Win More My Nintendo Gold Points In The 4th Tetris 99 Maximus Cup
If you’re still playing the addictive battle royale game Tetris 99 months after its release and have been training up in preparation for the next big event, you’ll be pleased to hear Nintendo has now revealed the 4th Maximus Cup will be taking place later this week on 21st June. Below is the official announcement for North America:
This one is likely to be slightly more difficult than certain other previous events – with only 999 players (with the most points) eligible for the reward of 999 My Nintendo Gold Points. Even if you don’t win during this period, you can still earn points.
Will you be participating in this upcoming event? Are you still enjoying Tetris 99? Tell us in the comments.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-19-2019, 12:25 AM - Forum: Windows
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Driving lessons for autonomous vehicles
Paul Shieh, Founder and CEO of Linker Networks, says his company is now working with global auto manufacturers that are trying to create AI systems that can drive vehicles with flawless image recognition functionality. To attain that, the systems use machine learning to recognize millions of digital images of other objects, including other vehicles, roads, signs, pedestrians, and a myriad of other features and objects.
To do that, images of all these things must first be identified and labeled.
Shieh explains, “At present, many companies are finding it difficult to hire thousands of workers that want to manually do this image work. It is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Moreover, each worker must maintain unrelenting focus on the task, leaving open the possibility of natural human error. A single mistake is all it takes to affect a dataset’s quality and drag down the overall performance, and therefore the safety level, of a model.”
Manual tagging is labor-intensive and time-consuming. For example, labeling a single car takes a worker up to 30 seconds to complete.
As an example, Shieh says labeling a single car takes a worker up to 30 seconds to complete – placing the duration needed for a thousand workers to process larger quantities of images, say 100 million, at more than a year.
But imagine being able to label all that data in a single click. That is the promise of auto-labeling – Linker Networks’ latest AI venture.
Inventing the fast track
Using a pre-trained model to label digital images, the system recognizes objects using transfer learning technology – a method that lets machines apply existing knowledge to various similar scenarios. For example, systems trained to recognize cars can apply the same algorithm to recognize other vehicles, like buses or trucks.
“If you input an image with about a hundred cars in it and hit the auto-label button, most of them will be auto-labeled in just a few seconds with very high accuracy,” Shieh says. “That saves a lot of time and improves image recognition quality.”
Employees like Cindy Chao, who used to do manual labeling have been upskilled to do quality control of the auto labeling algorithms, also known as machine teaching.
Accuracy rates have also increased. At the same time, manual inspections and corrections are still carried out, to ensure close to 100 percent data accuracy.
The process allows millions of images to be labeled in less than a day, which is a 70 percent reduction in time compared to manual labeling. The company is also seeing cost savings of more than 60 percent.
Shieh shares, “Linker’s auto-labeling model uses Microsoft Azure Machine service to reduce costs, boost productivity and improve accuracy by enabling customers to handpick images to auto-label and store.”
Ultimately with AI, Linker Networks’ goal is for auto manufacturers to build smarter, safer vehicles.
Employees that used to do manual labelling have been upskilled to do quality control of the auto labelling algorithms, also known as machine teaching. The AI model seeks to gain knowledge from people rather than extracting knowledge from data alone. With people guiding the AI systems to learn the things that they already know, the job requires critical thinking and fewer repetitive and monotonous tasks.
“Linker’s data scientists are able to focus on developing the AI and let Azure take care of scaling their AI training jobs,” Shieh explained.
Other possibilities
Ultimately with AI, the company’s goal is for auto manufacturers to build smarter, safer vehicles. With auto labelling technology, Linker Networks envisions safe self-driving capability in the near future.
Besides autonomous driving, auto-labelling can be used in factories to detect product defects, identify theft at retail stores and profile vehicles to strengthen security. Shieh said, “the auto-labeling system allows us to take advantage of all the benefits of AI, empowering humans to do what they do best, while improving efficiency and safety.”
Join your lil? Mech buddy to plan a flawless strategy, then marvel at just how wrong you were. Not to worry, play some power actions to get your team back on track, or dare to trust in your instincts and crafty skills, and pull off a stunning win.
Get Borderlands: The Handsome Collection (PC) For Only $3 This Week
The hype is building around Borderlands 3 as its September 13 release date draws closer, but if you haven't had a chance to play any other games in the franchise or would be interested in owning them on PC, here's a great opportunity: Digital PC key retailer Green Man Gaming is currently offering Borderlands: The Handsome Collection for only $3. That's a full 95% off the bundle, which still sells for anywhere between $15 and $60 elsewhere. (Rather play on PS4? The Handsome Collection is also free on PS4 for PS Plus members in June.)
After purchasing, you'll receive a Steam key, so you must have a Steam account to redeem. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection also has full controller support on Steam, if you prefer to use a controller over a mouse.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection includes remastered versions of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, with the latter taking place between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2. The compilation includes all DLC for the games, including additional campaigns and playable characters. With online or local split-screen multiplayer for up to four players, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is an excellent multiplayer game for anyone's collection, although you can play it solo as well.
In GameSpot's Borderlands 2 review, the game received an 8.5. "Borderlands 2 doesn't reach far beyond its predecessor's scope, but it does do almost everything better," wrote critic Chris Watters. "Additions, refinements, and fixes all combine to create an appreciably improved experience, one that fully delivers on the promise of the first game. While Borderlands felt empty at times, this sequel is bursting with content and brimming with life, making it an absolutely delightful way to spend hours and hours and hours of your free time."
Meanwhile, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel earned a 7 in its review. "Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is different enough to separate itself from the shadows of its older siblings. Elpis provides some gorgeous scenery, and the low-gravity environments bring an exciting new dynamic exploration and combat," critic Cameron Woolsey wrote. "No, it never reaches the furthest edges of space, but Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel still offers some the best of what the series has to offer: good loot, good laughs, and good times for many hours."
Video: Witness Annihilation In The New Daemon X Machina Story Trailer
Despite everything we already know about the ravaged world of Daemon x Machina – even after the latest E3 Treehouse Live presentation which showed us an extensive look at the mechanized destruction ballet – the producers remain tight-lipped about the player’s role in the single-player campaign.
Sadly, Nintendo’s new story trailer that you can now watch above has left us with even more questions than answers. At the very least, it has certainly got us interested. We guess we’ll just have to wait and find out more on 13th September, when the game is released.
Are you still on the fence about this mecha epic or are you locked in and ready for battle after last week’s Treehouse presentation? Share your thoughts below.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-18-2019, 06:23 PM - Forum: Windows
- No Replies
Control the action with your eyes in 4 new ‘Eyes First’ games
By Bernice You
We are excited to announce the release of four new Eyes First games on Microsoft Store for Windows, including Tile Slide, Match Two, Double Up, and Maze. With this release, people can now play the Eyes First games on Windows 10 PC using their eyes.
These games are powered by Windows 10 eye tracking APIs and can be used with or without Windows 10 Eye Control, a key accessibility feature for people with speech and mobility disabilities.
People with speech and mobility disabilities can face limitations in communicating and using computer technology to play (games), collaborate, engage, be productive. With innovation in accessibility technologies, such as Windows 10 Eye Control, these limitations can be addressed to unlock the potential of their powerful minds.
The Eyes First games are popular games reinvented with a bit of a twist. Playing these games is a fun way to start and get familiar with eye control, learn the skills to apply to other eye gaze-enabled assistive technologies, and simply to have some fun. Although the games are designed and optimized for an Eyes First experience, they are still mouse and touchscreen friendly.
Download the free games today. Challenge yourself to complete the Tile Slide puzzle in the fewest number of moves; exercise your memory playing Match Two; sharpen your math and strategic thinking playing Double Up; and see how fast you can get your lost puppy home, without getting lost yourself, in the Maze. Compete with friends and family for high score honors. And the twist? Play by using your eyes!
Play the games and practice your skills. Check out the resources including “getting started” and “how to play” that will help you become a champion for Eyes First games.
*To play Eyes First games or to use Windows Eye Control, you need a compatible eye tracker device and Windows PC with Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) or newer. See more information in Windows support. These games can also be played in the classic ways via mouse or touch.
There are already stories showcasing real-life impact from the use of eye gaze technology for people with speech and mobility disabilities, including former pro football player Steve Gleason, who uses a Windows 10 powered Surface and drives his wheelchair with his eyes, and data guru, Otto Knoke, living with ALS who is modernizing industries by using Windows 10 Eye Control.
If you have speech and mobility disabilities (often related to ALS, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries) and envision a different way to access your computer and to be in control, download the games (Tile Slide, Match Two, Double Up, Maze), have some fun and start your eye control journey today.
Play the games and share your feedback. We design with users in mind and want to hear your voice to make the Eyes First games better. Share your thoughts in the Microsoft Accessibility Feedback Forum. For technical help with Windows 10 Eye Control check out the resources on Microsoft Disability Answer Desk. See Windows support to get started with Windows 10 Eye Control.
If you are a developer who craves to build products that create positive changes and have life altering impact, check out Windows 10 Gaze Interaction Library and see the possibilities.
Explore the Windows blog to learn more about Windows 10 Eye Control, and the Windows eye tracking APIs and open-source libraries that enable app developers to build more accessible and immersive app experiences with eye tracking. It’s exciting to see what you all create and the positive impacts your development will bring.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 06-18-2019, 08:30 AM - Forum: Lounge
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Toy Story 4 Review Roundup: Here's What The Critics Think About Pixar's Latest
Pixar's latest movie, Toy Story 4, opens in theatres this weekend. Ahead of that, reviews for the animated film have started to appear online, and they're largely very positive.
To help you get an idea about if the movie is worth your time and money, we're collecting excerpts from reviews from a variety of outlets across the internet. Scroll down to see a sampling of these, and maybe it'll help you decide if you want to see the film or not.
You can also check out this silly video in which Tom Hanks, who voices Woody, speaks to Jimmy Kimmel about all the things he's supposed to say--and not say--when giving interviews about Toy Story 4.
You can see a rundown of Toy Story 4 reviews below, while more information on the film's critical reception can be found on GameSpot sister site Metacritic.
Toy Story 4
Directed By: Josh Cooley
Written By: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Josh Cooley, Valerie LaPointe, Rashida Jones, Will McCormack, Martin Hynes, Stephany Folsom
Starring (the voices of): Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Keanu Reeves, Joan Cusack, Christina Hendricks, Patricia Arquette, Jordan Peele, Annie Potts, Timothy Dalton, Betty White, Wallace Shawn, Keegan-Michael Key, Jeff Garlin, Don Rickles, Mel Brooks, Bonnie Hunt, Carl Weathers
Release Date: June 21 (United States)
The Guardian
"It may only be a repeat of earlier ideas and plotlines, but compare it to the fourth films in other franchises and Pixar's latest is an amusing and charming gem." -- Peter Bradshaw [Full review]
Chicago Sun-Times
"If this movie doesn't touch your heart, you'd have to be as lifeless as the toys pretend to be when humans are in the vicinity." -- Richard Roeper [Full review]
New York Post
"Unfortunately, knowing the characters as well as we do now, and with a finite amount of mischief that miniature toys can get up to, Toy Story 4 at times feels more like a high-budget episode of television than a sweeping film." -- Johnny Oleksinski [Full review]
The Hollywood Reporter
"With some Pixar franchises having worn out their welcome and lent the impression of a capitulation to Disney's desire for more sequels at the price of less preparation and care, this one conveys the confident feel of a creation that, as a big man used to say, has not been served before its time." -- Todd McCarthy [Full review]
The Los Angeles Times
"Toy Story 4 will blow you away in ways you won't be expecting. It's something new from a computer-animated series so antediluvian that director Josh Cooley was in high school when the Pixar original came out back in 1995." -- Kenneth Turan [Full review]
The Wrap
"After the unalloyed triumph that was Toy Story 3, did we need another sequel to the popular Pixar series? Not really. Now that Toy Story 4 exists, does it tarnish the reputation of a franchise that is the gold standard in contemporary American animation? Not in the slightest." -- Alonso Duralde [Full review]
Video: Explore The Musical History Of The Elite Beat Agents
If you have fond memories of the Elite Beat Agents or are yet to discover the delights of this male cheerleader series which was localised in 2006, the latest ‘Did You Know Gaming?’ video by Nintendo Life contributor Liam Robertson is definitely worth a watch.
Over roughly half an hour, Robertson investigates the entire history of the series – from the game’s original Japanese Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan concept up to the sadly cancelled sequels. Please take a look. Only time will tell if the future will bring us more rhythmic cheerleading shenanigans, or if like other cult-classic Nintendo franchises these Agents have seen the last of their beats.
Are you a fan of this zany DS outing? Would you like to see some more elite beatings on your Switch? Tell us below.
Nintendo has rolled out its latest firmware update for the Switch. Version 8.1.0 promises to make your system even more stable than it was before. Here are the official patch notes:
General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience
If we find out anything else about what this latest update does, we’ll be sure to let you know. To see any of the previous updates, click here.
Have you downloaded the latest system update yet? Noticed anything different? Tell us down in the comments.
B&H Mega Deal Zone: Apple hardware slashed by up to $1,000
By Christine McKee Monday, June 17, 2019, 10:08 pm PT (01:08 am ET)
B&H Photo is knocking up to $2,279 off electronics during its Mega Deal Zone Event, including hundreds of dollars off Apple MacBook Pros, iMacs and iPads. Prices start at just $499 for the Apple devices, with bonus perks, from sales tax rebates to free expedited shipping.
This Mega Deal Zone Event is courtesy of Apple Authorized Reseller B&H Photo and boasts cash discounts of up to $2,100 off electronics from popular brands, including Apple, Sennheiser, Samsung and more. Quantities may be limited at the reduced prices and the offers may sell out at any time. In addition to the markdowns, shoppers in eligible states can also receive a sales tax refund with B&H’s Payboo Credit Card, and most items qualify for free expedited shipping within the contiguous U.S.
Mega Deals
Shoppers can find all of the deals on B&H’s Mega Deal Zone page, with Apple bargains highlighted below. These prices, which ring in as the lowest available, can also be found in our Apple Price Guide.
AppleInsider has partnered with top Apple Authorized Resellers to bring you many exclusive promo code Apple discounts. Top offers can be found below, while a full list of the best bargains can be viewed 24/7 in our Apple Price Guide.
