Jun 01
Turns out the Elvira-inspired intro to the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice trailer is rooted in a new character development for the grown-up Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder).
Jun 01
The United States notoriously makes tax filing stressful and expensive thanks to greed, the tax lobby and the idea that basically nothing should be free (fun stuff!). However, there’s a little glimmer of hope, as the IRS is making Direct File, its free digital tool announced in late 2023, permanent. According to the US Department of the Treasury, a Direct File pilot program saved 140,000 individuals an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs for the 2024 tax session.
Not only is the program here to stay (with the current government, at least), but its access is expanding. Taxpayers in 12 states could use Direct File this year, but the tool will be available in all 50 states and Washington DC starting with the 2025 filing season. The Treasury reports that Direct File users approved of the tool, with 90 percent of the 11,000 taxpayers surveyed rating the system “excellent” or “above average.”
Right now, the free TurboTax alternative only works for taxpayers with simple filings like a W-2 or standard deduction. However, the Treasury plans to “expand the reach and tax scope” it offers in the coming years. Despite this expansion, it will be up to states whether they want to participate in the program.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-irs-is-making-its-free-turbo-tax-alternative-permanent-142055378.html?src=rss
Jun 01
HONOR Presented Four-Layer AI Architecture And Google Partnership at VivaTech 2024
Posted in: Today's Chili
George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd, during his keynote address at Vivatech 2024
George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd, delivered a keynote address at VivaTech 2024 in Paris last week to announce HONOR’s Four-Layer AI Architecture and upcoming Gen-AI experiences with Google Cloud. With its innovative approach to on-device AI and collaboration with Google, the phone maker promises to enhance user experiences on its highly anticipated smartphones. Moreover, he unveiled HONOR’s partnership with the iconic Harcourt studio, famous for its black-and-white movie star portraits.
The Four-Layer AI Architecture emphasizes the integration of AI into MagicOS, its operating system. This architecture comprises four distinct layers: the Cross-device and the Cross-OS AI at the base layer allow users to share computing power and services among devices and operating systems. The Platform-level AI aims to provide a personalized operating system that enables an intent-based user interface and customized resource allocation. The App-level AI will offer a broad range of Gen-AI applications, and at the top, the Interface to Cloud-AI services layer gives access to AI-driven cloud services. Each layer contributes to creating a holistic AI experience, enabling personalized interactions, resource allocation, and access to cloud services while prioritizing user privacy.
Magic Portal, a feature of MagicOS 8.0 dubbed ”the industry’s first intent-based UI,” simplifies complex tasks based on user behavior. With support for numerous applications across various scenarios, Magic Portal aims to provide seamless and intelligent AI experiences.
During the keynote, George Zhao announced that the upcoming HONOR 200 Series smartphone will revolutionize portrait photography with AI-enhanced capabilities inspired by Studio Harcourt, renowned for its iconic portrait shots. By leveraging AI to replicate Studio Harcourt’s process for lighting and shadow effects, the HONOR 200 Series promises to ensure studio-quality portraits with every shot. The smartphone will launch in Paris on June 12th, stay tuned for more information.
Furthermore, HONOR’s commitment to democratizing AI extends to its MagicOS 8.0 rollout, reaching a wider audience through compatibility with its HONOR Magic V2 and HONOR 90 devices. This move aligns with HONOR’s human-centric design philosophy, prioritizing user empowerment and privacy in AI integration across devices.
During the event, a panel discussion explored the future of multimodal interaction, emphasizing the potential of on-device AI to enhance convenience and privacy protection. Dr. Justine Cassell highlighted the growing comfort with AI integrating verbal and nonverbal cues, foreseeing the adoption of multimodally-sensitive AI on smartphones.
HONOR Presented Four-Layer AI Architecture And Google Partnership at VivaTech 2024
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Jun 01
Despite several delays and technical hiccups, Boeing is getting ready to launch its first crewed test flight to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of its agreement with NASA.
Jun 01
Star Trek: Discovery ended this week, with an episode that, perhaps in true Discovery style, threw some wild curveballs and equally wild pacing together to give us a bumper episode of ups and downs. But it really did save its weirdest moment for last: and even weirder, it’s what might have been Discovery’s next…
Jun 01
The United States notoriously makes tax filing stressful and expensive thanks to greed, the tax lobby and the idea that basically nothing should be free (fun stuff!). However, there’s a little glimmer of hope, as the IRS is making Direct File, its free digital tool announced in late 2023, permanent. According to the US Department of the Treasury, a Direct File pilot program saved 140,000 individuals an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs for the 2024 tax session.
Not only is the program here to stay (with the current government, at least), but its access is expanding. Taxpayers in 12 states could use Direct File this year, but the tool will be available in all 50 states and Washington DC starting with the 2025 filing season. The Treasury reports that Direct File users approved of the tool, with 90 percent of the 11,000 taxpayers surveyed rating the system “excellent” or “above average.”
Right now, the free TurboTax alternative only works for taxpayers with simple filings like a W-2 or standard deduction. However, the Treasury plans to “expand the reach and tax scope” it offers in the coming years. Despite this expansion, it will be up to states whether they want to participate in the program.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-irs-is-making-its-free-turbo-tax-alternative-permanent-142055378.html?src=rss
Jun 01
June 2024 VR Game Releases: Highlights For Quest, SteamVR, PSVR 2, And Apple Vision Pro
Posted in: Today's ChiliJune 2024 brings a selection of new VR games across various platforms, though fewer than in previous months. Notable releases include:
Eternal Starlight (June 3, Apple Vision Pro) — Originally released on Steam and Quest, this space fleet command game by White Noise Games arrives on Apple Vision Pro, offering real-time strategic gameplay similar to FTL: Faster Than Light.
Download: Apple Vision Pro, PC VR, Quest
Silent Slayer: Vault of the Vampire (June 6, Quest) — Schell Games’ debut VR horror game features a vampire hunter navigating traps and puzzles to eliminate vampires, providing a single-player jump scare experience.
Download: Quest
Journey to Foundation (June 7, PC VR) — Archiact’s narrative-driven sci-fi adventure has players use unique Mentalic abilities to influence others’ emotions, with choices impacting the story. The PC version boasts enhanced visuals and spatial audio.
Download: PC VR, Pico, PSVR 2, Quest
BlackForge: A Smithing Adventure (June 13, PC VR, Quest) — Mana Brigade’s game allows players to craft medieval weapons to support local heroes in their battles, featuring a full campaign and story.
Neon Squad Tactics (June 13, Quest) — Tin Man Games’ cyberpunk action-adventure strategy game is set in UltraCity, where players complete missions for corporations in solo or co-op modes.
Download: Quest
Taskmaster VR (June 13, PC VR, Quest) — This adaptation of the game show tasks players with completing quirky challenges to impress the Taskmaster, Greg Davies.
Downtown Club (June 14, Quest) — Commuter Games’ VR racing game features full motion control for realistic driving experiences and offers various gameplay modes and customizable vehicles in early access.
Download: Quest
Sky Climb (June 26, PSVR 2) — VRMonkey’s platformer set in a balloon-themed universe offers 65 levels across seven worlds, including solo and multiplayer modes.
Masternoid (June 2024, PC VR) — Pixel Magnet’s arcade brick breaker features a 50-stage campaign and online leaderboards, with retro-inspired colorful visuals.
Download: PC VR, PSVR 2, Quest
Retropolis 2: Never Say Goodbye (June 2024, PSVR 2) — This point-and-click adventure continues the story of robo-detective Philip Log and Jenny Montage, facing a new villain.
Download: PC VR, PSVR 2, Quest
VRIDER SBK (June 2024, Quest) — An officially licensed Superbike World Championship game mixing arcade and simulation racing, offering twelve tracks and online multiplayer in its full release.
Download: Quest
For more updates and details on these and other upcoming titles, keep an eye on gaming news and events like the UploadVR Summer Showcase on June 26.
June 2024 VR Game Releases: Highlights For Quest, SteamVR, PSVR 2, And Apple Vision Pro
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Jun 01
When in doubt, add a little Giancarlo Esposito to your cast—even better if you can get him to play a villain. The Mandalorian’s Moff Gideon is heading to a different Disney project to play another bad guy, this time (as rumored) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe entry Captain America: Brave New World.
Jun 01
The boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul originally scheduled to stream live on Netflix July 20 has been postponed, according to a tweet from Most Valuable Promotions, which is co-producing the fight. The stated reason for the delay is an ulcer flare-up that Tyson is suffering from.
Jun 01
The United States notoriously makes tax filing stressful and expensive thanks to greed, the tax lobby and the idea that basically nothing should be free (fun stuff!). However, there’s a little glimmer of hope, as the IRS is making Direct File, its free digital tool announced in late 2023, permanent. According to the US Department of the Treasury, a Direct File pilot program saved 140,000 individuals an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs for the 2024 tax session.
Not only is the program here to stay (with the current government, at least), but its access is expanding. Taxpayers in 12 states could use Direct File this year, but the tool will be available in all 50 states and Washington DC starting with the 2025 filing season. The Treasury reports that Direct File users approved of the tool, with 90 percent of the 11,000 taxpayers surveyed rating the system “excellent” or “above average.”
Right now, the free TurboTax alternative only works for taxpayers with simple filings like a W-2 or standard deduction. However, the Treasury plans to “expand the reach and tax scope” it offers in the coming years. Despite this expansion, it will be up to states whether they want to participate in the program.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-irs-is-making-its-free-turbo-tax-alternative-permanent-142055378.html?src=rss
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