Apple is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its mobile payment service, Apple Pay, announcing that its service will evolve in the near future and provide additional features, alongside expanded instalment loan options.

As part of its global rollout, Apple will partner with DBS Bank in Singapore, granting access to instalment loan options for eligible credit or debit cards. Options outside of Singapore also include ANZ in Australia, Citi and Synchrony in the United States, and CaixaBank in Spain.

This news follows Apple’s decision in June to roll back plans for its Pay Later feature, instead prioritising partnerships with local financial institutes worldwide. This would allow banking partners to stay connected with Apple Pay instead of competing with the Cupertino giant directly.

In addition, Apple Pay users in Singapore will soon be able to redeem rewards when they check out with Apple Pay online or in-app on iOS devices. This feature is steadily being rolled out for eligible DBS cards locally but has already kicked off for users in the U.S. with iOS 18, with the ability to see their PayPal balance when using their PayPal debit card coming to Apple Wallet next year.

On the Apple Newsroom, Jennifer Bailey, Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, expressed excitement about providing users with more ways to pay and offering enhanced flexibility, while maintaining the high levels of trust and security that users expect.

“From the outset, we envisioned a world where you could use your iPhone to seamlessly pay for everything, all while keeping your personal and financial information safe and private,” said Bailey.

Apple Pay is currently used worldwide by hundreds of millions of consumers across 78 markets, available on millions of websites and physical storefronts, and is supported by more than 11,000 bank and network partners. The platform can now be accessed on third-party browsers and computers.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Apple Pay Turns 10, Partners DBS In Singapore For Installment Loans appeared first on Geek Culture.

A soundbar is an easy way to upgrade the audio experience, offering clearer dialogue and a more dynamic soundstage as compared to traditional speakers. The Sonos Arc established itself as a solid pick when it was released in 2022, and its newly announced successor, the Sonos Arc Ultra, is set to raise the bar with several hardware upgrades.

For starters, it features Sound Motion technology, which is touted as “one of the most significant breakthroughs in audio engineering in nearly 100 years.” The transducer technology hails from Mayht, the startup it acquired in 2022, and enables smaller speakers to deliver richer, better sound.

As such, the soundbar can pack more bass power into a relatively slim body that measures 7.5cm x 117.8cm x 11.6cm and weighs 5.9kg. According to Sonos, it’s also 18 percent smaller by volume than its predecessor and boasts 14 drivers in total, including seven tweeters, six mid-woofers, and the built-in Sound Motion woofer — three more than the original Arc.

There are other notable features as well. Apart from Dolby Atmos support and a 9.1.4 spatial audio experience (referring to nine horizontal audio channels, one subwoofer, and four up-firing channels), users can expect “an advanced version of Speech Enhancement” that promises dialogue clarity, Trueplay EQ tuning for both Android and iOS devices, and Bluetooth audio playback, which wasn’t available previously.

Like other Sonos soundbars, the Arc Ultra is compatible with the company’s Ace headphones through any input device plugged into it. The full-sized Sub 4 subwoofer, meanwhile, sports a new matte finish, backward compatibility, increased processing power memory, and new WiFi radios for improved connectivity.

As for current users, an update will reintroduce 90 percent of the new app’s missing features. The redesigned app was first rolled out in May, but a slew of bugs, missing features, unstable system performances, and other problems prompted the team to direct all efforts to improve its infrastructure.

The Sonos Arc Ultra retails for S$1,899, while the Sonos Sub 4 costs S$1,449. Both devices are available in black or white.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar And Wireless Sub 4 Subwoofer Offer Enhanced Spatial Immersion appeared first on Geek Culture.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to occupy the tech space, wireless earbuds are no less susceptible to its influence. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, running on the tagline “AI-powered with comfortable fit”, has incorporated the tech into its formula, allowing the company to lay claim to its first pair of earbuds powered by a Tensor chip.

Typically found in the Pixel series of smartphones, the processor offers various performance enhancements and support for Google AI. Similarly, the Tensor A1 audio chip also taps into the software to process audio 90 times faster than the speed of sound, with an upgraded active noise cancellation (ANC) infrastructure blocking out twice as much noise as before.

Other noteworthy improvements to optimise the overall experience include large 11mm drivers for powerful bass and spatial audio with head-tracking functionality to deliver immersive surround sound. Expect Gemini, Google’s voice assistant, to work like a charm with the earbuds, which offer seamless integration across existing Pixel devices.

Suffice to say, it’s no slouch. Packed to the brim with AI oomph, the accessory offers a glimpse of next-gen capabilities, but where does it stand among its contemporaries? Check out its performance in the comparison video above, featuring the Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2, Nothing Ear, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 retails for S$349 and will be available in Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Battle Of The Buds: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Vs. Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2, Nothing Ear & Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro appeared first on Geek Culture.

Every year at Adobe MAX, one of the main highlights apart from the day 2 inspiration keynote with guest creators, is always the “MAX Sneaks”, where Adobe’s engineers and research scientists showcase a slew of cutting-edge innovations that may or may not eventually come to Adobe’s Creative Cloud apps. This year at Adobe MAX 2024 in Miami, the “Sneaks” was co-hosted by award-winning actress Awkwafina.

Here are the 9 latest early-stage innovations and exciting advancements across photography, video, audio, 3D and design shared during this year’s MAX Sneaks:

Project Perfect Blend makes it easier to add people or objects into another image while automatically adjusting colour, lighting, and shadows to naturally blend it with the image.

Project Clean Machine removes unwanted flashes from things like photo flashes or fireworks, as well as objects briefly blocking the camera. These distractions can easily be removed from photos or videos with just a click of a button.

Project In Motion uses generative AI to turn a custom shape animation into a video just by describing what you want. It uses generative AI to convert text into animation based on an initial After Effects project. You can even add a style reference image to mix and match styles with your prompt for a unique touch.

Project Know How envisions the future of content provenance by demonstrating the durability of Content Credentials across both digital and physical spaces. Through fingerprinting and watermarking, users can quickly trace the origins of videos and images to their original source, even when visible Content Credentials metadata has been stripped.

Project Turntable enables you to easily rotate 2D vector art in 3D, and it will still look like 2D art from any new angle. Simply click a button and drag a slider to spin your graphics around, much like manipulating a 3D object.

Project Super Sonic allows you to generate sound effects for your video simply by using a prompt. You can even control the timing of these sounds with your voice, or layer sounds directly in the timeline, mix background and foreground effects, and choose from variations of prompts to get just the right sound.

Project Scenic makes 2D image creation easier by letting you build a 3D scene layout with a copilot prompt.

Project Remix A Lot makes it super easy to turn a sketch into a polished design but starting with a rough idea and then refine it using an inspiration image. The tool uses generative AI to guide you through the creative process, letting you adjust your design to fit various shapes and sizes, even irregular ones.

Project Hi-Fi can capture any part of your screen and use it as a guide to quickly create high-quality images with AI. These images can then be easily brought into Adobe Photoshop for further editing.

Ending off the “Sneaks” session was a surprise announcement that the next Adobe MAX would be held in Tokyo, Japan on 13 February 2025.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Adobe MAX 2024: Nine Exciting “Sneaks” Offer Glimpse Into Future Of Creativity appeared first on Geek Culture.

Creative software company Adobe has announced key upgrades and innovative improvements across its suite of multimedia tools including Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom, and in its continued push towards adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid in the creation of content, will introduce text to video for its generative Adobe Firefly software, which can now also fill in any gaps in video footage.

Announced this week at the opening keynote of the world’s largest creativity conference, Adobe MAX 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida, from 14 to 16 October, over 10,000 creative professionals watched as Adobe introduced over one hundred new Creative Cloud features, including major updates across Adobe Premiere Pro, Firefly, Express, Frame.io and more, that are immediately available for users to try out.

“We’re giving the creative community a powerful new brush to paint the world by putting unprecedented power, precision and creative control in their hands. With the demand for content projected to grow exponentially, we’re empowering creators to scale the use of their content across marketing, HR and sales teams,” said David Wadhwani, president, digital media at Adobe.

Aside from supporting individuals, the company also rolled out enterprise capabilities for Adobe Express, its cloud-based design platform that provides access to those within the organisation to use the tools. Here are some of the standout updates that got us most excited about, and we can’t wait to try them out over the next few months:

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe is rolling out a major update to the Distraction Removal in the Remove Tool. Distraction Removal now automatically detects and removes unwanted elements such as wires and people and replaces the background with AI-generated content.

Photoshop’s Generative Fill and Generative Expand are now powered by the latest Adobe Firefly Image Model 3, so users can count on getting realistic, lifelike results, with more levels of detail across lighting, composition and colour. Additionally, the new Generate Similar feature enables users to create more variations of generated images for that perfect fit. These features are available now on both the deskop app and Photoshop on the web.

Two new features have also been introduced to Adobe Photoshop (Beta). First, Generative Workspace lets you explore more ideas in less time with generative AI. Most AI image generators limit and slow your process as they only produce a few results and only allow you to submit one prompt at a time, requiring you to wait before you can further refine your prompt or try a different one. With Generative Workspace, you can brainstorm multiple concepts concurrently, using text prompts to quickly generate sets of images. You can search and reuse text prompts and images and generate new sets of images while previous sets are still generating. Once you get the resuts you like, you can easily import and refine your generated images in Photoshop. Second, the Adobe Substance 3D Viewer (Beta) is a new way to view and edit 3D files within Photoshop by simply adding them as Smart Objects.

Both features are now available in the Photoshop (Beta) app. Learn more about all the updates in Adobe Photoshop via Adobe’s blog post.

Adobe Firefly

Users can soon generate videos with the Firefly Video Model (beta), which enables creators to generate video from text and image prompts, extend video clips as well as deeper integration with Premiere Pro. Transforming ideas into video clips, pitching ideas, b-roll and visual effects is easier than ever before. On top of that, the latest evolution of Firefly Image 3 Model generates images four times faster.

Just check out this AI-generated video from the following prompt: Macro shot of a tiny baby dragon made out of lava scuttling around inside a volcano.

Firefly is also designed to be safe for commercial use, and is only trained on content where Adobe has permission, such as Adobe Stock and public domain content where copyright has expired, and never on Adobe users’ content. It has already been used to generate more than 13 billion images and counting. During the beta stage, only a limited number of users will be granted access, so be sure to sign up for the waitlist here.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator’s new Objects on Path enables users to quickly attach, arrange and move objects along any type of path. Enhanced Image Trace lets users convert hand-drawn images and raster graphics into editable vectors with more accurate image tracing and greater editability. The Mockup feature is now available too, so designers can create mockups for brand and apparel designs by placing your artwork on images of real-life objects. Illustrator will automatically adjust your artwork to fit the curves and edges of the object.

Adobe Project Neo (Beta)

Project Neo, a completely new approach to creating 3D content via a web-based app is available now and in beta. It is an app built for designers who typically work in 2D design apps like Photoshop and Illustrator. With Project Neo, you can create and edit 3D shapes and artwork in your web browser. Neo lets you quickly edit and refine endless variations of a design, non-destructively. Your Project Neo creations can then be opened in Adobe Illustrator as vectors, so you can continue to edit your artwork and add them to your design compositions. You can even share your designs via a link to your artwork to invite team members to collaborate within the browser.

You can read more about Project Neo via Adobe’s blog post, or try it out for yourself if you have an active Creative Cloud subscription.

Adobe Express

Adobe Express is a quick and easy create-anything app that’s available on web and mobile, that allows users to create social media posts, videos, flyers and more, at no additional cost, since it’s included in most Creative Cloud membership plans. And now, it is armed with several new capabilities to make it even easier to use than ever.

AI-powered Resize and with Expand resizes designs for multiple social media channels and enlarges images to fit new sizes, while Bulk Create generates variations of images, videos and copy, enabling users to easily adapt content for different seasons or products, in just a few clicks. Animate All allows users to add motion to an entire design and AI emphasizes the most important parts, like headlines and buttons.

One-click Apply Brand and On-brand Recolor allows users to apply all brand elements, including designs, images illustrations or brand colors across multiple pages for one-click brand and visual consistency. When working with text, users can now use Rewrite to shorten or change the tone of copy instantly and Translate text into 46 languages, choosing between formal and informal tones. Contextually aware translation capabilities keeps messaging intent intact.

There’s plenty more features added to Adobe Express, check out the comprehensive full list via Adobe’s blog post.

Frame.io

Having acquired Frame.io almost three years ago, Adobe has since then been working hard to evolve and integrate the industry-leading creative collaboration platform with its Creative Cloud apps. And today, Frame.io Version 4 is out of beta, completely redesigned to be faster and more intuitive, with new features made for asset and workflow management, along with enhancements for reviewing and approving design work. Frame.io now has a direct connection to Adobe Lightroom, enabled through Frame.io’s Camera to Cloud (C2C) integrations that allows photographers to automatically transfer all images uploaded via Frame.io’s C2C into their Lightroom account.

And finally, Frame.io has further expanded its C2C camera ecosystem by partnering with Canon, Nikon and Leica, to be expected in forthcoming integrations.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Adobe MAX 2024: Over 100 New Creative Cloud Features Enabling Single Creators & Large Teams appeared first on Geek Culture.

Has Tesla been exposed for potential plagiarism? Alex Proyas, the filmmaker behind 2004’s I, Robot, has taken to Twitter/X and slammed Tesla CEO Elon Musk for ripping off his designs.

Tesla had previously unveiled its new robotic prototypes during its We, Robot event (the first red flag of things to come) on 10 October 2024. Its name plays into the title of Issac Asimov’s 1950 short story collection, which was also the inspiration for the I, Robot film.

Among the products showcased were the Optimus robotic humanoid, the Robovan, a self-driving bus that can transport up to 20 people, and the Cybercab taxi, an autonomous vehicle with wing-like doors. Users on social media were quick to point out how all three bear a striking resemblance to designs seen in the 2004 action flick.

Design appropriation was not the only issue arising from the event, with the Optimus robots raising eyebrows after the revelation that they were not fully autonomous, instead being remotely controlled by an operator. Despite all the hype, the event also reportedly failed to impress investors, with Tesla’s stock falling by 10% after.

It seems like there are still some ways to go before real life can fully imitate reel life, but if all else fails, at least now we have usable props for I, Robot 2. The original film was set in Chicago in 2035, with a synopsis that reads:

“In 2035, highly intelligent robots fill public service positions throughout the world, operating under three rules to keep humans safe. Despite his dark history with robotics, Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) investigates the alleged suicide of U.S. Robotics founder Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell) and believes that a human-like robot (Alan Tudyk) murdered him. With the help of a robot expert (Bridget Moynahan), Spooner discovers a conspiracy that may enslave the human race.”

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post ‘I, Robot’ Director Criticises Elon Musk Over Android Design Similarities appeared first on Geek Culture.

The age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is truly upon us. Evolving from more than just a tool for image creation and text generation, AI offers immense help to businesses, increasing operational efficiency by facilitating routine tasks and streamlining processes, all while using deep learning to adapt on the fly, effectively reducing instances of human error.

But fully utilising AI requires a ton of processing power, and handling taxing processes and complex tasks requires a beefy rig with specialised components, where choosing the right parts spells the difference between being at the forefront of technological innovation, or falling behind. Equipped with the latest cutting-edge capabilities, TECHYARD keeps users in the AI race with a wide range of offerings and PC components on its online portal, specially tailored to harness the full potential of AI. 

Integrating the power of Gigabyte AI TOP (short for trillions of operations per second), an all-rounded AI training solution that’s a cut above traditional methods, these products allow businesses to have a localised environment for AI training and development, bringing optimised power efficiency and durability to handle the immense workload required – for both desktops and laptops alike. 

DESKTOP SOLUTIONS

Gigabyte TRX50 AI TOP: The high-performance AI motherboard

The foundation of a good rig is the backbone that holds everything together. The gaming-focused Gigabyte TRX50 AI TOP motherboard features topline compatibility with AMD’s Threadripper 7000 series and Treadripper Pro 7000 processors, and up to 192GB DDR5 memory capacity, ensuring unbeatable performance and transfer speeds. 

The TRX50 AI TOP is also packed with additional features including 10GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 7  connectivity, 16 quad PCle 5.0 slots for multi-GPU setups and more, maximising the configurations for AI model training across the board. For those who rely on external accessories, the board houses a slew of ports, including four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB4 Type-C ports, and more. 

The Gigabyte TRX50 AI TOP motherboard is available from TECHYARD at S$1,450.

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070Ti Super AI TOP: AI-Ready GPU

Designed from the ground up for AI computing, the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070Ti Super AI TOP features 8448 CUDA cores, 264 Tensor cores, 16GB of GDDR6X high-speed memory, and NVIDIA DLSS 3 support, which delivers up to four times rendering speeds. The 3rd Generation RT Cores, meanwhile, double ray tracing performance in various titles, creating lifelike shadows, reflections, and other effects to ensure a speedy, immersive experience even under the most demanding AI training conditions. 

With such power at its disposal, heat management is most definitely essential. To this end, the GPU’s cover features an inward-dented design, ensuring ample space for fans to breathe even while stacked together, optimising airflow and improving heat dissipation. Its frame is also entirely metal, leveraging its high thermal conductivity to effectively transfer heat from critical components, further improving cooling efficiency.

The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070Ti Super is available from TECHYARD at S$1,449.

LAPTOP SOLUTIONS

GIGABYTE AORUS 15: 15.6″ QHD Intel Core Ultra 7 155H RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop

The world’s first dual AI-powered laptop, the GIGABYTE AORUS 15 comes equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, featuring a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to handle sustained AI workloads and AI offload specifically.

Outfitted with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU, the laptop promises AI-accelerated performance with Nvidia Ada Lovelace Architecture and DLSS 3, offering 20x faster speeds in generative AI workflows compared to laptops with no discrete GPUs.

All this is complemented with a crisp 15.6” QHD 165Hz screen, which balances clarity and smoothness. Dolby Vision Technology also improves upon standard High Dynamic Range (HDR) 4K videos, and its built-in wide colour gamut ensures rich images for ultimate immersion.

The GIGABYTE AORUS 15 is available from TECHYARD at S$2,050.

GIGABYTE AORUS 16X: 16″ Intel i7-14650HX RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop

The latest lineup of AI gaming laptops from AORUS, the GIGABYTE AORUS 16X features an Intel Core HX processor that provides desktop-tier performance with up to 24 CPU cores and 32 CPU threads, not only allowing for smooth gaming framerates but also optimal workflows for processing tasks. This configuration, coupled with AI acceleration, is expected to raise performance by over 30% compared to standard H processors.

Incorporating the AORUS AI Nexus, a seamless AI experience, the AORUS 16X includes various generative AI applications, a dynamic GPU switch for efficient power management, and smart AI Model-powered overclocking for better performance.

The AORUS 16X also boasts an enlarged viewing area in a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering unmatched immersion with GIGABYTE’s patented four-sided super-slim bezel design, measuring only 3mm at its slimmest part. With its WQXGA 165Hz screen (2,560 x 1,600 pixels), users can look forward to equal parts clarity and responsiveness.

The GIGABYTE AORUS 16X is available from TECHYARD at S$2,299.

GIGABYTE AORUS 17X: 16″ Intel i9-14900HX RTX 4080/4090 Gaming Laptop

The big brother to the AORUS 16X, the GIGABYTE AORUS 17X is equipped with the latest 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14980HX processor, providing unparalleled performance for both work and play. With 24 CPU cores and 32 CPU threads, multitasking becomes a breeze, reducing the time needed for processing tasks and increasing overall work efficiency.

Featuring support for the highest specification of DDR5-5600 memory, it offers blazing-fast load times and seamless multi-tasking suited for even the most GPU-intensive workloads. The laptop comes with a choice of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 or 4090 laptop GPU, making it an unbeatable gaming powerhouse.

Rounding out the experience is a top-of-the-line screen, offering QHD resolution alongside a butter-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, with a 100% DCI-P3 wide colour gamut for vivid images and the ultimate immersion.

The GIGABYTE AORUS 17X is available from TECHYARD at S$5,399.

Now that you are equipped with the latest AI-ready systems, it’s time to fully savour your AI creations. To this end, TECHYARD also offers a range of OLED monitors to enhance your viewing pleasure.

GIGABYTE AORUS FO27Q2: 27″ 240HZ QD-OLED Gaming Monitor

Standing as one of the fastest and most responsive OLED monitors out there, the GIGABYTE AORUS FO27Q2 features a 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED panel with a responsive 240Hz refresh rate, delivering uncompromised picture quality with vibrant colours at an excellent 1.5M:1 contrast ratio. Additionally, the 0.03-millisecond response time and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro further enhance immersion through lightning-fast responsiveness and zero screen tear or stuttering.

Using GIGABYTE OLED care, an AI-based algorithm that minimises risks of burn-in issues, the monitor offers a prolonged lifespan that’s not only safe, but smart, running AI-based presets in the background to ensure minimal interference.

The monitor also ships with a wide range of connectivity options, boasting 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB Type-C port to ensure that no device is left behind. Tilt, swivel, pivot and height adjustments are all present for an ergonomic viewing experience.

The GIGABYTE AORUS FO27Q2 is available from TECHYARD at S$799.

GIGABYTE AORUS FO32U2P: 32″ 240HZ 4K Gaming Monitor

For those seeking to enjoy everything the AORUS FO27Q2 has but in a 4K screen package, look no further than the AORUS FO32U2P.

Marking the world’s first OLED monitor featuring DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20, the gaming monitor offers the same unmatched qualities as the AORUS FO27Q2, now with a 32-inch UHD 4K resolution upgrade.

The new UHBR20 display standard provides top-of-the-line 80Gbps bandwidth and eliminates display stream compression, ensuring uninterrupted high-data flow and a seamless viewing experience. External connections won’t be an issue, either, with DP 2.1, mini  DP 2.1 and DP 1.4 ports allowing for multiple monitor setups and transporting video signals via a single cable. 

The GIGABYTE AORUS FO32U2P is available from TECHYARD at S$1,699.

From businesses looking to harness the full potential of AI to tech enthusiasts and hardcore gamers, TECHYARD provides a one-stop destination for quality computer parts and accessories, offering not only a comprehensive shopping experience but also top-of-the-line customer support and expert advice for beginners.

For more information, check out TECHYARD’s website. 

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Gigabyte’s AI TOP Desktops, Aorus Laptops & OLED Monitors Elevate The Ultimate AI Experience appeared first on Geek Culture.

Apple has announced that its annual Swift Student Challenge, a platform to empower the next generation of young developers, will return in February 2025.

The challenge will provide thousands of students around the world the opportunity to unleash their creativity and showcase their coding abilities. Utilising Swift, a professional programming language, participants are tasked with developing applications to help address important global issues.

“At Apple, we are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of coders. Every year, we’re incredibly impressed by the ingenuity of the apps students are creating, and we’re excited to see what the next round of the challenge will bring,” said Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, Susan Prescott.

Submissions will open in February 2025, with 350 Swift Student Challenge winners selected based on “innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity”. Among this group, 50 will be named Distinguished Winners and receive invitations to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino. All winners will be awarded a one-year membership to the Apple Developer Program, plus a “special gift” from Apple.

For all the challenge hopefuls out there, here are some tips from Swift Student Challenge 2024 winners:

• Kai Quan Tay (16 years old):
  “Work smart. Swift Student Challenge submissions are judged in under 3 minutes, and you should use that to your advantage. Especially if you’re short on time, prioritise parts that judges will interact with first. Select your app’s idea wisely – is it something that you could fully demonstrate within a single elevator ride?”
  
• Xuan Han Tan (17 years old):
  “Start early. By starting early, you’ll have more time to design, plan, code, test and refine your app, so your app will be more complete. Often, towards the end of development, we realise some fundamental issues in the features of our app, and it’s important to leave enough time to resolve these issues and show your app’s full potential.”

The next Apple Swift Student Challenge will begin applications in February 2025.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Apple Swift Student Challenge Returns To Champion Young Developers In Feb 2025 appeared first on Geek Culture.

Apple recently unveiled a slew of new offerings captured in Apple Immersive Video, marking a significant expansion in the content available on Apple Vision Pro. Among these, Submerged, a scripted short film by Academy Award-winning director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), stands out as the first scripted film shot in this innovative format. This film is now accessible to Apple Vision Pro users worldwide at no additional cost, offering a riveting experience aboard a WWII-era submarine.

Apple Immersive Video, which combines ultra-high-resolution 3D video and Spatial Audio, aims to place viewers at the heart of the action. This technology allows for a deeply immersive experience, as demonstrated in Submerged. The film transports viewers inside a tightly packed submarine, enhancing the narrative’s tension and urgency. Berger praised Apple Vision Pro for transforming his approach to storytelling, “Apple Vision Pro inspired me to tell a story in a way that just wasn’t possible before, and in the process, it changed the way my team and I think about creating a story. This immersive technology pioneered by Apple is going to change the future of filmmaking.”

Submerged was filmed over three weeks across Prague, Brussels, and Malta. The production used a 23-ton submarine set, authentically constructed from steel and brass to mimic WWII vessels. The set included practical camera traps and special effects, allowing for realistic depiction of elements like sparks, steam, water, and fire. This setup was crucial in maintaining the film’s immersive quality without disrupting the viewer’s engagement.

The broader slate of Apple Immersive Video includes other notable entries. Elevated, an aerial travel series, recently premiered with an episode exploring Hawaii’s volcanoes and waterfalls. The series will continue with an episode set in Maine, offering viewers a picturesque autumn landscape.

Apple’s expansion into immersive video content also extends to adventure-themed programming. Adventure series will feature episodes like Ice Dive, where viewers follow a freediver under ice, and Free Solo, which showcases the risks of free-solo climbing in Majorca.

In November, Apple will collaborate with The Weeknd to launch an immersive music experience timed with his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Additionally, Concert for One, a series debuting later this year, will feature intimate performances by top artists, including British singer-songwriter RAYE.

Moreover, sports fans can look forward to an immersive film covering the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend. This feature will include various events, highlighting the competition and athleticism in an engaging new format.

Apple Vision Pro is currently available in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, China mainland, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Users can explore Apple Immersive Video at no extra cost via the Apple TV app, with additional accessibility through Migu Video and Tencent Video apps in China mainland.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post Apple Unveils First Scripted Immersive Video Film ‘Submerged’ For Vision Pro appeared first on Geek Culture.

Yes, the Dark Knight is 85 years old this year, and CASETiFY is celebrating Batman’s 85th Anniversary with a collaboration that features unique designs and elements from the comics and films, especially the iconic 1989 movie. The Caped Crusader first appeared in 1939’s Detective Comics #27 and since then, Batman has stood as a symbol of determination, courage, and justice to generations of fans for 85 years.

The Batman collection spans across CASETiFY’s range of Impact, Mirror, Clear, Impact Ring Stand, Bounce, and Ultra Bounce Cases available for iPhone, Samsung, and Google devices. As well as various compatible accessories for AirPods, AirPods Pro, Apple Watch bands, wireless chargers, grip stands, cardholder stands, power banks, charging stands, phone straps, MacBook and iPad.

One of the most notable standouts from this collection is the iconic Bat-Signal Collectible AirPods Case. The Bat-Signal Case resembles the iconic Bat-Signal used by the Gotham City officials and even lights up! It also features 1989’s Batman perched atop.

The second notable standout is none other than a 1989 Batmobile Phone Case that is shaped like Batman’s iconic Batmobile from Tim Burton’s 1989 film. Bulky and impractical as it is, it is bound to be a fun conversation piece and geeking out with fellow Batman fans. The front hood of the Batmobile flips open to uncover the camera lenses so you can take photos. The Batmobile is made of durable resin with intricate small metal parts. It also comes with an Impact Case that can be easily detached from the bottom of the Batmobile with two clicks.

The Batmobile Case will only be available exclusively for the iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max and in very limited quantities (only 50 pieces), on a first-come-first-served basis. And here’s the final kicker, it costs a whopping US$2,000 (S$2,841)! The collectible case also includes a rare 1/50 limited edition card, specially crafted for every die-hard Batman fan.

The Batman CASETiFY collection launches worldwide on casetify.com on 16th October. It will be available for purchase online, via the CASETiFY Co-Lab app, and at CASETiFY Studio locations. However, fans can now sign up for priority access to the products ahead of its launch.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post CASETiFY Celebrates 85 Years Of Batman With 1989 Batmobile iPhone And Bat-Signal AirPods Cases appeared first on Geek Culture.

The latest and greatest tech from Nintendo… is an alarm clock? The company behind video game icons Mario and Zelda is certainly turning heads with the announcement of the Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, an interactive video game-themed alarm clock.

Check out the bizarre trailer below:

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo is now available but with a catch. Currently, only Nintendo Switch Online members in the US and Canada can purchase it via the My Nintendo Store, with the alarm clock also available exclusively at the Nintendo New York Store for a limited run. A wider global release is currently set for early 2025.

According to Nintendo’s official news release, the alarm clock is designed to “add some Nintendo charm to your home and daily routine”, with ringtones inspired by five Nintendo titles: Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Pikmin 4, Splatoon 3, and Ring Fit Adventure.

Featuring motion sensor technology, it responds to a user’s body movements, playing unique sound effects based on the selected ringtone and theme, such as the iconic Mario coin collection jingle. Motion can also be used to snooze the alarm and reduce its volume, with the alarm stopping automatically upon getting out of bed.

Very much like receiving new DLC content for games, the Alarmo will be updated with new themes that can be downloaded for free, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and more.

Other features include a records mode to track sleep activity, an hourly chime, sleepy sounds that help induce a good night’s rest, and a traditional button mode for those who prefer a more tactile experience.

The alarm clock comes with certain requirements to fully utilise its functions. It is only compatible with twin-to-king-sized beds, and “should be placed facing the centre of the bed, within arm’s reach, and no higher than 8 inches above the sleeper.”

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo is expected to see its global release in early 2025 and will be priced at US$99.99.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Nintendo’s Alarmo Clock Lets You Wake Up To Iconic ‘Super Mario’ Sounds appeared first on Geek Culture.

There’s a running gag that the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative endeavours frees us up for household chores, but what we really want is for AI to do our laundry while we write, paint and create. Mankind is probably nowhere near that ideal scenario but global electronics giant Samsung isn’t hanging consumers out to dry.

The Korean chaebol has unfolded a new generation of laundry care offerings that puts a new spin on the weekly chore, with effortless efficiency and intelligent automation at the forefront, making laundry day a breeze.

Imagine a laundry experience where a machine anticipates your needs, cares for your clothes with personalised attention, and seamlessly integrates with your connected lifestyle. Gone are the days of sorting, soaking, and transferring heavy loads between machines.

Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, presented at a closed-door forum held in Bangkok, Thailand, boasts the company’s first all-in-one laundry solution, combining a large-capacity washer and a Heatpump Technology dryer in a single, streamlined unit. This 2-in-1 combo isn’t new but it’s the first Samsung combo to utilise Heatpump Technology, which gently dries clothes at lower temperatures, preventing shrinkage while saving time and energy. This translates to drying times that are up to 60% faster and energy consumption up to 75 percent lower than traditional methods. It’s like drying a full load of laundry in the time it takes to cook dinner!

No more transferring heavy loads between separate machines – the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo washes up to 25kg and dries up to 15kg of laundry in one go, an ideal choice for large families or those with greater laundry demands. The AI Wash function automatically detects the weight, fabric type, and soiling level of each load, dispensing the precise amount of water and detergent needed. It also dynamically adjusts soaking, rinsing, and spinning times for the most effective wash cycle. Once washing is complete, AI Dry takes over, automatically tailoring the drying process to the load’s weight and moisture content.

But the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is more than just a washer and dryer. The unit is equipped with AI Home, a 7-inch LCD display that acts as a command centre, allowing users to easily select functions, adjust settings, and receive recommendations based on their washing habits through machine learning. Furthermore, the AI Home interface can connect with Samsung’s SmartThings app to provide detailed reports on water and energy consumption, adding a layer of transparency that helps users manage their utilities more effectively.

For those particularly concerned with time-saving, this feature is abundant in the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. The Super Speed cycle allows you to complete a full wash and dry cycle in just 98 minutes (a wash cycle takes only 28 minutes, and drying takes just 70 minutes). The Auto Open Door feature automatically opens the appliance door at the end of each cycle, releasing humid air and preventing musty odours from developing if you don’t immediately unload the laundry. Meanwhile, the Flex Auto Dispense System calculates and dispenses the precise amount of detergent and softener required for each load, thereby optimising wash results and extending fabric life. 

To elevate your laundry experience further, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo seamlessly integrates with the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem. SmartThings Energy allows you to monitor and manage energy consumption in real time, receive monthly reports, and set energy-saving targets. The AI Energy Mode intelligently optimises energy use, reducing consumption by up to 60% for washing and 30% for drying. Home Care proactively notifies you of maintenance needs and assists with troubleshooting, while Clothing Care lets you customise cycles by registering your clothes’ care labels through photos.

The user experience is further enriched by the Digital Inverter Technology. Built to last, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo features Digital Inverter Technology, using strong magnets for quiet, powerful performance and enhanced energy efficiency. Samsung backs this durability with an industry-leading 20-year warranty on the high-quality inverter motor. 

Also committed to environmental responsibility, Samsung has partnered with Ocean Wise Plastics Lab and Patagonia to develop the Less Microfiber Cycle mode. This feature reduces microfiber shedding from synthetic clothes by up to 60% during washing, minimising the release of microplastics into waterways.

“We are excited to share Samsung’s latest innovations in smarter living to this region and to offer a deep dive into the innovations that we are bringing to transform everyday life. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is a glimpse into the future of innovative laundry care, and by harnessing the power of AI, we are redefining what is possible in the home and at the same time, empowering our consumers with smarter and more efficient home solutions,” said Daren Tay, VP & Regional Head of Digital Appliances for Southeast Asia & Oceania, Samsung Electronics.

The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is available on the Samsung official store in a Dark Silver Steel finish, priced at S$5,499. Samsung also offers a range of Bespoke AI Laundry options with different capacities and features to suit various needs and budgets. 

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post Samsung Showcases Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, The Ultimate Laundry Solution In Bangkok appeared first on Geek Culture.

With the advancement in AI-generated content over the last couple of years, there is a growing concern over misinformation and AI-generated deepfakes, so there is a need to help protect and attribute creators’ works. Since founding the Content Authenticity Initiative in 2019, Adobe has championed the widespread adoption of Content Credentials as the industry standard for transparency in digital content, currently supported by over 3,700 members.

Now, with Adobe’s newly announced free Adobe Content Authenticity web app, it bringing the full potential of Content Credentials, beyond Adobe’s own apps, for all creators to use, and to protect their work from misuse or misrepresentation.

“Adobe is committed to responsible innovation centered on the needs and interests of creators. Adobe Content Authenticity is a powerful new web application that helps creators protect and get recognition for their work. By offering creators a simple, free and easy way to attach Content Credentials to what they create, we are helping them preserve the integrity of their work, while enabling a new era of transparency and trust online. The Adobe Content Authenticity web app will not only benefit creators but also help consumers navigate the digital ecosystem with greater clarity,” shares Scott Belsky, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President, Design & Emerging Products at Adobe.

According to Adobe, the web app was developed in close collaboration with creators, incorporating their feedback at every stage, through one-on-one listening sessions, group discussions, user experience testing and more, to ensure it is truly built by and for creators.

Content Credentials are already supported in popular Adobe Creative Cloud apps such as Photoshop, Lightroom and Firefly. The web app will eventually integrate with these Creative Cloud apps and others, serving as a centralized hub for managing Content Credentials preferences. Here’s a quick look at the key features of the web app:

• Easily Apply Content Credentials: Creators can easily apply Content Credentials in batch to digitally sign their work, across images, audio and video files. For a start, creators will be able to attribute their website and social media accounts. Name attribution and other options will be added in future.
• Set Generative AI Training and Usage Preference: Creators can use Content Credentials to signal if they do not want their content used by or to train other generative AI models on the market.
• View and Inspect Content Credentials Easily: Adobe will release a Content Authenticity extension for Google Chrome and the Inspect tool within the web app will help to recover and display any Content Credentials associated with the content, including edit history when available.
• Durable Content Credentials: Content Credentials applied with the web app stay securely connected to the creator’s work throughout the content lifecycle and can be recovered even if the provenance information is removed or when someone takes a screenshot of the content. This is possible through the combined use of digital fingerprinting, invisible watermarking and cryptographically signed metadata, helping to ensure that Content Credentials remain intact and verifiable across the digital ecosystem.

The free public beta of the Adobe Content Authenticity web app will be available in Q1 2025. Creators can join the waitlist now and be notified when the beta is available. A free beta of the Content Authenticity extension for Google Chrome web browser is out now.

Adobe will also preview the web app at its booth (#424) at this year’s Adobe MAX, happening from 14 to 16 October in Miami Beach, Florida.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Free Adobe Content Authenticity Web App Helps Creators Protect & Attribute Their Work appeared first on Geek Culture.

The Redmagic series of gaming phones has always delivered the magic touch, breezing through various titles with great ease. Having a compact form factor certainly helps its case, allowing for on-the-go enjoyment at all times.

But sometimes, bigger is better. The bonus screen real estate offers more immersion, making both work and play a pleasant affair — from multitasking and watching the latest shows to defeating hordes of enemies in gaming titles. Building on its strong framework, the Redmagic Nova combines a handset’s portability and the oomph of a laptop into a 530-gram body, establishing itself as a lightweight powerhouse.

The tablet packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version processor, essentially an overclocked edition of the regular chip that promises enhanced performance. It will also be the first of its kind to boast an internal fan and 3D heat pipe for improved heat dissipation, proving effective at beating the heat under heavy loads.

As for display tech, the Redmagic Nova features a 10.9-inch panel with a 2,880 x 1,800 resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 144Hz refresh rate. The visual experience, powered by brawny hardware, yielded exceptional results in Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Warzone, and PUBG Mobile, clocking little to no frame rate dips across all four titles, as well as a crisp, smooth and satisfying experience.

Check out how well the device plays in our gaming test video above, which includes starting temperatures, performance indicators, and thermal management findings. The Redmagic Nova starts from S$779 and comes in two configurations — 12GB ROM + 256GB RAM and 16GB ROM + 512GB RAM.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Redmagic Nova Tablet Gaming Test — Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, COD: Warzone Mobile & PUBG appeared first on Geek Culture.

It seems that self-care has found a new ally in technology. Finch, a self-care widget pet, emerges as a novel tool to assist individuals dealing with various mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to ADHD. This innovative app centres around a charming virtual bird, which users can accompany on daily adventures, encouraging both the avatar and the user to grow and heal.

Upon commencing your journey with Finch, the app prompts you to set personal goals, which can range from simple daily tasks like getting out of bed to more involved activities such as meal prepping. The goals are suggested with empathy, recognising that everyone’s capabilities and challenges are unique, thus removing any judgment about the ‘difficulty’ of the goals. Users can customise their virtual bird and even name it, adding a personal touch to the experience.

What sets Finch apart is its interactive features that foster a community-centric approach to mental health. Users can connect with friends and family, sharing ‘good vibes’ like virtual hugs or high-fives, enhancing the communal support system.

Additionally, the app offers a plethora of activities aimed at personal growth. From focus timers with ambient sounds to breathing exercises and gentle yoga, these features are occasionally integrated into the user’s routine, promoting mindfulness and self-reflection, and offering rewards in the form of in-game currency. This currency can be used to acquire new accessories for the pet, enhancing the gaming aspect of the app.

The journaling feature is particularly robust, allowing users to document their thoughts and activities freely or in response to prompts. The app analyses these entries to offer insights into emotional patterns, sometimes with amusing inaccuracies, yet often providing valuable reflections on one’s mental state.

Finch provides a weekly summary that attempts to conclude user-inputted data, offering an automated yet insightful look at one’s emotional well-being over time. Users can also opt for the paid version of Finch (Finch Plus), which opens all of the self-care features on the app. A subscription of S$14.98 a month/S$99.98 for 12 months is required to unlock over 100 exercises, access mailbox content, and change tag emojis, among others.

While not a substitute for professional mental health care, Finch offers a unique blend of game-like interaction and mental health support, making it a delightful addition to anyone’s daily routine. This app is recommended for those seeking a sprinkle of joy and digital companionship through a charmingly animated bird, enriching their path to self-care and mental wellness.

Finch is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free, with an optional membership plan available. More information about Finch can be found on the website.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.

The post App Of The Month: Finch (September 2024) appeared first on Geek Culture.