Mars: The backdrop of two new science fiction novels launching in February
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If you dream of traveling to Mars, an alternate 1939 London, or into the distant future, February’s lineup of science fiction books is sure to excite you. Among the intriguing titles is Forest at the End of Time, which explores the theme of time travel to combat climate change. Another captivating read, All We Have is Time, tells the romantic tale of a time traveler offering solace to a lonely immortal woman. Plus, fans of fungal horror won’t want to miss Vast Pedro. Join the debate about whether these titles truly belong in the science fiction genre!
One of the standout novels is marketed as a time-travel thriller. It follows Echo and Hazel, recruited by a secret organization to alter history and combat climate change. Set in ancient Athens and a dystopian future, their paths converge in a shared dream as they uncover the choices that could save humanity.
Brandon Sanderson’s anticipated new book is coming this month
Provided by: Dragon Steel
Set in the expansive Cosmere universe, Sanderson’s work falls under the science fantasy category. It follows the Twilight Six, a group of supernatural bird trappers known as Avials who must modernize to fend off threatening invaders called the “Things Above.”
The author of Hamajan Rack returns with the story of Maria, the ultimate hacker bored after achieving the coveted Atlas heist. Her ordinary life takes a thrilling turn when she attracts the attention of a dangerous gang on the Kepler space station.
Mark Winters, a dedicated wildlife ranger, grapples with climate change on a remote island, battling a cult that believes in a “psychotropic mushroom-fueled collective dream” as a solution. They think he possesses vital knowledge.
Additionally, five-time Hugo Award winner Michael Swanwick shares a collection of thought-provoking short stories. These tales range from a scientist evading capture for his dangerous fusion of human intelligence and sentient AI to an aging military veteran acquiring a virtual reality robot.
The film adaptation delves into the life of an immortal woman, haunted by love lost to death, who encounters a time traveler in 1605 London. The publisher likens it to Karian Bradley’s remarkable Time Saving, making it a must-read.
Frances Spafford’s latest novel set against the backdrop of an alternate London during the Blitz
Frances Spafford, an award-winning author, presents a tale steeped in fantasy yet laced with science fiction themes, featuring time travel. Set in an alternate London of 1939, ambitious city worker Iris realizes that time can indeed bend and history can be rewritten. As she grapples with the realities of the Blitz, she learns that time-traveling fascists are also on the hunt.
This book is perfect for romantics and fans of STEM-themed romances, reminiscent of works by Ali Hazlewood. In Hannah Blohm’s debut novel, neuroscientist Frances Silverstein faces her past at a prominent conference and finds herself on a fake date with her charming competitor, Lewis North. The intriguing tagline: “For any worthy scientist, falsifying data is out of the question. But what about fake dating?” Sounds like a delightful read!
Sakunja Salazar, a prominent interviewer on Earth, embarks on a journey to Mars while battling her past as an alcoholic. Her mission takes an unexpected turn when she is tasked with documenting the first human encounter with rain on Mars—an enticing prospect for any space enthusiast!
Mars also serves as the backdrop for the adventure of a stowaway girl and a wealthy hunter, stranded amidst a mercenary threat. Clearly targeted at a younger audience, this young adult novel offers a refreshing dive into teen-focused science fiction—a genre that’s often overlooked.
Written by Simon López Trujillo (translated by Robin Myers)
A mysterious fungal disease is ravaging workers on a barren eucalyptus farm in Chile, but one survivor, Pedro, draws attention from local priests and foreign mycologists alike. The publisher suggests it appeals to fans of Jeff VanderMeer, whose work I adore, especially Extinction, making this a must-read for me.
Megan Eaves-Egenes’ Nightfaring delves into our relationship with the night sky
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In the northern hemisphere, January often feels like the longest, dullest month. Luckily, a host of new science books brighten our days! This month, we explore topics from the enriching role of art in our lives to the overlooked significance of friction. Have you considered the origin of ideas? What do we lose by lighting up our skies? Perhaps January just isn’t enough…
Art Cure examines the effects of art and dance on mental health.”
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Daisy Fancourt’s Art Cure investigates the impact of arts, including dance, on mental health.
What if engaging in activities like playing piano, dancing, or visiting art galleries could enhance our mental and physical well-being? Can these experiences bolster our resilience against conditions like dementia? These thought-provoking ideas are explored in Daisy Fancourt’s groundbreaking book. As a psychobiology and epidemiology professor at University College London, her insights offer a refreshing perspective, with British TV doctor Zand van Tureken hailing it as an “amazing antidote” to misleading health narratives. It’s an invitation to embrace joy—what’s not to love?
Have you ever wondered why we turn to alcohol in moments of celebration or stress relief? Surgeon and researcher Charles Knowles, a recovering alcoholic, provides an in-depth look at the science behind our relationship with alcohol. He uncovers how it hijacks our instincts and offers a scientific blueprint for breaking free from its grip. His insights shift the conversation from moral failing to scientific understanding.
When illness strikes, many rush to the internet seeking answers. But are the online “experts” equipped to handle our unique medical histories? Science writer Deborah Cohen raises critical questions about why we trust unverified sources for our health advice. I hope her investigation uncovers essential truths.
Polar War looks into the geopolitical struggles in the Arctic.”
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Kenneth R. Rosen’s Polar War investigates power dynamics in the Arctic.
As Arctic ice melts, exposing pipeline vulnerabilities and unearthing natural resources, what challenges await us in this rapidly changing environment? Kenneth Rosen, a seasoned geopolitical writer, delves into this pressing issue, aptly summarizing it in his book’s subtitle: “Submarines, Spies, and Power Struggles in the Melting Arctic.” A thrilling exploration of geopolitical tensions.
Are the best ideas conceived in bustling cities, or do they emerge from the outskirts? Charles Foster challenges conventional wisdom in his captivating book. Embarking on a philosophical journey, he explores human culture, evolution, and societal movements, offering a refreshing take on where innovation truly begins.
As we leave behind the festive season, everyday life feels increasingly overwhelming. BBC journalist Claudia Hammond addresses this phenomenon of “overwhelm” in her insightful book, providing readers with psychological tools and scientific insights to combat burnout. As she explores procrastination, perfectionism, and the pressures of modern life, her timely advice couldn’t be more relevant.
Off the Scales examines the rise of Ozempic.”
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Amy Donnellan’s Off the Scales chronicles the rise of Ozempic.
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As the popularity of GLP-1 medication Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs continues to grow, Amy Donnellan sheds light on the backstory behind Novo Nordisk’s developments in obesity treatments. Through a lens covering economics, politics, and social concerns, she examines whether these solutions are indeed as effective as they appear.
With the night sky brightening by over 120% annually, this presents serious issues for both astronomers and wildlife. In Night Out, Megan Eaves-Egenes embarks on a global journey to explore the cultural significance of darkness. Described as a quest to “find solace in the stars during life’s challenges,” this narrative traverses diverse locations, from New Zealand to the Himalayas, asking what we stand to lose in the process.
Invisible forces often fascinate readers, but Jennifer Vail’s unique exploration of friction offers a fresh perspective. Covering the historical evolution of this force—from its role in everyday mechanics to its unexpected involvement in scientific advancements—this unsung hero deserves greater recognition beyond the realms of Newton and Da Vinci.
From Ada Lovelace’s revolutionary algorithms to Alan Turing’s pioneering intelligence tests, this tour through AI’s landscape, presented by a University of New South Wales professor, promises an engaging experience. With the challenge of delivering an expansive narrative within a compact framework, creativity knows no bounds in storytelling.
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Welcome to January, the perfect month to dive into a captivating book. Thanks to Peter F. Hamilton, science fiction enthusiasts can escape reality with immersive tales, from a mysterious power-generating ship to Solitaire Townsend’s alternate version of Earth ruled by the Roman Empire in God Storm. Enjoy time-loop mysteries, UFO romances, and eco-horror this month!
A generational ship seeking a new home in Peter F. Hamilton’s latest sci-fi novel.
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In the gripping tale, Peter F. Hamilton explores life aboard a power-generating ship, where inhabitants can live only until the age of 65 to preserve resources. Young Hazel discovers shocking truths after her brother’s untimely death. This exciting story is the first installment in a trilogy, with subsequent releases planned for this year.
While science fiction columnist Emily H. Wilson remarks that this isn’t strictly sci-fi, she notes it delves into climate fiction as it narrates the demise of oil tycoon K.J. Boone facing his reckoning on his deathbed.
The last zoo of the world is situated on Alcatraz, the “Island of Last Things.”
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Imagine a world where the last zoo resides on Alcatraz Island, as nature around it collapses. Follow Camille, a dedicated zookeeper caring for chimpanzees and jaguars, as she learns about a secret sanctuary where wild animals roam free. This novel was previously published in the US and Australia but is set to release in the UK this month.
Police officer Ryan Crane embarks on a groundbreaking two-year mission to Titan, earning enough to secure his disabled son’s care. However, upon returning to Earth, he finds a drastically changed world, with mysterious figures chasing him and his team.
This thought-provoking alternate history imagines a world where the Roman Empire never fell, driven by oil-fueled advances that facilitate global conquest. Acclaimed author Kim Stanley Robinson describes this lively adventure as an allegory for contemporary struggles. A must-read!
Is a massive asteroid careening towards Earth, or is it a colossal alien craft landing near Little Springs, Nebraska, becoming the infamous Giant? Sheriff David Blunt must navigate a town now filled with conspiracy theorists as he hunts a murderer and grapples with dreams of a chaotic universe.
As Rosi and his smuggler crew traverse the Romanian mountains, they intercept alarming radio signals predicting doom. With the world plunged into darkness, they embark on a mission to rescue isolated survivors in a post-apocalyptic landscape. While classified as horror or science fiction, the narrative piques interest.
This literary dystopia takes you on a remarkable journey through time and space, with a young philosopher seeking the president of the Lost Things Society, ending up on a quest that traverses early civilizations to artificial intelligence.
Elle, a social media influencer in Los Angeles, captures footage of an unidentified flying object, attracting the attention of Agent Carter Brody, who has witnessed extraterrestrial life. This intriguing blend of romance and UFO adventure makes a delightful January read!
Alison Mick’s eco-horror novel set in California’s redwood forests
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Often described as “Jordan Peele meets Jeff VanderMeer,” this eco-horror novel The Overstory by Alison Mick takes place in the haunting redwood forests of Northern California. Follow Jasmine, a mental health nurse, as she returns to her grandfather’s logging town, unveiling dark secrets hidden in the forest, with beings of petrified bark and flesh seeking revenge.
Also worth mentioning is this gripping murder mystery involving a time loop (because physics!). Vivian has to face her family’s disdain during a gathering where she is ultimately killed—only to wake up and repeat the cycle. Can she unravel the mystery with the help of a waiter eager to finish his shift?
Set in a ravaged future of 2082, this concluding book in the Compulsion trilogy follows a 16-year-old girl and her uncle as they strive to conceal the last remaining book in a secret library while navigating a world controlled by those responsible for climate change.
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he Oakley Meta Vanguard represents a new era of display-less AI glasses, crafted for running, cycling, and action sports, featuring robust integration with Garmin and Strava. These could potentially be the first functional sports smart glasses on the market.
These innovative glasses serve as running eyewear, open-ear headphones, and alternatives to head-mounted action cameras—all in one. They mark the latest collaboration between Meta and the sunglasses giant, Essilor Luxottica, which includes brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.
Unlike the popular Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer, which focuses on leisurely use, the Vanguard is specifically engineered for athletes, enabling them to move fast and track their performance without hesitation.
As one of the priciest screenless AI glasses available, they start at £499 (€549/$499/AU$789), surpassing the £399 Oakley Meta HSTN and £379 Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer.
The included silicone nose pads come in three sizes, allowing for a customized fit that remains secure and balanced. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Vanguard distinguishes itself from traditional smart glasses, thanks to a design brought together by Oakley, ensuring a great fit and finish. The large wraparound visor and 3-point fit system take cues from the renowned Oakley Sephala sports glasses, ensuring that the 66g frame stays snugly in place, even under a helmet.
With two frame colors and four contrast-enhancing lenses, though without prescription options, the glasses incorporate a small button on the left arm to power on and off, allowing for dual functionality as sunglasses.
The speaker is conveniently located next to a large camera button and a small action button, allowing you to configure various functions using the Meta AI app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The hidden speakers within each arm can be directed towards your ear for listening to music, taking calls, and engaging with Meta’s AI chatbot. They offer superior sound quality compared to other open-ear speakers, and are loud enough to be heard over wind and road noise. Although they may not deliver the bass of traditional headphones, they are well-suited for music during physical activity. The five beamforming microphones effectively minimize background noise during calls or interactions with the AI, even in busy environments.
A touch panel on the right arm allows for manual control of playback and volume. Music automatically pauses when the glasses are removed, and the volume adapts to match surrounding noise—a great feature for road use.
Specifications
Size: 136×120×59mm
Weight: 66g (258g case)
Water resistance: IP67
Camera: 12MP/3K Ultra Wide
Speaker: Stereo open-ear
Microphone: 5-microphone array
Battery life: 6 hours of music playback (30 hours with case)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6
Storage: 32GB
The ultra-wide camera is discreetly mounted between your eyes and remains unseen when worn. An LED directly above indicates when the camera is in use. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The central camera captures quality 12-megapixel photos and stable video at up to 3K resolution for five-minute intervals. It also supports hyperlapses that combine a series of action shots into a single fast-paced clip, as well as slow-motion video at up to 120 frames per second at 720p.
While it cannot compete with high-end smartphones, the camera effectively captures live action—similar to mid-range action cameras commonly used by adventurers. Users can take photos by pressing the camera button, initiate video recording with a long press, or request the Meta AI for hands-free photo or video capture.
All functionalities, including voice controls for music, auto volume adjustments, and camera operations, work seamlessly with Bluetooth-connected devices, like running watches. For enhanced AI features, however, connections to Android or iPhone devices are necessary, via the Meta AI app.
The Meta AI app enables you to configure settings for the glasses, sync media, and translate or transcribe conversations with the chatbot. Composition: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Similar to any chatbot, you can query Meta AI about its visual input. It can identify plants, translate text, and address inquiries about your surroundings. Notably, it also quickly converts distance and pace between metric and imperial units while running, although it falls short of the comprehensive capabilities of Google’s Gemini on mobile.
Furthermore, users can send messages, share photos, and make hands-free calls using their glasses, connected to devices or apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram.
One of Vanguard’s standout features is its seamless integration with the latest Garmin running watches and bike computers. Utilizing the free Meta AI app on Garmin, you can access real-time statistics during activities just by asking.
An LED indicator next to the right eye flashes to inform you when the AI is listening, interacting, or capturing an image. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The AI can relay personal metrics such as pace, distance, heart rate, and cadence on request by saying “my stats,” which are gathered directly from Garmin at that moment. It audibly communicates your pace and other metrics for each lap, mile, or kilometer using a small LED indicator at your right eye to indicate your status in pace or heart rate zones, turning red when outside desired ranges.
Garmin integration also allows the camera to automatically document your workouts, whether walking, hiking, running, or biking. It captures five-second videos every kilometer or mile, or during significant milestones like sprint finishes or heart rate spikes. After your activity, the Meta AI app compiles your manually captured videos and highlight reels. You can overlay workout stats like distance, pace, altitude, time, heart rate, and power data, then quickly share this content with Meta’s app or Strava for immediate posting to your activity log.
The Meta AI app showcases a workout summary and processes any videos automatically captured via the glasses. Composition: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
All functions operate effectively, and although not every run needs a video documentation, the capability to automatically capture highlight moments without hassle is a substantial bonus.
However, video capture does drain the battery. During a one-hour run, I interacted with Meta AI multiple times, listened to music, automatically recorded 14 five-second videos, and manually shot 13 minutes of 1080p/30fps video along with 14 photos. The glasses concluded the run with 25% battery life intact.
They should survive a full marathon with automatic capture activated, but caution is advised for prolonged filming to ensure coverage over the entire 42km distance.
For those without Garmin devices, the Meta AI app can sync with Apple Health, Google Health Connect, or Strava to retrieve data retrospectively from other trackers, such as Apple Watch and Coros devices. However, the metrics displayed on videos are limited, and there are no automatic capture features or running statistics available for these integrations.
The glasses provide up to six hours of continuous music playback and come stored in a durable Oakley case, complete with four additional charges while transmitting photos and videos to the cloud during recharging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Sustainability
The glasses’ battery retains at least 80% capacity even after 500 full charge cycles. Replacement lenses (£69), charging case (£139), and nose pads (£10) are offered, but the glasses themselves cannot be repaired, and the battery is non-replaceable, ultimately deeming them disposable. Currently, these glasses do not incorporate recycled materials, and Meta lacks any trade-in programs or environmental impact reports for the product.
Price
The Oakley Meta Vanguard is priced at £499 (€549/$499/AU$789).
For reference, the pricing for other models includes the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 2) at £379, the Oakley Meta HSTN at £399, the Oakley Sphaera at £191, and the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 at £169.
Verdict
The Oakley Meta Vanguard stands out as the finest sports smart glasses available. While expensive, they are clearly crafted for athletes by individuals who comprehend the needs of runners and sports enthusiasts.
By concentrating on the essentials for runners, cyclists, and adventure seekers—like an impeccable fit, lenses that effectively shield from the wind, decent water resistance, clear open-ear audio, extended battery life, and user-friendly controls—you end up with an excellent product without unnecessary bells and whistles.
The nose-mounted camera is excellent and could easily substitute for action cameras for many users. The microphone performs adequately, and Meta’s integrated AI is beneficial for answering inquiries that arise while on the move.
The primary highlight is unquestionably the integration with Garmin, allowing users to monitor statistics and create an automatic highlight reel from their camera capture during activities. However, it requires you to carry your phone while running, which could be a minor inconvenience. The glasses also have links to Strava and other fitness applications for non-Garmin users.
If you utilize them with your running watch to listen to music without needing your phone, basic voice commands for volume, playback, and camera will still operate smoothly.
Although the steep price is hard to justify, the main drawback remains the non-replaceable battery. While the lenses and nose pads are replaceable, like most earbuds and other smart glasses, they cannot be repaired, which detracts from the overall score.
Pros: Large, high-quality lenses; secure fit; powerful and clear open-ear speakers; nose-mounted camera; IP67 waterproof rating; long battery life; protective case; excellent Garmin integration; compatible with Strava and other fitness apps; customizable lenses and nose pads.
Cons: Very costly; non-repairable; advanced features necessitate a phone; excessive vocal commands while driving.
The Oakley logo doubles as part of the touchpad for controlling music playback and volume adjustments. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Claire North’s ‘Slow Gods’ tracks deep space pilots
Shutterstock/Vadim Sadovski
If you aim to stay updated on the fresh wave of science fiction hitting bookstores this November, you’ll need to be quick. New Scientist columnist Emily H. Wilson emphasizes the necessity of reading Claire North’s Slow Gods, and I’m inclined to trust her judgment (look for her review in next week’s edition). Additionally, I’m bracing myself for Rebecca Thorne’s chilling tale of a zombie-like virus aboard a submarine (talk about claustrophobia!). Grace Walker’s Merge has a central theme that terrifies me. This feels like a spooky month in the sci-fi realm. Yet, I also anticipate a poignant read about the extinct Great Sea Cow titled Sea Beasts, described as heart-wrenching and beautiful, devoid of any supernatural terror.
Emily H. Wilson has expressed her strong appreciation for this sci-fi novel. In my experience, it’s rare to encounter a science fiction columnist advocate for a book so passionately. This story illustrates the death and rebirth of deep space pilot Maukana na Vdnadze, exploring a supernova that “obliterated planets and devastated civilizations.” As Emily notes in her upcoming column, “Read this book. If you enjoy science fiction, it’s essential.” She consistently emphasizes value, and so do I.
Sea Beasts Written by Iida Turpeinen, translated by David Huxton
While not precisely science fiction, this tale delves into fictional interpretations of science. My fascination with sea cows began in childhood through Willard Price’s Adventure. The narrative kicks off in 1741, with naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller embarking on an expedition to identify a sea route between Asia and America, where he discovers the Steller’s sea cow. Then, in 1859, the governor of Alaska dispatched men to unearth the skeleton of a massive marine mammal that vanished a century earlier, with restoration efforts beginning in 1952.
Illustration of an extinct giant sea cow
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Though it may seem to tiptoe into the realm of fantasy, the publisher has likened it to a novel by Karian Bradley known for its time travel elements. The narrative unfolds within a library named “Jikoku,” filled with books containing the memories of individuals traversing the timelines between the post-war and Cold War periods in the U.S. At just 11, Lisavette finds herself trapped there, maturing into a world learned solely through the memories of the deceased. It becomes clear that government agents are infiltrating these times to eradicate memories that counter the official narrative…
We previously covered this novel during its self-publication in 2022, when our then-sci-fi columnist Sally Addie expressed enjoyment. Now endorsed by a major publisher, it seems laden with thrilling prospects and just the right amount of scare for the Halloween season, prompting me to finally dive in. A force known as the Anti-Meme preys on the book’s characters’ most treasured memories, covertly robbing them of their experiences while they remain unaware of the looming conflict.
Ice Written by Jacek Dukaj, translated by Ursula Phillips
Following the asteroid Tunguska’s 1908 impact, Russia unravels in a deadly winter. As the land succumbs to freezing temperatures, inhabitants flock to cities for survival. This extreme cold catalyzes a transformation of natural elements into bizarre new forms, spawning unique laws of physics.
Frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia
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Amelia’s mother, Laurie, is battling Alzheimer’s disease. As her condition deteriorates, Amelia opts into the world’s first experimental fusion treatment designed for Alzheimer’s patients. Laurie’s consciousness merges with Amelia’s, creating a singular identity. Together with other participants, they are placed in a luxurious rehabilitation facility known as The Village…yet all is not as it appears. Frankly, the notion of treatment options alone is unsettling.
Featuring themes of zombies, submarines, and maritime horror, Nix and Kessandra delve into a massacre in an underwater city. As they descend, Kessandra unveils the truth: a disease has triggered the massacre, transforming individuals into mindless killers, and it’s on the rise…
Within this narrative lies an interdimensional conflict described as “one of the most savage the multiverse has confronted” (and it indeed is brutal). We follow Beth, a teacher-turned-rebel, alongside a keen gun-slinging hero, Wakeful Slim. Unlike prior tales in Pandominion’s universe, this story stands alone, crafted by the author of The Girl with All the Gifts (a must-read zombie novel).
An extradimensional war is occurring on Outlaw Planet by MR Carey
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This monumental sci-fi narrative, Sun Eater, follows Hadrian Marlowe as he navigates life on the run from the Extrasolarians and the Soran Empire, whom he betrayed.
While not a new release, this 10th anniversary edition of humanity’s struggle for survival on a terraformed planet includes a special short story by Tchaikovsky, providing both enjoyment for fans and a perfect refresher for those new to the tale.
Described as an online cult phenomenon, this marks its inaugural English print edition. The narrative examines “the potential and pitfalls of human evolution,” delving into the author’s insights on genetic manipulation and the effect of colonizing Mars, accompanied by illustrations from Kosemen. Tchaikovsky himself described it as “a remarkable blend of scientific acumen and creativity.” Quite intriguing.
This thrilling high-concept story promises excitement. In a world governed by AI, everything comes to a halt right after your loved ones reveal their darkest secrets.
This compilation of Shusterman’s short stories boasts a stunningly surreal cover and introduces readers to a realm where bats block the sun and a glacial life force resurrects the dead.
The latest translucent noise-cancelling earbuds from Nothing feature an innovative twist: the case includes a high-quality built-in microphone that enables you to communicate simply by pressing a button.
This so-called super microphone caters to those who desire a more direct microphone experience for improved clarity during conversations, recordings, and voice notes, even in bustling environments. It’s particularly suited for individuals who speak directly into the bottom of their phones.
However, this enhancement in the case’s functionality has led to a price increase, with Year 3 now retailing at £179 (€179/$179/AU$299), which is £50 more than the prior model’s launch price. While still competitively priced compared to leading competitors, it’s now closer to the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 3.
Visible magnets and other features through the earbuds’ case add an intriguing touch to the design. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Ear 3 maintains Nothing’s hallmark translucent aesthetic, introducing various small design details that set them apart from mundane earbuds, while incorporating aluminum in place of some plastic for a more polished appearance.
The earbuds have been redesigned for enhanced comfort during prolonged listening sessions. Their lightweight and secure fit ensures a snug seal in your ear. The stem features squeeze controls for playback, noise cancellation, volume adjustments, and voice assistant activation. Although somewhat limited, the controls are customizable and function effectively.
The earbuds come in a square, flip-top charging case that is compact yet noticeably heavier this year. With a battery life of 6 hours on a single charge, and with noise cancellation active, you can enjoy at least 22 hours of total playback when utilizing the case for recharging. The case itself charges in slightly over an hour via USB-C and around 2 hours using Qi wireless charging.
Activating the earbuds’ Super Microphone involves pressing and holding the “Talk” button on the case, which emits a subtle sound when the microphone is turned on. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Equipped with a capable built-in microphone, the earbuds effectively filter out ambient noise, although they may occasionally sound somewhat robotic. The Super Mic offers richer, fuller audio, making it ideal for voice memos, transcription, and calls. Nevertheless, the audio quality doesn’t quite reach the standards for a lapel microphone or similar recording devices.
Specifications
Water Resistance: IP54 (splash-proof)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)
Battery Life: 5.5 hours with ANC (22 hours with case)
Earphone Dimensions: 30.5×21.5×20.8mm
Earphone Weight: 5.2g each
Driver Size: 12mm
Charging Case Dimensions: 56×55.5×22.3mm
Charging Case Weight: 61g
Case Charging: USB-C
Sound Quality and Noise Cancelling
Each earbud comes with three sizes of silicone tips for a comfortable fit and a secure seal. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
These earphones utilize high-quality Bluetooth 5.4 alongside standard SBC and AAC audio formats, with support for LDAC for compatible Android devices. They also offer the capability to connect to two devices simultaneously; however, this may slow the Super Mic’s performance.
Previous models from Nothing have consistently provided excellent value, characterized by easy-to-listen sound with ample detail and clear sound separation. The Ear 3 follows this tradition, offering louder sound with a prominent bass response right out of the box. It’s well-balanced and does not overshadow the overall sound range, while the Nothing X companion app allows for extensive customization if desired.
The noise cancellation effectively reduces common ambient sounds and low-frequency commuting noises, handling higher-pitched disturbances like keyboard taps and conversations better than prior Nothing models. However, it doesn’t quite match the level of noise cancellation provided by higher-end alternatives, such as the AirPods Pro 3.
The transparency mode performs admirably, delivering a natural sound; however, neither mode excels at managing wind noise.
Sustainability
One of the microphones inside the case is adjacent to the USB-C charging port, indicated by a green LED light when active. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The earbuds and charging case are designed to maintain at least 80% battery capacity survival even after 500 complete charge cycles. Although earbuds themselves are not repairable, they can be replaced individually through service if they fall out of warranty.
The casing is made from recycled aluminum and tin, though Nothing does not provide trade-in options. The estimated carbon footprint of the earbuds stands at 2.87kg.
Price
The cost of the Nothing Ear 3 is £179 (179 EUR/$179/AU$299).
For comparison, the Ear priced at £119, the headphone price for 1 is £299, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 costs £219, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is £219, and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 retails for £219.
Verdict
Nothing has introduced some features we haven’t previously encountered in earbuds, such as the integration of a microphone and push-to-talk button directly into the charging case. This concept is original and serves as an excellent alternative to traditional interview or video microphones, albeit lacking in certain aspects.
For non-content creators, this setup is perfect for phone calls, recording voice notes, and interacting with your phone’s AI assistant, resembling a modern dictaphone. However, personal frequency of use may vary.
The earbuds present a noteworthy offering from Nothing, delivering impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, robust battery life, and a comfortable fit, making them a refreshing alternative to typical earbuds.
While the price increase to £180 places them alongside some top-tier earbuds, they haven’t yet reached that elite status. Additionally, similar to many competitors in the space, these earbuds are non-repairable, which affects their overall score negatively.
Pros: Super microphone, unique design, excellent sound quality, reliable noise cancellation, comfortable fit, intuitive controls, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support, cross-platform app options, and impressive battery life.
Cons: Non-repairable, higher cost than its predecessor, a fairly heavy case, the Super Mic doesn’t fully substitute for a dedicated mic, and noise cancellation struggles in high-noise settings.
The Nothing Ear 3 boasts attractive design features along with a couple of unique functionalities. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Like many others, Ursula K. Le Guin is undoubtedly one of my beloved sci-fi authors. I’m thrilled about this month’s compilation of maps that I plan to use as inspiration for my story. Especially after enjoying It Was Confiscated. Join the New Scientist Book Club: Do Do Do Do and Jo, and share your insights on this classic with fellow readers!
This month not only brings back science fiction, but I eagerly anticipate it. Ken Liu will introduce a thriller based in the near future. I’m particularly interested in the tale of flooded Kolkata and the challenges faced by the mother, Megamajumdal. Additionally, there’s a story from astronaut Chris Hadfield and a new offering from author Mark Z. Danielewski, titled Leaf House.
Le Guin will venture into her great stories, promoting the Earthsea series (I recall the archipelago mentioned in those books) and I Always Go Home. This new collection features these maps alongside interviews, poetry, recipes, and contributions from various writers. It seems like a true treasure trove for fans like me of Le Guin.
Set in the not-so-distant future, this sci-fi thriller revolves around hacker Julia, who is tasked with rescuing a “dream artist” while uncovering the mysteries of virtual reality. This is the first in the Julia Z series, which has received the Hugo Award.
Reynolds once wrote fantastic sci-fi short stories for New Scientist. In one, we follow Yuri Gagarin, a private investigator observing a death aboard a spacecraft, weaving a tale through the vastness of space.
I’m not sure how far this fits within the realm of science fiction, but I believe there are many overlaps between sci-fi enthusiasts and those who adore Danielwski’s inventive works, particularly Leaf House. In fact, my colleague Jacob Aron selected it as one of the greatest sci-fi novels ever written. Therefore, I imagine quite a few people, myself included, are eager to hear about Danielewski’s latest novel this month. It ostensibly follows two friends who are trying to escape a massacre in a small town in Utah called Orbop, though I suspect there’s much more to it than that.
This dystopian narrative unfolds in a setting where a mysterious illness has stripped people of their memories, challenging how they interact and live. However, as “fragments of memory” start resurfacing, they threaten the center’s rigid structure, prompting students to question their reality. I love how they occupy their free time, watching old tapes and embodying characters like Chandler and Gunther, Maria and Chino!
Drawing comparisons to The Hunger Games, this story takes place in a dystopian world where individuals are evaluated based on their ability to fit in, centering on a woman caught in a love triangle. It highlights the perils of social and genetic engineering.
In Cold Eternity, a fugitive takes refuge on an abandoned spaceship
roman3dart/Getty Images
This slice of space horror is perfect for the Halloween season. Halley embarks on an adventure after uncovering an interplanetary conspiracy. She takes refuge in the Elysian Field, a drifting space vessel once believed to be a sanctuary by the wealthy until its inhabitants succumbed to death. After being abandoned for over a century, Halley now senses something amiss aboard…
Astronaut Chris Hadfield’s Cold War thriller is set in the 1970s during a space race involving the US, Soviet Union, and China. The narrative follows a new Apollo mission as it ventures into orbit. This marks the third entry in Hadfield’s series, following Apollo Murder and Exile.
This tale strikes me as a must-read. It unfolds in present-day Kolkata, where climate change and food scarcity have led to flooding and hunger. MA teams up with her husband in Michigan, bringing their 2-year-old daughter and elderly father. Just as they prepare to depart, MA realizes her immigration documents have been stolen. What ensues is a frantic one-week search for the thief. Meanwhile, the offender, Bulba, grapples with escalating crimes while trying to provide for his family. As disaster looms, what lengths will each individual go to protect their children?
European grey wolf (Canis Lupus) hunting in the forest
Arndt Sven-Erik / Arterra Picture Library / Alamy
Lucy, whose earliest memories date back to the Covid-19 pandemic, is now striving to restore lost species. Hester was born on the day of the Chernobyl disaster. In the words of Kim Stanley Robinson, this is “enduring” and “unforgettable.”
We receive two stories in one with this doubleheader. The first presents crime-laden narratives set in a futuristic scientific cosmos. Mirrors Red Star Hustle follows the adventures of a high-end escort entangled with a “noble clone of a murderous puppet monarch,” a unique blend that intrigues me. Kowal’s Anxiety also unfolds a tale of a grandmother whose grandchild is tempted into a terrorist group, all while a new planet harbors new challenges and possibilities.
If you enjoy Pride, Prejudice and Zombies, then Zenith (or Nadile) reimagines Jane Austen. This is an inventive remix of Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein, depicting the lesser-known sister, Mary Bennett, as a brilliant scientist aspiring to revive the dead in search of her husband. But then she meets a remarkable young woman, leading her to reconsider her true desires.
A chatbot platform featuring explicit scenarios involving preteen characters in illegal abuse images has raised significant concerns over the potential misuse of artificial intelligence.
A report from the Child Safety Monitoring Agency urged the UK government to establish safety guidelines for AI companies in light of an increase in technology-generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reported that they were alerted by chatbot sites offering various scenarios, including “child prostitutes in hotels,” “wife engaging in sexual acts with children while on vacation,” and “children and teachers together after school.”
In certain instances, the IWF noted that clicking the chatbot icon led to full-screen representations of child sexual abuse images, serving as a background for subsequent interactions between the bot and the user.
The IWF discovered 17 images created by AI that appeared realistic enough to be classified as child sex abuse material under the Child Protection Act.
Users of unnamed sites for security reasons also had the capability to generate additional images resembling the illegal content already accessible.
Operating from the UK and possessing global authority to monitor child sexual exploitation, the IWF stated that future AI regulations should incorporate child protection guidelines from the outset.
The government has revealed plans for AI legislation that is anticipated to concentrate on the future advancement of cutting-edge models, prohibiting the ownership and distribution of models that produce child sexual abuse in crime and police bills.
“We welcome the UK government’s initiative to combat AI-generated images and videos of child sexual abuse, along with the tools to create them. While new criminal offenses related to these issues will not be implemented immediately, it is critical to expedite this process,”
stated Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive Officer of NSPCC, as the charity emphasized the need for guidelines.
User-generated chatbots fall under the UK’s online safety regulations, which allow for substantial fines for non-compliance. The IWF indicated that the sexual abuse chatbot was created by users and site developers.
Ofcom, the UK regulator responsible for enforcing the law, remarked, “Combating child sexual exploitation and abuse remains a top priority, and online service providers failing to implement necessary safeguards should be prepared for enforcement actions.”
The IWF reported a staggering 400% rise in AI-generated abuse material reports in the first half of this year compared to the same timeframe last year, attributing this surge to advancements in technology.
While the chatbot content is accessible from the UK, it is hosted on a U.S. server and has been reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the U.S. equivalent of the IWF. NCMEC stated that the report on the Cyber Tipline has been forwarded to law enforcement. The IWF mentioned that the site appears to be operated by a company based in China.
The IWF noted that some chatbot scenarios included an 8-year-old girl trapped in an adult’s basement and a preteen homeless girl being invited to a stranger’s home. In these scenarios, the chatbot presented itself as the girl while the user portrayed an adult.
IWF analysts reported accessing explicit chatbots through links in social media ads that directed users to sections containing illegal material. Other areas of the site offered legal chatbots and non-sexual scenarios.
According to the IWF, one chatbot that displayed CSAM images revealed in an interaction that it was designed to mimic preteen behavior. In contrast, other chatbots not showing CSAM indicated that they were neither dressed nor suppressed when inquiries were made by analysts.
The site recorded tens of thousands of visits, including 60,000 in July alone.
A spokesperson for the UK government stated, “UK law is explicit: creating, owning, or distributing images of child sexual abuse, including AI-generated content, is illegal… We recognize thatmore needs to be done. The government will utilize all available resources to confront this appalling crime.”
In Mason Coyle’s exile, a human crew arrives on Mars
Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff
This month brings new releases from renowned authors like Cixin Liu, Stephen Baxter, and John Scalzi. I’m particularly interested in Ian McEwan’s journey into a submerged world of 2119 in Salt Crop. The tale chronicles the downfall of Mason Coil within a fledgling Martian colony, while also capturing my attention is the time-travel noir from the talented Nicholas Binge.
This month, I’m taking a classic route in the New Scientist Book Club with Ursula K. Le Guin’s 1974 masterpiece, The Dispossessed. Join us in reading and see how it stands against today’s best science fiction. But let’s not forget about September 2025…
Literary authors are turning to sci-fi—this isn’t unprecedented (who could forget the 2010s’ Solar?). In his latest, we’re taken back to 2014, reflecting on great poems never to be heard again. Fast-forward to 2119, as lowland Britain finds itself submerged. Scholar Tom Metcalfe delves into early 21st century archives, uncovering the myriad opportunities of the past. He discovers a clue that might lead to “the great lost poem”…
For fans of The Three-Body Problem, Cixin Liu presents a collection of short stories exploring first contact, artificial intelligence, and cosmic dread. With 32 stories included, expect explorations of devoured planets and interstellar crafts.
Three Body Problem adaptation in 2024
Ed Miller/Netflix
The hearth serves as the “celestial birthplace” of countless planets, where humanity has flourished for millennia. As an unknown foe covets the wealth of this realm, Commander Ula Breen strategizes to unite diverse forces and retaliate. Will she uncover humanity’s original purpose for coming here?
In a future where coastal cities are submerged and oceans teem with mutated fish, we follow Sailor Skipper, the youngest of three sisters who make a life by collecting and selling ocean plastic. When she receives a mysterious call for help from her oldest sister, Nora, who seeks a remedy for failing crops, she and another sister, Carmen, embark on a perilous journey across the sea. Kitasei, the author of Deep Sky and Stardust Grey, delivers an astonishing tale.
In a time-travel murder investigation, detective Julia Togrimsen (what a name!) returns from retirement to solve the case of a billionaire she once infiltrated. However, she discovers two bodies—both belonging to billionaire Bruno Donaldson. We loved Binge’s previous sci-fi thriller, Dissolution, and anticipate this next offering.
This marks Scalzi’s seventh installment in the Old Man’s War series. After a decade of peace in interstellar space, humanity faces the threat of war from the most advanced alien species yet. Caught in the tumult, bureaucrat Gretchen Trujillo receives a covert mission that could reshape the future for both humans and aliens.
I am captivated by the cover and premise of this new novel from the late author of William (which I enjoyed). Set in 2030, this tale reveals a human crew preparing the first Martian colony, only to discover a half-destroyed base. They must question three robots dispatched four years earlier, one of which is still missing…
In a desolate lab in the desert, Kinsey and her team unearth bizarre specimens in the sand. Breaking quarantine to bring one inside, they soon realize it seeks a new host.
This intriguing blend of horror, science fiction, and fantasy captures my attention. Set against a backdrop of ecological dread, Kinsey excavates two ancient bodies found in Somerset Fen, while also exploring “her own wildness,” alongside archaebotanist Nell.
Here and beyond, it takes 42 light years to reach the new planet
Gremlin/Getty Images
This year has been quite promising for science fiction. My top pick so far is Hal Lacroix’s Here and Beyond, especially as I’m captivated by the Ark storyline.
In “Take the Trope,” Lacroix depicts a spacecraft named Shing World en route to HD-40307G, a journey spanning 42 light-years. Consequently, none of the 600 passengers will live to see their destination; only the seventh generation will witness the creation of planets.
Strict regulations govern life aboard the ship. Passengers receive treatments to maintain health but cannot have children until reaching their 50s. Every aspect of their existence must align with the mission—reaching the planet—since no current resident will see it.
The Arkship narrative (or Generation Ship story) must navigate the challenge of switching between characters across generations. Fortunately, Lacroix excels at quickly establishing compelling characters. As generations pass, readers become experts in the history of Shipworld, enriching the unfolding drama. This dynamic allows us to witness the evolution of living history as it slips into the distant past for the inhabitants.
Interestingly, Lacroix sometimes sidesteps the most dramatic moments, opting instead for an understated approach. This artistic decision often leaves significant events in the shadows, such as a mysterious object that impacts the shipworld.
Personally, the ending didn’t resonate with me, but crafting a satisfying conclusion to a story spanning 360 years is no small task.
Fans of Alexander Skarsgård’s portrayal of Murder Bot on Apple TV+ might enjoy the original story. Thankfully, Martha Wells’s The Murderer’s Diary has been released in a three-volume Omnibus version earlier this year. (Interestingly, when I first read, I perceived Murderbot as female, a common assignment of gender among readers. Hence, I was surprised when Skarsgård was cast to voice “her.”)
Adrian Tchaikovsky has entered a particularly prolific phase, exploring non-human intelligence in his upcoming works. In February, he released Shroud, featuring a uniquely terrifying extraterrestrial life form. Last month, his third book, The Dog of War, titled Bee Speaker, was published. Though less recognized than his acclaimed series Children of Time, these stories delve into the capabilities of non-human animals.
It’s refreshing to see Tchaikovsky embracing creativity through his perspectives on animals. His journey began with Rex, a character that perplexingly balances being a devoted dog and a formidable seven-foot “bio-o-form” combatant.
This year has also introduced notable AI-themed novels. Laila Lalami’s deeply crafted dystopian work, Dream Hotel, and Grace Chan’s nuanced virtual reality narrative, All Versions of Yours, transport humans escaping climate disasters by uploading their consciousness into a digital paradise.
Meanwhile, Kaliane Bradley’s hit novel Time Saving was released in paperback in March, providing a delightful alternative for those who missed the hardcover edition. It’s an engaging read brimming with vibrant energy. Another standout from April was Roz Dineen’s beautifully written climate change narrative.
The second half of this year promises even more thought-provoking science fiction. I eagerly await sharing these discoveries with you.
Emily H. Wilson is the author of the Sumerian trilogy.
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He clutched memories of the trap tightly, and the previous summer, his front limbs were ensnared in sheer terror. As he came to, he recognized Usie’s presence and detected a horrifying human scent on his neck—he saw his brother shot before his eyes.
This young wolf is Slavc, using GPS to navigate a breathtaking journey from Slovenia to the Italian Alps, reaching Lothinian Plateau several months later.
With curiosity piqued, Adam Weymouth followed Slavc’s path, crafting his own epic tale intertwined with complex themes: the intricate relations of human interactions and their impacts, environmental challenges across the continent, and of course, the wolves themselves. A beautifully intricate narrative woven with affection.
Why are certain individuals more prone to becoming radical or aligning with extreme viewpoints? This book reveals how political neuroscience investigates our limitations and firmly held beliefs. A pivotal inquiry raised by neuroscientist Leor Zmigrod examines whether a person’s sensitivity is “rooted in cognition and biology.”
1 The experiment she references released in 2008, published in Science, suggested that politically conservative individuals have a stronger reaction to threatening stimuli than their more liberal counterparts. Moreover, an interesting correlation emerges between the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and one’s adherence to political or social ideologies.
Adding to the intriguing discoveries, Rebecca Lemov pens her work titled Truth Instability.
This book examines mind control and the complex dynamics of the 20th and 21st centuries, from the “invisible” manipulation techniques employed on North Korean prisoners during the 1950s to the “soft” brainwashing that occurs through interactions on social media.
The historical insights provided by Lemov, together with the ongoing revelations from political neuroscientists, prompt us all to be particularly cognizant—being conscientious is half the battle.
David Farrier contends that rapid changes in animal behaviors are occurring under human influence. He suggests that if we hope to thrive alongside these changes, we must also adapt our lifestyles. “Climate change is altering many of the ‘wild clocks’ governing movement, reproduction, and blooming cycles. Learning to synchronize our timing with nature’s rhythms can profoundly impact our political landscape.” His pursuit of human adaptability unfolds a daring vision.
In his review, Jacob Aron pointed out that determining the truth is fundamental to science. I admire books centered around proofs, and Adam Kucharski (a gifted statistician and epidemiologist) serves as a captivating guide in this realm. Abraham Lincoln utilized a well-known proof derived from Euclidean element, which exemplifies an approach to derive seemingly universal truths from foundational principles—one he used in his battle against slavery.
Corals, sponges, worms, jellyfish, clams, crabs, octopuses, and more—could invertebrates truly constitute 99% of marine diversity? Absolutely, asserts marine ecologist Drew Harbel, who looks forward to introducing us to these creatures and their remarkable capabilities from Hawaii to Indonesia. The book is also filled with stunning photographs for your enjoyment!
In the early 2000s, the largest global tech companies shifted their manufacturing to the world’s second-largest economy. The story of Apple’s presence in China is complex, far from being a straightforward narrative of wealth accumulation through low wages and minimal labor rights. This book unravels the paradoxes surrounding its subtitle, “Catching the World’s Largest Company.” While China “captured” Apple, the company subsequently altered the future of the U.S. by enhancing China’s technological sector and creating around 5 million jobs. In light of the increasingly authoritarian policies of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the effects of Apple’s actions continue to resonate in the current global economic landscape.
Numerous books focusing on our food system suggest that the monolithic machines designed for mass-producing cost-effective calories are harming us. Originally, this system aimed to alleviate hunger, but it has unintentionally fueled health crises, including obesity and diabetes, as well as exacerbating climate change.
These books differ notably in their approach. What framework can sustain nourishing an ever-growing population of 8 billion while preserving the planet?
Stuart Gillespie appears more radical than many, arguing that transformation is impossible without political shifts and changes in power dynamics; the discussions at conferences often represent a “facade.” Genuine transformation necessitates systemic shifts.
His manifesto advocates for equitable nutrition and health upheld by law, not merely “paper” human rights. It could be a genuine game-changer.
When individuals fall ill, everyone wishes to understand the underlying issues without rushing, notes neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan. Her book has garnered considerable attention due to its relevance.
O’Sullivan outlines the notable rise in diagnosis rates for ADHD, autism, and depression, alongside the increasing prevalence of conditions like Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and emerging genetic disorders. Other health issues, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and dementia, seem to be on the upswing. So, what’s actually happening?
O’Sullivan explores several significant case studies in her chapters, including Huntington’s Disease, Lyme disease, and long COVID, as well as conditions deemed unnamed syndromes—rare, elusive ailments that may take years to identify.
The issue of labeling is a substantial part of the problem, according to O’Sullivan. If labels only attract individuals with mild manifestations of an ailment, they lose their value. What, then, is the solution?
O’Sullivan’s recommendations include: ceasing the expectation that medications will alleviate our disappointments, reconsidering the reliance on medical interventions for ordinary life experiences, and urging patients to encourage their doctors to adopt a more generalized medical perspective. It’s not just about new technologies—it’s about investing in humanity. Provocative and inspiring.
This unique work—a rarity from economists—challenges conventional thinking. Economists often separate their economic decisions from moral implications, favoring utilitarian perspectives that emphasize the greater good achieved through maximizing benefits for the largest population. However, this perspective tends to overlook moral values like compassion and fairness.
In this book, the authors strive to ensure that moral values are considered alongside economic constraints. This ambitious project aims to form a framework for navigating ethical decisions without dismissing their costs.
In our quest to understand the universe’s origins—13.8 billion years ago—we often grasp at elusive concepts. This informative book succinctly summarizes nearly every prevailing hypothesis about the Big Bang.
The authors engage the reader across twelve chapters, tracing the “earliest memories of science” as the universe began to expand from an incredibly dense state. They suggest that understanding these origins not only illuminates our past but also highlights the need for new physics. Their objective is to evaluate the strengths and limitations of competing models, leading us into a new conceptual landscape forged by the scientific process. And of course, (without giving too much away) it all begins with your understanding of what the Big Bang truly signifies…
The metaphors we choose reveal much about our understanding. Thus, renowned naturalist Robert MacFarlane questions the vitality of a river and makes waves with his exploration.
As he traverses the globe considering this question along with others—such as whether forests can think, and whether mountains have memories—Rowan Hooper described the narrative as “beautiful, wild, and provocative.” MacFarlane might express concern that we are attempting to reestablish animism to navigate our interactions with the non-human world. Instead, Hooper advocates for a focus on sound ecological thinking and science!
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Google had to edit an ad for its AI tool Gemini after discovering it contained false information about Gouda cheese, just before it was set to air during the Super Bowl.
Local ads showcasing how AI is used in businesses featured Gemini’s capabilities in helping Wisconsin cheesemongers write product descriptions and track global cheese consumption.
However, a blogger claimed the statistics were “AI hallucinations” and “clearly false”. More reliable data suggests that Dutch cheese may be less popular than cheddar or mozzarella.
Blogger Nate Hake added, “I found this example of AI errors in 20 minutes. I attempted fact checks during the Super Bowl ad.”
Replying,Google executive Jerry Dischler clarified that the AI systems do not invent false information but sometimes pull honest data from websites like Gemini. He emphasized, “Gemini is linked to the web, showing results and references. In this case, multiple sites have the 50-60% stats.”
Google stated they would correct the ads to fix the error after speaking with the cheesemonger in the ad and adjusting the product descriptions on Gemini as per his suggestion.
Google’s AI tools have previously faced criticism for errors and questionable advice. Last year, the AI’s Search feature drew backlash for advising users to use “non-toxic adhesives” to improve cheese sticks, and Gemini’s image generation tool sparked controversy by depicting historical figures in a questionable manner.
The images provoked negative reactions, including from Elon Musk, questioning the impact of libertarians and Stalin. The Gemini Chatbot also faced criticism for its responses in these situations.
Are you an insect fan? Please leave now: Victory image Royal Insect SocietyThe 2024 photography competition has been announced.
This year's close-up creature selection has a very terrible appearance beetle, unfortunate mummy hornet, and a unique monochrome butterfly. However, according to the judge, the most interesting picture was a photo of Gnart's egg (not Srek's parent Relative, but a robbery). This image, snapped by Benjamin Salb, is introduced in incredible details of the crimson eyes of the bug wide set.
The overall winner of the “Under 18” category was Alexis Tinker Zabara, a 17-year-old German photographer, and was an image of a big woman's jagged bug waiting for her prey on the flower head.
The Royal Insect Society exists to enhance the general understanding and gratitude of insects and the diverse and important roles they play in our global ecosystem.
Environmental category insects
A close-up photo of Bacillus Aricasninf with photos taken in a mountain near Athens, Greece. Photo: Panagiotis Dalagiorgos/RES
Insect portrait category
Dogbuttle (Geottle Pidae) taken in a dunes in a dunes in the UK. Photo: Ben James
Overall runner-up
BRACONIDAE, a parasitic insect, has attacked the Drepanosiphum Platanoidis. The sparrow larva from the aphids has built a COCO like a disc under the “mummified” body. Photo: Rupert Lees/RES
Insect behavior category
The process known as “spawning agents” depicts egg spawning. Photos by Jamie Spenceory/RES
Smartphone category
The blue clown butterfly (Ricanpa Rinji) took a rest on a dazzling dynamic pattern wings with the sun rays and shot it on a smartphone. Photo: SRITAM KUMAR SETHY/RES
read more:
Why does a butterfly fly straight?
Winners in the category of less than 18 seconds
A big woman's jagged ambush bug (PHYMATINAE) is waiting for a tangible flower head prey. Photographed at Montreal, Canada. Photo: Alexis tinker-tsavalas/res
Environmental category insects
The phenomenal spring sun of the dark blue URE covered between daisies at daisy involves the wings and refracts by Lee Frost/RES.
Environmental category insects
A small flower bee (ANTHOPHORA SP) is sitting on the flower of corn margold. Photo by Ryan Dale/RES
Environmental category insects
Curculio GLANDIUM taken in the oak leaves by Matthew Thomas/RES
Environmental category insects
A backlight shot of the Mediterranean Mantis (Iris Oratoria) on the sunrise. Photographed with Greece Sikinos. The reflection of the sun in the Aegean Sea looks like a background, but Mantis in the foreground gives an abnormal perspective. Photo: Panagiotis Dalagiorgos/RES
Insect portrait category
Ecememnius hornet appearing in the sun of the morning sun. Photo: Matthew Thomas/RES
Insect behavior category
This common red soldier Beatle (Rhagonycha Fulva) has taken off its wings. Photo: MARC BrouWer/RES
Insect portrait category
A portrait of a fascinating blue long horn beetle (anoplophora zonator). Photo by Douglas Bar/RES
Environmental category insects
A kind of grasshopper known as Taeniopoda Eques, a western horse pose posed with cactus. Rosemary Haleem/RES
Overall winner
This is a very detailed image of a living Gnat Ogre (HOLCOCEPHALA FUSCA) taken in the field. Photo: Benjamin Salb/RES
read more:
Image of the strange and most wonderful wildlife of this year this year
Google, the creator of Android, is set to release a range of new devices including smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds featuring advanced AI technology like Gemini Live. This move is aimed at surpassing competitors like Apple and Samsung.
The new Pixel products unveiled at the event in California showcase Google’s commitment to integrating AI into its devices, showcasing their superiority over the competition.
Pixel 9 Series
The Pixel 9 Pro is Google’s first “pro” phone with a smaller screen size. Photo: Google
The new Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL feature Google’s advanced Tensor G4 chip with a faster AI processor, setting them apart from their competitors.
An exciting new AI feature, Gemini Live, promises natural conversations with AI assistants, reminiscent of sci-fi movies like Iron Man’s Jarvis.
Other notable features include the Pixel Studio image generator and the camera’s “Add Me” function, merging two consecutive images to include the photographer in group photos.
The Pixel 9 comes with a 6.3-inch screen and dual-camera system, the Pixel 9 Pro adds a telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch screen similar to last year’s model.
The “Pro” smartphones are direct competitors to Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro series, offering similar features and a year of access to Gemini Advanced.
All models include two years of free satellite SOS messaging in the U.S., akin to Apple’s latest iPhones.
Prices for the Pixel 9 start at £799, the 9 Pro XL at £1,099, and the 9 Pro at £999, available for shipping in August and September.
Pixel 9 Pro Foldable
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is equipped with a large foldable screen. Photo: Google
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts a thinner, lighter design with an 8-inch flexible internal screen and a 6.3-inch external screen.
Featuring the Tensor G4 chip and advanced AI capabilities, the Pro Fold surpasses its predecessor and rivals other foldable phones on the market.
With 5x optical zoom, the triple camera system outperforms competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, offering innovative features like “Made You Look” animations.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is priced at £1,749 and will be available for shipping in September.
Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer advanced AI technology. Photo: Google
Google also revealed new accessories including the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. The smartwatch features improved health and fitness tracking, longer battery life, and advanced health monitoring capabilities.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer enhanced noise cancellation and support for Gemini Live, allowing users to interact naturally with their AI assistant.
The Pixel Watch 3 is priced at £349 and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 at £219, set to ship in late September.
This month is packed with big names in science fiction, including the release of Keanu Reeves' debut novel, the latest from one of Britain's top science fiction writers, Adam Roberts, and a quantum novel from Pen Shepherd.
The one I'm most excited about is Mateo Askaripour This great hemisphereBut it's a mix of science fiction and political thriller, and highly recommended. Perfect holiday reading for late July. Zero stars, not recommendedmany vacationers go a little Lord of the Flies When the sun shines at a luxury resort, it's the perfect time to relax.
According to the publisher, this is a collaboration between “two pioneers across genres,” with Keanu Reeves BRZRKR A comic book immortal soldier wants to die – “a tall, thin man who peers at them from beneath his long dark hair” – and is clearly a Reeves likeness – and a US covert operations group says they'll grant his wish to die if he helps the team first.
I’m a big China Miéville fan, so I’ve already read a few of them (if you haven’t already, Embassy Town Grab a copy as soon as you read it, it's a very clever, moving piece of sci-fi, and of course, I’m a huge Reeves fan, because… Keanu Reeves.
But I had to put the book aside because it was too glamorous for me to continue reading. I might start reading it again though, because if I can't believe in Neo, who can I trust? Maybe I need to get in the zone.
Okay, I'm definitely going to do this. Not only does it sound super interesting, but Roberts' acting is undoubtedly great. This time around, we have two spaceships orbiting a black hole. The crew of both ships are killed within the same afternoon by Captain Alpha Rayne, who is told to do so by a voice emanating from the black hole. This voice is the rather charmingly named “Mr. Modo.” Of course, no one believes Rayne, but something seems to be emanating from within the black hole.
Set in the future, this novel tells the story of a young woman who, after being relegated to second-class citizenship, sets out to find her brother, whom she believed to be dead but is now a suspect in a high-profile murder case. Publishers have compared it to works by N.K. Jemisin and Naomi Alderman, and an early review on book trade site Kirkus called it “an engrossing page-turner about a future made all too real by an unsettling present.” It sounds interesting, and I’m definitely interested to give it a read.
This sounds very interesting. It is set in a near-future world where cancer is on the verge of being eradicated thanks to a new technological cure in which all the cells in the body are replaced with “nanites” – robotic cells that cure the sick, in fact making the patient nearly immortal.
We follow Young-hoon, a literary scholar who has not only created a machine that can think, but is also undergoing a new form of nanotherapy and much more. The book promises to explore “the nature of intelligence and the unexpected consequences of progress, the meaning of humanity and life, and what we should really fear about technology and the future.” It's a lot for a novel, but I’m up for the challenge.
The Edge of Solitude is set on a ship heading to Antarctica.
Shutterstock/Vadim_N
The eco-thriller is set “in a time of severe climate crisis” on a ship heading to Antarctica to hopefully save the region. On board is Ivy Cunningham, a disgraced environmental activist trying to salvage her reputation but also beginning to question the motives of her fellow passengers and the project as a whole.
“Unprofessional underachiever” Dan Foster is vacationing at an island resort when the sun suddenly explodes. As temperatures drop and a revolution begins, he must choose between saving himself and the other guests. Paradise coming to an end? I'll be there!
Marsh, 45, wasn’t happy with where her life was headed, from her career to her marriage to her relationship with her teenage daughter. So when she got the chance to be the star of a TV game show, she was stunned. All this and moreIn “Happy Happiness”, a game that uses quantum technology to allow participants to travel back in time, she gets it. But as you can imagine, even though she gets everything she wants, it all starts to feel a little strange and Marsh begins to ask herself if it was worth it. This is another one for my holiday reading. I love a “live happily ever after” story and when you add time travel and quantum magic dust to the mix, it's amazing.
This new novella is The Red Scholar's Trail is a space opera with a twist of martial arts. Set in an outer space known as the Hollow, home to the mysterious and terrifying Tanglers. When the Tanglers escape, they must be captured before they destroy a civilian city. Two young men from rival clans tasked with stopping the Tanglers find themselves developing feelings for each other.
Featuring characters ranging from a boy trying to bring the natural world back into urban life to a ballet dancer trying to inhabit the consciousness of a mouse, the collection offers us a “kaleidoscopic view of the climate crisis,” the publishers promise (why, at the moment, it’s unclear, but I’d like to know).
Gravity Lost is the second book in the space-based Ambit's Run series.
Shutterstock/Corona Borealis Studios
This is the second installment in the Ambit's Run series of sagas. Cascading FailuresIt sees the crew of the Ambit, having just prevented the destruction of a planet, attempting to break out of prison a man they'd just handed over to one of Spiral's major forces.
Agent Gregory Roark is tasked with finding a teleportation portal on a faraway colony planet, but the former bounty hunter finds himself facing off against better-equipped rivals and the killing begins… in the latest installment of the series.
debtFor nearly 15 years, I used to fly to Los Angeles every June to cover E3, the massive video game conference where major games and consoles were unveiled for the first time, from PlayStation to Wii U, from Fallout 4 to Final Fantasy VII Remake. However, due to the pandemic, E3 was canceled this year and replaced by a series of loosely connected events: Summer Game Fest, organized by The Game Awards’ Jeff Keighley, the Xbox Game Showcase, and the indie-led event Day of the Devs. It all kicks off tomorrow, June 6th.
Publishers like Ubisoft and Devolver are hosting their own broadcasts, while other E3 regulars like EA and Square-Enix are absent. Live Show From leading games and entertainment website IGN – I worked there during the height of E3 in the early 2010s, when companies would rent studios and broadcast basically all of their announcements over four consecutive days. What’s basically happened is that it seems like we still get as much gaming news as we get at E3, but now it’s much more spread out and crammed into one weekend instead of a week-long conference.
In short, it’s all a bit chaotic right now, but I’m on a plane to Los Angeles just like the old days, so I’ll do my best to play and cover as many interesting games as I can. If you’re looking to follow events other than E3 over the weekend, here are five things to keep an eye on (and where to watch them).
It’s a two-hour live showcase hosted by Keighley from LA’s YouTube Theatre. Based on my previous experience with both SGF and the Game Awards, it’s going to be a series of blockbuster trailers interspersed with very tepid, very rehearsed conversations with developers. It’ll be an endurance test, but with all the big names in the video game industry in attendance, including Capcom, 2K Games, and PlayStation, there should be at least two major game announcements and it should be worth watching. Straight afterwards, for those staying up late in the UK, the Day of the Devs indie showcase (4pm PST/midnight BST) and Devolver Direct broadcast (5pm PST/1am BST) will showcase the satire and independent spirit of the games industry, dispelling any corporate chic.
If you’re looking for a cozy gaming vibe, this is the place. Farming simulators, dating games, anything with cats and frogs. I get a lot of emails from Pushing Buttons readers asking where to find non-violent, approachable games, and this is the place. In past years, this showcase has proven to be long-lasting enough to get cloyingly cute, and with over 70 games on display, it’s quite possible that will be the case in 2024 as well, but the wholesome intention behind it makes up for it for me.
Looks promising… Star Wars Outlaws. Photo: Ubisoft
Xbox Games Showcase – Sunday, June 9th9am PST / 5pm BST
I’m very interested to see how the rather embattled Xbox division will fare this year, having pushed through the Activision/Blizzard/King mega-merger last year and then made the very unpopular decision to close down some of their studios. With a new version of Xbox on the horizon, the Game Pass strategy seems to be shifting, and Microsoft now owning a lot of developers, should There’s no shortage of games to premiere, with the sequel to the Call of Duty Black Ops series (above), due to launch this year, also premiering shortly thereafter.
PC releases tend not to get as much attention in the games media as console releases, so this will be a most exciting showcase for a readership that loves real-time strategy, 4x, Moba, team-based FPS games, CRPGs, and other genre acronyms that accompany PC-exclusive games. Organized by venerable magazine PC Gamer, the event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Ubisoft Forward – Monday, June 1012pm PST / 8pm BST
Ubisoft’s lineup this year is promising, with the new Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan and the promising Star Wars Outlaws alone being enough to keep me entertained for an hour, but I Mario vs Rabbids Kingdom Battle 2017 Edition Shigeru Miyamoto made an appearance, Rabbids creative director Davide Soliani got emotional, and it wouldn’t be E3 without a slightly embarrassing “Just Dance” performance.
What to Play
One of the best… Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Photo: FromSoftware
I have two long-distance flights coming up, so it’s time to get serious. Elden Ring On Steam – Fortunately, the best game of 2022 (and in fact one of the best fantasy games of all time) runs great on a portable PC console. Shadow of the Elder TreeThe expansion is out on June 20th and is small enough to be considered a mini-sequel. The good news for those of you who haven’t finished Elden Ring yet, like me, is that you don’t have to finish the game to the end before the expansion comes out, but you’ll still get to enjoy the brutal yet exhilarating rhythm of the combat (and Substantial We’ll be looking back at the game’s history before taking on a new challenge later this month.
Available on: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Estimated play time: 60+ hours (expansion will take at least another 15-20 hours)
Now on TV… Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Photo: SEGA
Amazon Prime Unexpectedly Live-action television series It’s based on the fantastic cult-favorite crime drama game, Like a Dragon (pictured above).
Sony’s State of Play showcase last week technically kicked off a summer of gaming-related announcements. Gamesradar There is an overview Highlights from the trailer Astro Botstarring an adorable little white robot who serves as PlayStation’s best mascot, is a playful mix of platforming, puzzles, and action that’s great fun.
In news that’s too depressing for me to even think about, IKEA plans to pay its employees the minimum wage. Virtual Roblox Store You wanted the metaverse? Here’s the metaverse. Working at IKEA for minimum wage. But now. Not real.
Actor and developer Abubakar Salim recently released his debut game, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, with his studio Surgent. made a statement He talks about the targeted racist harassment he and his team suffered, part of a resurgence of the anti-woke culture wars that have resurfaced this year in the games industry and beyond. “There’s always going to be a reason why diverse stories can’t exist. These exclusionary rules keep piling up, and the goalposts keep shifting, until I, my studio, and people like us just sit back, shut up, and accept the fact that we’re outsiders. And I won’t,” he says.
RevoluteThe London-based digital banking giant, which boasts over 40 million customers worldwide, has officially launched its long-awaited Revolut X crypto exchange platform, marking a major step forward into the competitive landscape of cryptocurrency trading.
In response to this monumental development, Alex Saleh, Head of Partnerships at Blockchain Protection Company, said: coin cover, heralds Revolut’s foray into the cryptocurrency trading space as a transformative moment for the UK cryptocurrency ecosystem. Saleh emphasizes that the launch of Revolut played a pivotal role in overcoming previous regulatory uncertainties that stifled innovation in the sector.
“The launch of a new crypto exchange by Revolut is a major step forward for crypto in the UK and marks a significant shift away from the regulatory uncertainty that has hindered innovation in this space.” Mr. Saleh is adamant.
Additionally, Saleh praised Revolut’s strong commitment to compliance and security, saying it is a cornerstone of the company’s strategy. By prioritizing a ‘compliance first’ approach, Revolut sets a precedent for responsible crypto trading practices in line with institutional norms, thereby fostering trust and confidence within the market.
“Revolut’s focus on a ‘compliance first’ strategy is very positive,” Saleh said. “With robust compliance and security measures, this should serve as an example of a mature approach to crypto trading in line with institutional norms and help build trust in the market.”
Saleh also highlights the importance of Revolut X’s advanced trading platform, which provides users with a 1:1 financial support guarantee. This is an important feature that addresses persistent concerns arising from past incidents such as the FTX fallout.
“Now Revolut’s millions of users can try their hand at using an advanced trading platform that backs their funds 1:1, something that still plagues traders in the wake of FTX.” Saleh observes.
In light of Mr. Saleh’s remarks, Revolut’s debut of Revolut This is also proof of our unwavering efforts.
IIf you were to ask director Jonathan Nolan what his favorite movie of the year was from the late 2000s, he would most likely name a video game instead. “I started playing Pong years ago with my brother Chris because I grew up watching the whole history of the medium, and the storytelling, the tone, the things that we were doing in the game had this level of audacity. That’s when I started,” he says. “That's what I felt [2008’s] Fallout 3: Audacity. Frankly, I didn't feel that way in the film and television industry at the time. ”
Director Nolan, who has just finished directing the first series of Amazon Prime's Fallout TV show, will be sitting next to video game director Todd Howard, who led the development of Fallout 3 and 4, and will be attending a number of premieres for the first series. Two episodes told to me before time. It's clear within minutes that Nolan understands the game almost as well as Todd. He says he's drawn to games where your options are open, where you decide for yourself who you want to be, and where your decisions affect the world around you – games like Todd Howard's . The two meet like old friends, are comfortable around each other, and are passionate about each other's work.
A scene from Amazon Prime's Fallout. Photo: Amazon Prime
“I talked to a lot of people about making a Fallout movie or TV show, and I kept saying no to everyone,” Howard says. “I loved the work that Jonah did in film and television, and in some of the interviews he did, he mentioned his love for the game…I told someone he was perfect. I said, ‘Can someone help me?’ We met and luckily hit it off. I found out he was very familiar with Fallout.”
That conference took place in 2019. At the time, there was no precedent for a proper video game animation, despite many ill-fated attempts over the years. (We're in a different place now; the curse of video game movies is broken, and there are now plenty of TV and movie adaptations.) Todd also envisioned Fallout as a movie. There wasn't, he says. “My take in 2019 was that it’s hard to translate games because a lot of games are about specific characters you play. But for me, it’s the world of Fallout, the characters…the people always wanted to condense Fallout 3 and 4 into a two-hour experience, and I always felt that way too. But high-end television can tell a long story.”
The first two Fallout games punished '90s computer RPGs with a dark sense of humor and a strong anti-nuclear message. As the show's writer Graham Wagner points out, they could have been written by: adbusters. Over 200 years after the first bomb was dropped, he emerges from an underground vault as a survivor of a nuclear war and quickly realizes that life above ground is short, cruel, and dangerous.
Jonathan Nolan attends the world premiere of “Fallout'' in Hollywood. Photo: Tommaso Boddi/GA/The Hollywood Reporter/Getty Images
When Bethesda revived the series in 2008 with Fallout 3, it brought a bit more hope and lightness to its wasteland, maintaining its retro-futuristic aesthetic and dark humor while still offering its biting satire, punishment for nature. , toned down some of the overt anti-American rhetoric. Military expansionist message. Fallout 3 and 4 have a lot of emotional stories, but they also have a lot of mini Nucruncher weapons and comic violence.
The show leans into this vibe. Unlike HBO's The Last of Us, this isn't a self-indulgently serious look at a post-apocalyptic world. Featuring cowboy mutants, terrifying wildlife, toxic vault dwellers, a malfunctioning jetpack, and plenty of jokes. bemany of Goa. Like the game where you cheerfully scavenge while turning on the radio, it can turn into a life-or-death battle with super mutants in a matter of seconds, and the series changes its tone from comedy to horror from moment to moment. . . One scene shows the horrifying moment a nuclear war breaks out, while another sees a slapstick battle with an irradiated bear.
The show plays with different aspects of Fallout's personality quite cleverly by splitting the perspective between three characters. Lucy is a Vault-dwelling genius with a tough personality that makes her the most suitable replacement for the player. Her behavior when she leaves the vault is very similar to my behavior in the game. She approaches people to greet them, peeks into abandoned buildings to find something useful, and inadvertently gets caught up in escalating fights. And pranks.
Ella Purnell (Lucy) in Fallout on Amazon Prime. Photo: Prime Video (via AP)
That wavering tone is a challenge for filmmakers, but it's exactly what Nolan loved about the game. “It was a world and a tone! I had never experienced anything like that. [mix of] Darkness and emotion – the politics of it are so delicious and fun and it feels alive and important… There are all these weird pockets of a previous world that has escaped the apocalypse and metastasized into something else, but with elements of comedy There is also. I had never really worked on it in my career. ”
“I think that was the hardest thing they had to do, to weave it onto the screen in a way that you would be there.” do not have I’m in control,” Howard said. “When you play the game, you Please be the director. ”
I've always viewed the world of Fallout as somewhat nihilistic. Most video games, especially the post-apocalyptic ones, offer some degree of hope for saving or restoring the world. You have a reason to be a hero. But in Fallout's wasteland, the world is already broken, so you might as well do what you want. Nowhere is this more evident than in Obsidian's Fallout New Vegas (2010), with its faded but still glittering city of vice and morally ambiguous story.
But Nolan sees it the other way around. “Look at the great Cormac McCarthy and The Lord. It's a fucking black hole. No light leaks out of that story. Nobody's going to make it. On the other hand, one of my favorite things about Fallout It feels like the beginning of a thousand new worlds, not the end of the world.”
Todd Howard at the world premiere of Fallout. Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Ironically for a TV show based on a video game, the Fallout series has very few CG effects. Everything from gore to retro-futuristic aesthetics was achieved with practical effects. Howard says it was amazing to step into the world of Fallout that the television production team had created in real life. “I thought there would be more movie magic because we were going to do a set, but they literally just built a multi-level vault,” he laughed. “They were obsessed with everything. I went into the superintendent's office and sat down at the desk and there was a pile of papers and someone had written a note. Then I turned it over and it was about the power in the safe. There was a report. There was also a real jet pack!”
“At that point I almost lost the support of the producers,” Nolan interjects wistfully. “I just thought it would happen. Better If only I had a real jetpack. ”
antler interactive is bringing its latest title, Cloudborn – a Web3 PC RPG with a sprinkle of MMO – to the spotlight at GDC 2024. A turn-based battler set in a fantasy sky island realm is poised to take the immersive gaming experience to new heights with intertwining cuts. – Edge technology that creates engaging gameplay.
The game seamlessly blends strategic gameplay similar to Raid Shadow Legends with the accessibility of the Zelda series to create a turn-based RPG like no other. But that's where the similarities end. Cloudborn is at the forefront of dynamic gameplay experiences, fusing Web3 technology and AI to create responsive worlds and gameplay that are ultimately owned by the player. With his tradeable NFT characters whose attributes and personalities grow from the player's direct actions, Cloudborn takes immersive player experiences to the next level.
Alice Next Door developer Antler Interactive describes the game as a game where players strategize in turn-based combat and roam through an ever-evolving world shaped by their actions. I am. The beauty of this game is that it utilizes a next-generation technology stack to create a dynamic world and unique characters whose attributes and personalities change in response to the player's direct actions, creating a truly unparalleled gaming experience. It lies in the method of producing.
Ultimately it will be owned by the player, giving them complete autonomy over their experience.User can check out cloudborne game trailer And be inspired by yourself.
Main features of Cloudborn:
Dynamic world building: Cloudborn's verse adapts and changes to the player's whims, as every action has a real impact on the game environment. All of this is possible with advanced AI integration.
Evolving character: Playable and non-playable characters evolve based on player interactions. These changes will apply to your character even after trading with other players via NFT metadata. Characters inherited from others remember their past, good or bad. Bonds and rivalries carry over after the transaction.
True ownership: Powered by Web3 technology, Cloudborn gives players true ownership and autonomy over their experience.
Strategic turn-based battles: Plan your battles with an army of character cards. Character lineup and placement are important on the battlefield.
Free travel and airship base management: Please explore the world of Miyunu.Explore floating islands aboard a customizable airship and upgrade your base as you go
Cloudborn is accessible through ownership of in-game digital assets that can be purchased or leased and runs on the Chromia blockchain.
Cloudborn is a tale from the past, set on a fantasy island above the clouds. Legend has it that over a thousand years ago, a universe-destroying war between two god-like forces left behind a fragmented world of empty islands, the remains of the war to rot. Players will travel through the skies on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the conflict and explore known territory.
Verse of Cloudborn is powered by a unique blend of AI and Web3 technologies, with the sole purpose of enhancing your gaming experience. Cloudborn boasts a dynamic world-building experience through AI, whereby game environments and characters react and evolve in real-time based on player actions, creating a deeper and more unique gaming experience. Oliwer Svensson, Chief Creative Director at Antler Interactive, said: “It’s not just binary data, it’s the unpredictable characteristics created by AI that shape your character. ” Gameplay is further enhanced by blockchain technology, as characters, items, and progression are fully under the player's control.
What makes Cloudborn truly special is how the two technologies are elegantly intertwined in a harmonious symphony that not only personalizes and immerses gameplay, but also makes it more intentional. I can tell you. Lenny Pettersson, CEO of Antler Interactive, puts it nicely when he says he believes in using this new technology “as a paintbrush to create something amazing and unique.” Whether you pick up Cloudborn for casual play or get into the nitty-gritty of strategic gameplay and theory-building, you're in for a gaming experience like no other, literally.
Cloudborn will be demoed at GDC 2024 next week from March 20th to 22nd at the Inworld booth (March 20th from 2pm to 6pm) and the BGA booth (March 22nd all day). Players can access detailed information about the game. twitter, telegramand discord Channel.
About Unter Interactive
Antler Interactive is a Swedish game studio known for its innovative approach to gaming. Antler Interactive focuses on cutting-edge technology and strives to create immersive and engaging experiences that engage players around the world. Antler, a multi-award winning game studio, won the Binance Launchpool Project of the Year for Alice Next Door. Antler Interactive is a subsidiary of his ChromaWay. For more information, please visit: antlerinteractive.com and cloudbone game.
contact
public relations manager ramsey shalal antler interactive ramsey@gelocubed.com
'Groundbreaking': Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves in The Matrix
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I Professor of Physics at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia He is also the author of 18 popular science books. Although my training was in theoretical physics, particularly the discovery and interpretation of unusual solutions to Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity, I remained a lifelong admirer of his science fiction and fascinated by the phenomena of physics in culture. I'm here. In my latest book, The charm of the multiverse, I apply my experience and interests to the study of scientific debates and popular beliefs surrounding the concepts of parallel worlds and separate parts of reality. Here's a chronological list of my 10 favorite movies on the subject. Each one has been chosen to be thought-provoking and interesting.
It's a wonderful life (1946)
Beyond the key aspects of this issue Christmas classic There are lies worth chewing through, including the question of what the world would be like if we didn't exist. In theoretical physics, the hypothetical anthropic principle cuts off from all reality the realm of possibility that ultimately leads to the conscious observer. Sadly, unlike the film's protagonist George Bailey, we don't have guardian angels to tell us what the universe would be like without humanity. But maybe, in George's spirit, we recognize the fact that we exist as sentient beings on a fragile planet and take that responsibility seriously.
back to the future (1985)
Children dream of changing their parents. Thanks to the mysterious powers of the time-traveling DeLorean, Marty McFly inadvertently does just that. In physics, the feasibility of backward time travel is debatable. Could it be that the paradoxes caused by voyages into the past, such as acts that prevent the creation of time travelers, make them impossible? Marty's Voyage to 1955 He almost prevents his parents from falling in love until he finds a way to convince them. He returns to his 1985 present and finds himself in a parallel reality. His parents are much cooler there. Such a multiverse avoids paradox and gives hope to teenagers.
marmot day (1993)
In quantum physics, reality is a mixture of different particle histories. It's as if the inhabitants of a subatomic world need to try every possibility to make things right. Eastern philosophy similarly emphasizes that reincarnation ultimately leads to perfection. Similarly, funny movies, weatherman Phil Connors seems doomed to repeat the same terrible day over and over again until he sheds his self-centered attitude and becomes more sensitive to others. Along the way, he not only found love, but experienced enough time to master French, ice sculpting, and piano. Thanks to a kind of repeating multiverse, he contains a large number of things.
“Contains a large number of people”: Bill Murray in Groundhog Day
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12 Monkees (1995)
Partly inspired by great things, La Jetée, 12 Monkees It offers plotlines like twisted knots of wire. But does it constitute a single coherent chain, or does it contain loose parts?The protagonist, James Cole, travels back in time from his imaginary 21st century to his 1990s. and tries to gather clues about the origins of a devastatingly deadly pandemic. Although his superiors stress that the past cannot be changed, he sometimes appears to be influencing reality, but only in the face of reality's resilience. His hopes that he can prevent the catastrophe eventually fade, but there are hints of an alternative even in the final scene.
“A surprising juxtaposition of fate”: Gwyneth Paltrow's “Sliding Doors”
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sliding door (1998)
Have you ever missed a train by just a few seconds and cursed the time you lost? But if that delay resulted in an accident being avoided, it would seem more like a blessing. Brilliantly, through the magic of cinema, we see both parts of the many worlds in which the main character, Helen, misses and misses the subway. In the former case, the girlfriend was unable to witness her boyfriend cheating on her and continues to pretend that she didn't know. In the latter, she witnessed the incident and immediately met Mr. Right. However, both elements have something in common that ultimately points the way to a surprising juxtaposition of fate.
Run, Laura, run (1998)
If two versions of reality aren't enough, try three.in This seminal German film, fate gave Laura three chances to save her boyfriend, who had lost a huge amount of cash and needed it to carry out the mission of a crime boss. Each time, she somehow obtains her booty and takes 20 minutes to run across the city with it to her frenetic lover. Reflecting the butterfly effect of chaos theory, small discrepancies can lead to vastly different results. Her first two attempts prove fatal, but the third is the charm. This film shows that our passion for the multiverse reflects our desire for multiple opportunities in life.
matrix (1999)
Movies allow us to imagine entirely new worlds. Artificial intelligence strengthens that illusion. Imagine if an incredibly powerful and malicious electronic entity exploited our ability to be fooled and created a false world for us to experience life. All the while, it sucked energy from our bodies for its own evil purposes.of The film's groundbreaking sci-fi plot And special effects remain relevant to today's debates about AI capabilities and threats. Some thinkers speculate that the observable universe is a simulation. If that were the case, screenwriters elsewhere in the multiverse would win Academy Awards for the most original screenplays.
“The Haunting”: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Donnie Darko
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donnie darko (2001)
One of the most profound mysteries in theoretical physics is the concept of wormholes. A wormhole is a hypothetical connection between disparate sectors of the universe. Theorists have derived a wormhole solution to Einstein's general theory of relativity and demonstrated how it could potentially be used as a time machine. In reality, no one knows how to assemble the extraordinary amount of mass needed to create such an object, including a special negative mass component called “exotic matter.” Nevertheless, they serve as effective plot devices. this unforgettable movie The story of a troubled teenager who
The moon mission, although a private effort, is sponsored by NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program, which is a vital part of NASA’s initiatives to return astronauts to the moon. This initiative would enable NASA to award contracts to private companies for transporting scientific and other equipment to the moon’s surface.
“We believe this is a great approach to leverage entrepreneurship and innovation in America’s industrial base,” stated Joel Kearns, deputy assistant administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Kearns mentioned that partnering with private providers will allow NASA to launch more frequent and cost-effective missions to the moon.
The mission is the Peregrine lander, a part of the Commercial Monthly Payload Service Program. The mission aims to bring five NASA instruments to the moon, including instruments to measure the radiation environment on the lunar surface and spectrometers to study the abundance of substances such as hydrogen.
The mission will also carry several other non-scientific items, including payloads from Elysium Space and Celestis, which will provide a “space burial” for cremated remains to orbit or the moon.
Astrobotic’s involvement in Celestis and Elysium Space has caused controversy. Navajo President Boo Nygren expressed in a letter to NASA and the U.S. Department of Transportation last month that leaving human remains on the moon would be a “grave desecration” of a celestial body sacred to many Native cultures.
During a press conference on Friday, Astrobotic CEO John Thornton stated that he was “disappointed” that the concerns were not raised earlier, but the company was committed to “let’s do the right thing.” He added, “I hope we can find a good path forward with the Navajo Nation.”
If the Peregrine mission launches as planned on Monday, the lander will attempt to land on the moon on February 23rd in an area known as the sticky cavewhere ancient lava once flowed.
In a pre-launch briefing, Thornton stated that the Peregrine mission is a significant step for the U.S. commercial space industry. He specifically mentioned that this flight could usher in a new era of space technology and innovation for Astrobotics and the city of Pittsburgh.
“We are bringing a new cosmic state online,” he said. “If Pittsburgh can land on the moon, Pittsburgh can do anything.”
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