April Speight

Procedural Ruins Tutorial Julian Bragagna | In this lesson, learn how to create these alien-looking ruins. Start by learning how to build a procedural tool that transforms a rough blockout into a detailed, high-poly mesh that can be used inside Unreal. These kinds of tools are designed to give you fast iteration times, making it easier to experiment and refine your environments efficiently. https://lnkd.in/ge8PpuGp #Houdini #ProceduralGeneration #GameDevelopment #3DModeling #DigitalArt #VFX #CGI #EnvironmentArt #LevelDesign #GameArt #ProceduralTools #3DAnimation #VisualEffects #GameDesign #Tutorial #SideFX #ProceduralRuins #UnrealArtists #HoudiniArtists

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Continuous improvement is a delicate balance in the tech world. You want to demonstrate that your experience is evolving while not removing or changing the things people love. I've owned my Meta Quest 3 for six months, and I've been impressed with Meta's constant pace of innovation. I've always wondered why we don't see more change on our Windows PCs and Android phones. We update our operating systems frequently, but these annoying updates seem more about bug fixes than providing better, improved, and innovative experiences. However, my experience with the Meta VR headset has been different. In the six months I've owned the device, several notable improvements have been made that create new features or improve usability. A new OS version is about to launch that will add more, including the ability to listen to music while using other apps, a new virtual wrist button to access menus when controlling the device with your hands (versus the hardware controllers), and improved passthrough video. I am not always complimentary of everything Meta/Facebook does, but my evolving and improving Meta Quest 3 experience has been impressive. I use my Meta Quest 3 for entertainment and gaming virtually every day. I think the Quest+ subscription service is great, and the quality of the games and experiences is impressive. While Meta Quest games may lack some of the high-def realism or complexity of Windows games, I have gotten a lot of pleasure (and a bit of exercise) from apps like Asgard's Wrath 2, Demeo, In-Death: Unchained, Synth Riders, Tetris Effect, Walkabout Mini Golf, The Climb, Les Mills Bodycombat, and others. (One huge area of improvement for Meta, however, is Meta Quest TV; its gateway to VR video and animation is kludgy, static, and needs to do a better job of surfacing new and worthwhile content.) I invested in an Oculus Rift almost a decade ago, and I quickly bored of its limited capabilities and available software. My Meta Quest 3 experience has been very different. It rapidly replaced my PC as my go-to gaming and entertainment platform. I look forward to Meta's future software and hardware improvements. https://lnkd.in/gSvA7JHj

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Highly anticipating this event. Project management is one of the areas by which AI can produce the most immediate benefit by eliminating non value-added manual input and creating more efficient planning mechanisms just in the current state of machine learning. The future will solidify AI as common place in the PM toolbelt.

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Transitioning to a Mac: Embracing Apple's Human-Centered Design Philosophy I've recently made the official switch from a Windows laptop to a Mac, and I'm truly impressed by Apple's unwavering dedication to human-centered design. This commitment shines through in numerous aspects of the Mac experience, making it a joy to use on a daily basis. One standout is the contextual feedback provided by macOS, which helps to understand actions and system status at a glance. Whether it's the subtle sound indicating microphone activation or the convenient keyboard cursor notification for caps lock engagement, these thoughtful touches make interacting with the Mac a seamless and intuitive experience. It demonstrates how Apple's attention to detail extends beyond just the physical design of their products to encompass various aspects of the user experience, from input methods like trackpad gestures to visual feedback . By refining these small elements, Apple enhances the overall usability and enjoyment of using a Mac. In embracing Apple's human-centered design philosophy, It's more than just a computer—it's a testament to the power of thoughtful design in enriching our everyday lives “Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it’s this veneer — that the designers are handed this box and told, ‘Make it look good!’ That’s not what we think the design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” — Steve Jobs #DesignThinking #UserExperience #HumanCenteredDesign

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Recently published research uncovered intriguing connections between #music, #emotion, and #memory. Specifically, listening to music can change how you feel about what you remember—potentially offering new ways to help people cope with difficult memories #designbusiness #designinspiration #psychology #feedly

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Trying to scale AI responsibly? Recently, CIOs in Southern California got together to discuss how to operationalize AI, mitigate the risks, and navigate AI regulations – check out their takeaways: https://lnkd.in/gF2hGgum #EvantaCIO #CIO #AI #artificialintelligence

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Today I am releasing a video that shows how to leverage the administrative controls for Generative AI capabilities in Copilot Studio. I also cover why someone might want to use them. #copilot #copilotstudio #generativeai #admin #governance https://lnkd.in/e9gyc2gu

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AI is us.. this is an inspiring #TEDTalk about what ‘s around the corner… I can’t wait for Autonomous Ai’s and what Apple will announce with #AppleAI in June 👀 #ai #futureofai #autonomousai

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Roblox is reimagining the future of virtual experiences with generative AI. Learn how they're enhancing user safety, inclusivity, and creative expression in this episode of the NVIDIA AI Podcast featuring Anupam Singh. #generativeAI #AI #Roblox #virtualexperiences #podcast https://lnkd.in/gAD9AF59

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The vibrant world of CGI and game design thrives on the importance of color theory. Dive into the fundamental principles of color theory to enhance storytelling, player immersion, and overall design cohesion. Understanding how color choice influences player perception and experience is key for every CGI and game designer. Discover the impact of different color schemes across various genres to create visually appealing and emotionally engaging experiences. Equip yourself with the tools and techniques needed to effectively apply color theory in your projects. Explore how color theory intersects with design elements like lighting and texture to craft compelling visuals. Continuous refinement of your understanding of color theory is crucial for staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of CGI and game design. Stay updated with the latest trends and research to elevate your projects to new creative heights. Ready to unlock the power of color theory in CGI and game design? Let's connect and delve into the intricate world of color to enhance your creative endeavors! #CGI #GameDesign #ColorTheory #AR #VR #MR #XR #DigitalArt #CreativeDesign #VisualStorytelling #ImmersiveExperiences #DesignTools #GraphicDesign #3DModeling #Rendering #TechInnovation #CreativeTechnology #DesignStrategy #GamingIndustry #DigitalInnovation #ArtAndTechnology

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Big news! We’ve just announced our partnership with NVIDIA, unleashing a new era of empowering enterprises with the transformative capabilities of generative AI. We’re talking about a $4 trillion productivity potential – a massive impact to businesses across industries who can now use NVIDIA-powered AI to transform opportunities into growth and scale. Congratulations to my colleagues at QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, Alex Singla and Ben Ellencweig who will no doubt take this one step further. I can’t wait to see what this collaboration will bring! You can follow the link in my comments to learn more about the partnership. #GenerativeAI #QuantumBlack #McKinseyDigital

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Great article on how San Francisco is leaning in and leveraging its vast wealth of innovative thinkers, tech intensity, and vast learning and funding resources. San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is doing an amazing job embracing the next wave! Rodney Fong Anita LW Huang Katy Brown #Microsoft #AzureAI #Startups #AI

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We all need to do more on the topic of AI literacy. This is one of those steps. #AILiteracy

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Good and evil, humanoid and completely alien, AI has dominated the imagination of #scifi creators and fans. We can take a look at this legacy through the compendium of iconic #artificialintelligence characters created by AIPRM. These characters represent 60 of the most famous AI characters in the realm of #film, #TV, #comicbooks, and #videogames https://buff.ly/3XHRaLO #AI

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If you’re like me, those early demos and tests of AR felt promising but not quite ready for prime time. Devices like Google Glass and Microsoft HoloLens teased us with the potential, hinting at a future where AR could transform our work—but the technology wasn’t there yet. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. AR is no longer a "nice-to-have" or an "impractical gimmick." It’s becoming an essential driver of productivity and innovation. As highlighted by Anisha Sircar in Forbes, the technology and hardware options have matured. Yes, cost is still a consideration, but the barrier to entry is steadily lowering, making AR more accessible than ever. Here's the kicker: success with AR depends on choosing the right hardware for the right use case. ➡️Training applications? Consider see-through VR. It offers immersive learning environments while allowing an AR layer for hybrid experiences. ➡️On-the-job use? Lightweight AR glasses win, keeping workers efficient without added bulk. Whether improving productivity, enhancing training, or streamlining operations, AR is set to redefine workplaces—and sooner than we think. Let’s embrace the shift and explore how AR can work for us, not against us. The future isn’t waiting. #augmentedreality #workplaceinnovation #futureofwork #immersivetechnology #artraining #productivitytools #digitaltransformation #techinnovation

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Microsoft debuts a commercial making the case that Xbox is everywhere. I understand the desire to transition Xbox to being a game cloud platform running on Azure. There are still a lot of people to be convinced. And the state of Xbox hardware isn't helped by ignoring it. Xbox is defined by the publishing of content not the proliferation of platform. Claim that its everywhere when people cant stop playing games on it everywhere. Get to that first. This seems premature. Or aspirational, not inspirational. ----- Xbox - This Is an Xbox YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gJtqfNu9 Unfortunately it is the second best commercial to use Black Sheep's - The Choice is Yours, eclipsed by the Kia Hamsters: 2010 Kia Soul Hamster Commercial YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gqbk6vhK And neither holds a candle to the original video: Black Sheep - The Choice Is Yours (Official Music Video) YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gBJrAKjG ----- VideoGameChronicle: "Microsoft reveals its new marketing campaign: ‘This is an Xbox’. Xbox’s new slogan explains how its games can be played on numerous devices" (Nov 14, 2024) Microsoft has revealed its latest marketing campaign, designed to highlight the numerous ways Xbox games can be played. The new slogan, “This is an Xbox”, consists of a humorous series of statements pointing out things that aren’t an Xbox – such as bento boxes and bus stops – as well as devices that can play Xbox games. These include mobile phones, laptops, Amazon Fire TV sticks and the ROG Ally handheld. “This is an Xbox invites people to play with Xbox across multiple devices and screens,” Xbox Marketing senior director Craig McNary said on the official Xbox Wire blog. “It showcases the evolution of Xbox as a platform that extends across devices, with bold, iconic, fun visuals and a light-hearted tone. Launching today, the campaign will come to life in a variety of ways.” This includes an “immersive takeover” taking place in a number of major cities including San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, London, New York, and Berlin, where “this is not an Xbox” has been labelled in “unexpected places”." VideoGameChronicle: https://lnkd.in/g4KDcJMH #gameindustry #microsoft #xbox

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Continuing my reflections from #VeniceImmersive 2024, the evolution of immersive storytelling is astounding, blending cutting-edge tech like haptics, mixed reality, AI, and interactive elements. Here are the standout projects exploring #empathic immersive experiences and connect #nature, #neuroscience and #XR: 'Mammary Mountain' is an intimate, immersive VR and haptic experience that blends personal and collective stories of breast cancer, using a specially designed haptic garment to simulate areas of pain and discomfort, guiding participants through a dreamlike exploration of the body and its connection to the land, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the cancer treatment journey. 'Turbulence' jamais vu is a mixed-reality experience by Ben Joseph Andrews and Emma Roberts, exploring the altered perception caused by vestibular migraines. Participants, through their avatars, perform simple tasks while grappling with an increasingly unstable and unreliable perception of reality. The project uses XR to challenge our understanding of reality, reflecting the artist's personal experience with his condition and exploring the fluidity of human perception. 'Symbiosis/\Dysbiosis' Sentience is an XR installation created by Tosca Terán and the Nanotopia team, merging scientific research, bioart, and whimsical storytelling through biodata from living Mycelium, aiming to bridge the perceived gap between humans and nature by exploring environmental consciousness and interconnectedness in a speculative, immersive experience. Have you encountered an immersive project that resonated with you emotionally or thematically? Let’s talk about your experience! #ImmersiveTech #InteractiveExperience #ExperientialStorytelling #NarrativeDesign #XR #FutureTech #AIInnovation #ExperienceDesign #ImmersiveMedia #StorytellingInXR #SpatialComputing links to previous posts: https://lnkd.in/dwaKFiWA https://lnkd.in/diZWAshj https://lnkd.in/dFeMZ2dX https://lnkd.in/dQm2jgaj https://lnkd.in/dDu9ZbQm

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