed, making interactions within the game world more intuitive and responsive.

Benefits of Sony’s Eye-Tracking

The patent boasts a range of benefits, including:

  • Enhanced Immersion: With eye-tracking, games can adapt to a player’s gaze, creating a more immersive and realistic experience. The game environment can react to where the player is looking, leading to heightened engagement and emotional investment in the gameplay.
  • Intuitive Interaction: Eye-tracking provides a natural and intuitive way to interact with in-game elements. Players can simply look at objects or characters to initiate specific actions, streamlining the gaming experience and reducing the reliance on complex button combinations.
  • Personalized Gameplay: By tracking eye movements, the game can learn about a player’s preferences and playstyle. This data can be used to tailor the gaming experience, offering personalized challenges and content that aligns with the player’s interests.
  • Accessibility Features: Eye-tracking technology has the potential to make gaming more accessible for individuals with physical disabilities. Players with limited mobility can use their gaze as an input method, allowing them to fully enjoy the gaming experience.

The Impact on Gaming Experience

Changing How We Play

Sony’s eye-tracking patent has the potential to revolutionize how we play and experience video games. By providing a more natural and personalized interaction, players can become more immersed in the virtual worlds they explore.

A Shift in Game Design

The introduction of eye-tracking will likely prompt a shift in game design philosophy. Developers can now design games with more dynamic and responsive elements, taking into account the player’s gaze as a critical gameplay factor.

New Gaming Possibilities

Eye-tracking could pave the way for entirely new gaming genres and mechanics. From suspenseful horror games that react to where players look, to realistic simulations that adapt to a player’s visual focus, the possibilities are vast and exciting.

The Future of Eye-Tracking in Gaming

As Sony continues to refine its eye-tracking technology, we can expect to see it integrated into its upcoming gaming consoles. This move will bring eye-tracking from a niche concept to a mainstream feature, potentially changing the gaming landscape forever.

Sony’s eye-tracking technology opens up opportunities for collaboration with game developers. This partnership can lead to the creation of eye-tracking optimized games that fully harness the potential of this groundbreaking innovation.

With the rise of virtual reality gaming, eye-tracking could play a crucial role in making VR experiences even more immersive and natural. The ability to interact with the virtual environment through gaze alone would significantly enhance the sense of presence in VR.

The Start Of A Gaming Revolution

Sony’s eye-tracking patent is a game-changer in the world of gaming. With its potential to enhance immersion, offer intuitive interactions, and revolutionize game design, this innovation could mark the beginning of a new era in gaming experiences. As technology continues to progress, we eagerly await the day when eye-tracking becomes an integral part of the gaming landscape, providing players with unprecedented levels of engagement and enjoyment.

Sony’s Eye-Tracking Patent May Be The Start Of A Gaming Revolution

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Alabama Anti-Abortion Advocate Charged With Sexual Abuse Of A Child

Marty Decole “Cole” Wagner was also an employee of the state education department.

Shin Kamen Rider Is the Best Superspeed Has Ever Looked in a Superhero Movie

Superspeed is a difficult power to portray in superpowered adaptations. There are almost as many ways to portray superhuman agility as there are movies that have attempted it, from dilated time to blurs of vision. And yet, as more and more speedsters race to the big-budget world of the Hollywood blockbuster, none have…

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‘My Netflix’ puts your downloads and in-progress shows first

Netflix’s interface can sometimes make you wade through screens and tabs just to find the show you wanted to watch, but it’s hopefully getting easier as of today. The streaming service is rolling out a My Netflix tab on iOS (Android in early August) that puts everything you’re watching (or want to watch) in one place. That includes in-progress videos and downloads, of course, but you’ll also see My List items, notifications, shows with viewed trailers and other earmarked content. In theory, you can quickly start a series without remembering how you learned about it.

The tab is available worldwide, and will replace the Downloads section when it reaches the app. Netflix notes the tab will grow the more you interact with the platform, so there’s a strong incentive to leave likes or add to your viewing queue. The Home tab will remain if you’re more interested in discovering new material.

To some extent, this is an admission that the Netflix front-end can sometimes be overwhelming when you’re just trying to find that show you were eager to watch. However, it’s also a way to keep viewers coming back. In theory, you’re more likely to stay subscribed if you have an easier time finding the titles you want to watch next. This also helps Netflix boost interaction and identify popular shows using more than viewing counts.

The company isn’t hurting for demand. Netflix’s password crackdown appears to be paying off with a surge in subscriptions from customers that previously borrowed friends’ accounts. The feature isn’t likely to sustain that momentum by itself. With that said, this may give new customers an incentive to continue paying instead of switching to rivals like Amazon.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/my-netflix-puts-your-downloads-and-in-progress-shows-first-171313509.html?src=rss

Gov. Greg Abbott Says He’ll Defy DOJ Orders On His Floating Border Wall

“Texas will see you in court, Mr. President,” the Texas governor said.

No Need for Twitter—TikTok Users Can Now Make Text Posts

TikTok is bringing text posts to its Camera page in a format that’s much like Instagram’s stories. Users can choose from a photo option, video, or text. The company announced the updated feature in a news release on Monday.

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How Will AI Affect Authors? | io9 Interview

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