#Apple Watch App Design

[ongraph]

Apple Watch App Design and Development Company

Discover the future of Apple Watch apps with OnGraph, your premier App Design and Development Company. We specialize in crafting cutting-edge, user-centric apps that make the most of your wearable technology. Our expert team blends design creativity with technical prowess to bring your ideas to life. Join us in redefining the Apple Watch experience with OnGraph's tailored solutions!

[jcmarchi]

AI Set To Take Center Stage at Today’s Apple WWDC Conference

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/ai-set-to-take-center-stage-at-todays-apple-wwdc-conference/

AI Set To Take Center Stage at Today’s Apple WWDC Conference

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is set to take center stage today with AI expected to be the main focus. The WWDC event serves as a platform for Apple to showcase its latest software innovations and features, making it a highly anticipated gathering for developers and tech enthusiasts alike. This year’s conference promises to be particularly groundbreaking, as Apple is poised to unveil its ambitious AI initiative and its integration across the company’s ecosystem, including iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS.

Apple’s AI Initiative

At WWDC 2024, Apple is expected to reveal its comprehensive AI strategy, which aims to integrate artificial intelligence seamlessly across its software suite. This move will signal Apple’s increasing focus on leveraging AI to enhance user experience and streamline interactions with its devices. Rumors suggest that Apple may collaborate with OpenAI, the creators of the popular ChatGPT language model, to bring cutting-edge AI capabilities to its products.

Apple’s AI features are likely to be branded under the moniker ‘Apple Intelligence,’ emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering intelligent and intuitive solutions. By leveraging large language models (LLMs) and advanced machine learning techniques, Apple aims to further improve the way users interact with their iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs. This AI initiative is expected to position Apple as a strong competitor to tech giants like Google and Microsoft, who have already made significant strides in the AI space.

Enhancements to Siri

One of the most anticipated announcements at WWDC 2024 is the revamped Siri voice assistant, powered by generative AI. Apple is expected to showcase a more intelligent and conversational Siri that can better understand user queries and take actions within Apple’s own apps. By integrating advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, Siri will be able to provide more accurate and contextually relevant responses, making it a more reliable and efficient virtual assistant.

The enhanced Siri is rumored to rival the capabilities of other AI assistants, such as Google’s Astra and Microsoft’s AI-powered offerings. With the ability to engage in more natural conversations and perform complex tasks, Siri is set to become a central part of the Apple ecosystem, seamlessly connecting users to their favorite apps and services. As Apple continues to prioritize user privacy, it will be interesting to see how the company balances the integration of powerful AI features with its commitment to data security.

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Updates

At the heart of Apple’s WWDC event lies the unveiling of iOS 18, the next-generation operating system for iPhones. This year’s update is expected to bring significant new capabilities and designs centered around AI integration. iOS 18 will likely incorporate AI-powered features that enhance photos, music, texting, and even emoji creation. Imagine a smarter Photos app that can automatically organize and categorize your images, or a Music app that crafts personalized playlists based on your listening habits.

Similarly, iPadOS 18 is set to receive many of the same AI-driven enhancements as its iPhone counterpart. Apple’s tablets will benefit from improved multitasking capabilities, intelligent app suggestions, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. As with any major update, privacy concerns may arise, but Apple is known for its strong stance on data protection. The company is expected to address these concerns by leveraging on-device processing and secure data handling techniques.

watchOS 11 and Other Operating System Updates

While the spotlight may be on iOS and iPadOS, Apple’s other operating systems won’t be left behind. watchOS 11, the software that powers the Apple Watch, is rumored to introduce new workout types and watch faces. Although it may not be a major overhaul, the update will likely bring refinements and optimizations to the wearable platform. Apple may also showcase how AI can enhance the fitness tracking and health monitoring capabilities of the Apple Watch.

Beyond watchOS, Apple is expected to provide updates on macOS, tvOS, and its other operating systems. These updates will likely focus on performance improvements, bug fixes, and tighter integration with the company’s AI initiatives. Developers will be keen to learn about any new APIs or tools that can help them create more intelligent and engaging apps across Apple’s ecosystem.

Hardware Announcements

While WWDC is primarily a software-focused event, Apple may surprise attendees with hardware announcements related to its AI push. There is speculation that the company may introduce new AI-focused chips in future devices, building upon the success of its A-series and M-series processors. By developing chips specifically designed for AI workloads, Apple can ensure optimal performance and efficiency while maintaining tight control over privacy and security.

In addition to AI chips, Apple may provide updates on its in-house chip development efforts. The company has been investing heavily in its own silicon, which has already proven successful in its Mac lineup. By leveraging its expertise in chip design, Apple can create a seamless integration between hardware and software, enabling more advanced AI capabilities across its devices.

Lastly, Apple may take a moment to discuss the Apple Vision Pro, its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset. While the focus will likely remain on the headset’s role in spatial computing and immersive experiences, there may be mention of how AI can enhance the functionality and user experience of this cutting-edge device.

Developer Tools and Platforms

WWDC is also a crucial event for developers. Apple is expected to introduce new tools and frameworks that will allow developers to integrate AI capabilities into their apps more easily. These tools may include APIs for natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning, enabling developers to create more intelligent and contextually aware applications.

Moreover, Apple may announce enhancements to its existing developer platforms, such as Xcode and SwiftUI. These improvements will likely focus on streamlining the app development process and providing developers with more powerful tools to create engaging user experiences. With the growing importance of AI, Apple may also provide guidance and best practices for implementing AI features in a responsible and privacy-preserving manner.

Another area of interest for developers is Apple’s cloud computing capabilities. As AI workloads become more demanding, developers will be looking for efficient and scalable ways to process data and train models. Apple may provide updates on its cloud infrastructure and services, highlighting how developers can leverage these resources to build AI-powered apps.

The Future of Apple is AI

As WWDC 2024 approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be a landmark event in Apple’s history. With AI set to take center stage, the conference will provide a glimpse into the company’s vision for the future of computing. By integrating artificial intelligence across its ecosystem, Apple aims to redefine the way we interact with our devices and unlock new possibilities for innovation.

The announcements made at WWDC 2024 will have far-reaching implications for developers and consumers alike. Developers will gain access to powerful new tools and platforms that will enable them to create more intelligent and engaging apps, while consumers will benefit from a more personalized and efficient user experience across their Apple devices.

As Apple embarks on this AI-driven journey, it will be crucial for the company to balance innovation with its commitment to privacy and security. By leveraging its expertise in hardware and software integration, Apple can deliver cutting-edge AI capabilities while maintaining the trust and confidence of its users.

[spoonikprofile]

siner iOS & Watch App 2020 (music chord keyboard)

[crazydiscostu]

Microwear W68+ Ultra Smart Watch

Today we’re looking into the Microwear W68+ Ultra Smart Watch, a feature-packed wearable companion with a staggeringly low price tag. Is this an affordable version of the Apple Watch? Let’s take a look… Microwear “Shenzhen Naijingyun Technology Co., Ltd is a modern high-tech enterprise that integrates design, research development, production, sales, branding, and service in the field of smart…

[madebywater]

Goog News - branding and application design

Credits: Visual design — Jordan Vitanov All product photos are used only for presentation for non-commercial purposes only. All rights reserved. Thank you!

[felassan]

Game Informer:

"Dragon Age Cover Story And Shadow of the Erdtree Review | GI Show by Alex Van Aken on Jun 27, 2024 at 01:57 PM In this week's episode of The Game Informer Show, the crew discusses our recent trip to Bioware for our Dragon Age: The Veilguard cover story, our Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review, PS5-bound multiplayer shooter, Concord, a new battle royale from former League of Legends developers, atmospheric horror title Still Wakes the Deep, Dustborn, Luigi's Mansion 2 HD and even more! It's a packed show, y'all.  Watch the Video Version: [embedded link to Game Informer video titled 'Dragon Age Cover Story And Shadow of the Erdtree Review | GI Show']"

(On YouTube, the description box for this video looked like this:)

[Article continues] "Follow us on social media: Alex Van Aken (@itsVanAken), Kyle Hilliard (@KyleMHilliard), Marcus Stewart (@MarcusStewart7), Wesley LeBlanc (@LeBlancWes) The Game Informer Show is a weekly gaming podcast covering the latest video game news, industry topics, exclusive reveals, and reviews. Join us every Thursday to chat about your favorite games – past and present – with Game Informer staff, developers, and special guests from around the industry. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Matt Storm, the freelance audio editor for The Game Informer Show, edited this episode. Matt is an experienced podcast host and producer who's been speaking into a microphone for over a decade. You should listen to Matt's shows like the "Fun" And Games Podcast and Reignite, a BioWare-focused podcast."

"The Game Informer Show – Podcast Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:42 - Cover Story: Dragon Age: The Veilguard 00:21:48 - Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review 00:42:20 - Concord Preview 00:59:04 - Supervive Preview 01:11:59 - The Plucky Squire 01:24:37 - Magic: The Gathering – Assassin's Creed 01:35:01 - Still Wakes the Deep 01:45:52 - Dustborn Preview 01:55:06 - Luigi's Mansion 2 HD Review 01:58:26 - Housekeeping"

"The GI Show podcast is a weekly recap of exciting releases, exclusive details on upcoming games, and in-depth interviews with developers. Watch or listen to a new episode every Thursday!"

[source]

----

Felassan's notes section of this post -

In this episode of the Game Informer show, Game Informer talk some more about their trip to BioWare's studio for the DA:TV cover story, when BioWare showed them hours of DA:TV content while playing it live.

Some notes from this and from what they said:

Wesley LeBlanc wasn't a huge DA fan and he went in with no expectations. The job to go to BW for this just landed on his plate due to other peoples' schedules. After seeing the game, it's probably his most anticipated game for the rest of the year and the one he's most looking forwards to

The game really wowed him and stuck with him, he said he is thrilled about it and is engrossed in the fantasy it's bringing

The visuals and world finally feel like what BioWare has maybe always wanted to make

This is the game where the team said, yeah, we feel fully in command of the Frostbite engine, and it shows

The world is more like Fable-type whimsy than prior DA games. It has a high fantasy feel

BW want new people to play the game. They're very aware that it's been 10 years since the last game and the game does a good job of catching people up

Rook as the PC really has no idea what's going on with Solas and all the other lore-specific stuff that's happening in the game, so they kind of act as the stand-in for newer players or people who have not caught up on the lore

But it's not just a game for newcomers, there is still a lot to chew on in the game for hardcore DA fans. BioWare were saying that they know their community, what it wants and what it's looking for out of these characters

Wesley enjoyed the music, visual design, and voice acting

Nothing that they saw about the game stood out as worrisome to him

Wesley has quite a lot of further stories to add to Game Informer's DA:TV hub

Wesley: "On the topic of the [Dragon Age] fanbase, I just wanna give a shoutout to that community, because, wow, I did not, I knew people would be stoked about this cover, but people are really stoked about this cover. And it’s really funny, the day that we announced it, I got like hundreds of new followers. Anytime, if I tweet about Erdtree or Destiny 2, I get like my normal amount of likes, like, a dozen maybe, y’know, whatever. If I tweet about Dragon Age, it’s like. Today I tweeted, ‘my next feature is coming at 3pm’ and it’s at 1000 likes, it’s so funny, like, this community is like rabid for information, which makes sense if you haven’t gotten a game in 10 years. But yeah, so like, shoutout to y’all, I’m loving you guys reading the articles and telling me what you wanna hear about. So if you have any questions or anything, get at me on Twitter for sure, and I will see what I can cook up with some writing for you. But yeah, shoutout to the BioWare community, y’all crazy.”

[source]

[joshleyson]

Life Update + Postcards from Mount Pulag

If there's one thing I'm particularly proud of that I did this year in the name of self-care, it is using my Apple Watch for what it was designed to do and being mindful of closing my rings on the Fitness App, which includes meeting my Move, Stand, and Exercise requirements for the day.

Last weekend, I went on my first major walk this year, to Mount Pulag in Benguet, the majestic and highest mountain in Luzon. For the first time ever, I was able to set a *drum roll please* record-breaking 42K steps, perhaps more because my watch died in the middle of the climb. It never occurred to me to go on this ALMOST 10-hour hike until J, who by the way was a famous OG Tumblr influencer during the peak Tumblr era circa 2012 (if you know him, mag-asawa ka na hahaha), introduced me to the idea of going to Baguio (I haven’t been to Baguio since forever) and eventually having to explore Mount Pulag after. J and I have known each other for over 12+ years, but it was only this year that we began to see each other more frequently; he is also the person who introduced and challenged me to finish my rings on the Fitness app. I began this "ring" journey at the end of March, but I wasn't fully committed until I started seeing some, hmm, what's the word, "changes" when I started monitoring my InBody results, which show my weight, BMI, muscle mass, and even body fat percentage decreasing. Long story short, I'm making some small progress with trying to make my BMI normal again. Hey, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to paint the typical fitness buff image with raging, strong-looking muscles, because that's not who I am, but I wanted to give myself credit also for losing 10kgs in just 4 months, and I'm not even pulling my hair out about it, just that awareness of "Did I close my rings today?" moment. Like I told J, I never expected accountability to feel this good. So I'm quite delighted with that.

Enough of the fitness thingee and going back to Mount Pulag, I'm so happy that we were able to pull it off this year. We started by staying in Baguio for 2 days which by the way the weather was THE. BEST. Having to walk around the city in layered clothes without breaking a sweat as a pawisin was HEAVEN. It was something that I missed when I went back to Manila. After 2 days, we headed straight to Kabayan, Benguet, where our homestay was located, and by midnight started our trek to Pulag summit. The trek was surprisingly easy. The quiet and quaint landscapes while on our way to the summit were something that I enjoyed so much. It was tiring and yes, the weather was extremely cold. Miss Hypothermia is REAL especially on the summit but with the right amount of clothing, it's no biggie. Just do a little bit of research before signing up for the hike and you'll be just fine. On that trip, we met and bonded with new faces which I hope soon will become friends because they're nice to be with which made the hike bearable. Being the beach person that I am which is very OBVIOUS on this blogosphere, exploring the mountains and the countryside was very refreshing to see and I kinda wanted to make that commitment to at least do this at least once a year. Let's see!

(No Light Pollution? Here's the Milky Way captured in the default iPhone camera app.)

Overall, the Mountain Province trip including late-night walks in Baguio, wandering to places and cafés and bar hopping walking side to side because we’re drunk AF, and then Mount Pulag was something I'm so grateful for that I get to check them out this year. There were "unplanned" and "down" moments on that trip, sure, but I guess that's just normal, especially since I'm with the person I wanted to get to know more, and J, if you're reading this, thank you. I feel like all the things that happened on that trip have a reason and I just wanna say thank you for being…you. I will not be surprised if one day that rough idea of a psycho-thriller slasher movie we kind of created while sitting on a bus will soon come to life. Write that fucking screenplay. PLEASE.

So that's my not-so-quick life update that no one asked about. I think I mentioned before in this space that the more I have something "major" going on with my life whether professional or personal, I am less inclined to talk about it versus in my heyday, loud, teenage years and I think that's what really living is all about. Touch some grass they say, and literally, I did that in the mountains of Mount Pulag, and those memories which I hope I could bottle, and that seeing something so beautiful is enough to remind me that everything's gonna be alright.

Siri, play Gravity by Sara Bareilles, JOSHY

(Mountain Province, July 2024)

[chronicbeans]

Wally and a Puppeteer Reader (part 2)

My brain won't shut up about this, I like it, and others seem to like it as well. I'm so happy people seem to like my stuff!

TW: Obsessive Behaviors, Stalking, Idol Worship, Scopophobia/Eye Imagery

🎥Today was the day! Apparently, Welcome Home has become beloved enough that someone has decided to interview some of the producers, directors, and cast. Cast including the puppeteers, which means you.

🎥 To be honest, you never really liked being on camera. That isn't to say you didn't like being a puppeteer! No, no, no! You LOVE your job. You love Wally, Home, every character in the neighborhood. You would just rather be behind the scenes. So, this interview is a little daunting.

🎥 When everything is all prepared, you look around the room. Every other puppeteer is sitting with their puppets, just like you are with Wally. Currently, you are all just waiting for the interviewer to finish up with the producers and camera crew. There's been punch laid out and everything for them. It seems like the boss really wanted to make a good first impression with whoever has come in.

🎥 Home is right next to you, with your chair positioned right beside it. It's pretty big, simply because there has to be a couple different versions of it. Ones that fit hand puppets perfectly through the front door and ones that fit the walk around puppets. The larger of the two versions of Home is next to you, with the smaller Home on a table near the title card set.

🎥 Everyone is chatting about their memories making the show, from funny trips that Eddie's puppeteer has made to the improve comedy that Barnaby's puppeteer has come up with for his skits. Everyone is having a jolly good time, except for you. You have this odd feeling like something is going on. Like something is wrong.

🎥 You look down to the little puppet of Wally, which you have nearly sat upon your lap. Ever since the odd incident with storing him away, you have been a bit more protective of him. You don't want him to be messed up. Improperly storing him could result in him being misshapen, so finding out that someone messed with him was alarming.

🎥 Worse yet, though, is that ever since that little incident... you have been feeling like someone is watching you during work. Then there's the colorful letters and drawings you have been getting. Every single one of them has been found on your desk in the storage area for props related to Wally. The language used in the letters are childish and cutesy, such as saying "If you were an apple, you would be the most sparkly and red one, because you are the most!" Every drawing is drawn entirely in crayon, with paint splatters here and there...

🎥 The interviewer comes in, saving you from your own anxious thoughts, as he waves to everyone. He introduces himself, fixing his black suit as he speaks in a formal manner. "Good evening, everyone. I apologize for the delay. Your boss was so excited to tell us about the plans and passion behind this show, I couldn't help but ask him many questions. Now, lets begin."

🎥 It takes a while, but soon, the interviewer gets to you. He asks you simple questions, such as what inspired you to become a puppeteer and what drew you into working on Welcome Home. You give the best answers you could provide, before he asks one that really intrigues you.

🎥"I have heard from some of the production and directing crew that you care a lot about Wally as a character, as well as puppet care. What exactly is it about Wally that you like? What made you want to play him?"

🎥 You couldn't help but grin, explaining everything you loved about Wally as a character. You talk about how he interacts with the audience, small quirks he has and how they are displayed on the show, and even pick him up to go over his character design.

🎥 One sentence you say suddenly makes your brain click in an odd way. The second you let the words "Wally lives to draw art for the viewer of the viewer, due to having a deep appreciation for their kindness" leave your lips, you can't help but remember all of the weird drawings of you you have been finding on your desk recently. You keep talking, though, in the hopes that the memory will just go away for now.

🎥 The drawings can wait. The letters can wait. All that you really want to talk and think about right now is how much this show means to you, as well as how proud of your coworkers you are for helping everyone make Welcome Home as popular as is it. Maybe this interview isn't going as bad as you thought it would?

🎥 You are so invested in talking and answering questions, in fact, that you neglect to notice how Wally seems to subtly curl into your touch. Then again, no one else seems to, either.

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

Daily OFMD - Outside US Renewal Tasks

Updated 01/31/2024

Hey all! I'll keep this updated every day so feel free to reference back here and I'll link to this inside the Recaps. If you have any recommendations to add for various countries please reach out to me!

==Things to remember==

Keep it positive! We are wooing them!

Only address one platform at a time!

Make it personal! Tell them why you want to be on that platform (inclusivity, diversity, other shows that are similar, etc)

“It’s okay to reuse some content with new tags but try to space the posts out a couple hours so they dont stack up on top of each other in hashtag very obviously.” -Jac

==Today's Hashtags==

#AdoptOurCrew

#SaveOFMD

#FinishOurStories

==Platforms to Reach Out to==

Netflix

AmazonPrime

AppleTV

If you reach out on the social medias, you can cater to individual mission statements per platform.

===UK Focuses ==

@lamentus1 has provided us with a lot of great information for UK folks, please check out the following:

The fact that there’s a huge audience for this show that hasn’t even been able to watch the 2nd season yet - to illustrate the fact that there’s a huge untapped market because more than third can’t watch it season 2 yet (we can use the Tumblr poll, and there’s that map as well, both good for illustrating the point).

Focusing on the UK talent in the show inc: Ewen Bremner, Joel Fry, Samson Kayo, Nathan Foad, Kristian Nairn & Con O’Neill. Minnie Driver too. They or shows they have been in may have their own fandoms we can tap into.

It's also apparently a good idea to mention you're British in your tweets if you're reaching out to @netflixuk Thanks! @libbyroseitm

Other helpful information:

Cheat Sheet Below provided by @aproperpirate on Twitter

If you wanna talk about the shows creativity, feel free to reference Ra Vincent's site, he was the Production Designer for OFMD. Great inspiration and pictures to use to show off to the networks.

It's also helpful for Amazon to show them the international reach

== Vote in the QUEERTIES ==

You can vote once a day!

Best TV Comedy

Best TV Performance

== Outside US Social Media For Each Platform ==

Instagram:

Netflix @netflix UK: @netflixuk CA: @netflixCA

PrimeVideo

@primevideo UK: @primevideouk CA: @primevideoca

Apple TV @appletv

Threads:

Netflix @netflix UK: @netflixuk

PrimeVideo

@primevideo UK: @primevideoUK CA: @primevideoCA

Twitter:

Netflix @netflix UK: @NetflixUK DE: @NetflixDE

PrimeVideo

@primevideo UK: @primevideouk CA: @PrimeVideoCA

Apple TV @AppleTV

Facebook:

Netflix @netflix

PrimeVideo @primevideo

Apple TV @appletv

==Daily Helpful Tasks:==

1. Push That Petition

2. Fill out Feedback forms:

Make sure to request Our Flag Means Death on all the platforms, and indicate why you like the show (if that's an option) and keep it positive. Source: @Lcmwriter100 on Twitter

Netflix

AppleTV - looking for an example letter? Check out @saltpepperbeard’s post

AmazonPrime

For Amazon Prime - Courtesy of @yougotofast over on twitter.

Existing Prime subscribers, you can access a Suggestions/Feedback form on the Prime Video app in the Settings > Help & Feedback section. The form is automatically tied to your Prime account, not sure if that makes any difference compared to anonymous feedback.

3. Platform/Article Engagement

HBOMax

A lot of countries don't have HBO max, but if you do and you can already watch Our Flag Means Death on them, please still go ahead and stream Our Flag Means Death, it keeps up engagement and numbers.

Search Our Flag Means Death on Netflix

If you have Netflix, after your search, stream the first title that comes up for a few minutes.

Article Engagement - Source: @candiedsilkmoth on twitter

@itsmfgames Has been kind enough to be keeping up a running list of Articles about the campaigns -- so if you have the time and want to go catch up on some articles, please checkout the guide below and visit this google doc for the list!

I'm probably gonna add a "running article list" somewhere, I'll update when I do.

Other Streaming Service or Purchase options:

Obviously don't feel like you have to purchase anything for the campaign, this is just in case you're looking for sources to watch. Amazon DE (Germany) Apple DE (Germany)

== RADIO! ==

While this suggestion is for NPR there are plenty of local radio stations across your own country, these are some tips. If you have good submission recommendations, please let me know i'll get them added!

Some awesome new suggestions from @AdoptACrew Check out the thread here. Link to the NPR suggestion site: Here

== Stats ==

Some Cool Stats you can use:

4. Daily Link Clicks to keep up engagement

Our Flag Means Death Wikipedia Page

Google Search for Our Flag Means Death

Google UK Search for Our Flag Means Death

Our Flag Means Death IMDB

Current @renewasacrew Daily Links:

Tumblr

Twitter

Instagram

==Media Resources (Pics, Gifs, Vids)==

Gifs, Pics, and Videos to use: show clips to use Src: @havethisonelife

Our lovely @kiwistede made some great custom gifs you can use to tweet and message the platforms with. Check out their tumblr here

UK Resources:

Thank you for these great pictures @LibbyRoseITM!

==Infographics==

Some folks like infographics instead of text so here's some stuff for you! Courtesy of @edandstede on Twitter

==Other ideas for engagement:==

[ataraxiaspainting]

Hayloft.

Yan Mahito x GN Reader.

Synopsis: Mahito wants to farm.

Warnings: Yandere themes, kidnapping, Mahito as his own warning, implied minor character death, and implications of violence/forced cannibalism.

Word Count: 800.

*~*~*~*

“Sounds fun! Looks so too!”

Mahito’s fingers tap and tap on the glass, unsurprisingly never leaving any fingerprints or smudges. He is a curse, after all. It makes sense. Not that you have to be reminded of such, with how little he knows of human culture, the world at large, or with how much he shapeshifts into a disembodied head at night to scare half-awake you. 

You are both sitting on a giant bean bag in the shape of a green slime of all things that Mahito brought in an hour or so earlier. Mahito, as expected, takes up most of it with a malformed arm wrapped around your shoulders and back. 

In your hands is a Nintendo Switch, the sticker case on the joycons, and the screen itself somewhat peeling off, but still the pink bunny and strawberry drawing designs stay intact.

The YouTube app is on, showing a playthrough of Stardew Valley. This part of the sewers had two bars of wifi from the little ramen place above it, something you are grateful for in some aspect. Because of it, you have one more piece of entertainment that is now Mahito bringing you back stale snacks and stuffed animals (that you pray to whatever higher power that they were not alive before Mahito got his hands on them) and nearly smothering you with hugs. 

This is calming. When you just read the dialogue of the characters and listen to the music and pay attention to the satisfying sight of the farmer planting pumpkin seeds and apple tree saplings, it is calming, you are calm, Mahito is, at least partially, calm.

Mahito wanted something to watch today and brought the Nintendo Switch for you to play with as he simply observes. It could be worse, you reminded yourself before you attempted to protest, stopping yourself. It could be much worse. He could turn you into the Nintendo Switch, or much, much worse.

It can be so much worse. He can be so much worse. Your life as a captive can be so much worse. Everything can be so much worse. That is a line you never want to cross because everything can be so, so much worse than it already is.

Mahito raises his free hand, and you pause the video, just as you were taught to. He then points again at the field of two-dimensional, square-like crops all in multiple rows of hoed soil. 

It’s springtime in the game, you think, from how the cherry trees have pink blossoms and petals falling onto nearby ground all around it.

Mahito counts with his fingertip, jumping from one plant to the next and then from one row to the next.

He whistles, and it makes you flinch because that is the same noise he makes whenever you scream, a reaction to when he brings a body part of someone you loved here, throwing it down beside the small dog bed you were given for good behavior, the blood staining the fabric as it falls with a grotesque, sort of plopping sound.

If Mahito wants to grow vegetables and fruit in the few places this sewer has sunlight, he can be your guest.

“Potato, cauliflower, garlic… green beans, kale, parsnips, rhubarb, strawberries…” He says each word like he has never heard of them before. Considering he has never really set foot in a grocery or convenience store for anything other than chips, it is not all that surprising. With another wave of his hand, you rewind it to the moment where the farmer character starts watering the seeds when they are freshly planted. He waits. So do you. “Sounds good! We can make some cheese cauliflower, parsnip soup, pizza, hashbrowns… just imagine it! Yum… I can just picture it now.”

With yet another wave of his hand, you stand up and so does he. Relief goes through you, like a ghost, both horrifying you and making you feel the smallest bit of hope that for once Mahito can act normal.

…

“M-Mahito, vegetables don’t grow that fast.” You say, looking down at the plate of baked fish with what smells like kale and garlic underneath, along with lemon and salt. “H-How-”

“It’s simply the power of love!” Mahito exclaims, inhaling loudly to smell the dish in front of you two. He sighs softly. “A pure demonstration of my love, all I do for you, and all I will do for you in the future.”

You could have sworn that there was the smallest voice from the fish if Mahito’s bragging of how much work went into making you a dish from Stardew Valley was not so loud.

Help me.

“Dig in, cutie!”

You would do anything for Mahito’s grin to not turn into a frown, so you pick up your fork with trembling, scarred hands.

[ausetkmt]

This marks the first week of Black Music Month. 

Declared in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, the month-long observance celebrates the work of Black artists and music industry giants throughout the years.

In honor of the month, here are five Black-owned music and media applications and programs to check out for the start of Black Music Month. 

Deepr: Launched recently by software designer Austin Webster and a music industry entertainment attorney with experience working for Motown, Darrell Thompson, Deepr is described as a mix of “Shazam and ImDB.” Led alongside a board made up of award-winning musicians and producers such as Drumma Boy, Teddy Riley and Dallas Austin, the app helps users discover new tracks through instant searches. Once the song is recognized, Deepr provides insight into the creators of the track, providing information on both the musicians and the writers. The app recently launched a new widget that allows users to do a deep dive into songs played in shows right as they’re watching the episode. Deepr is available on both the Google Play store and the Apple Store for download.

Splits App: Designed by Jammber CoFounder and CEO Marcus Cobb, the Splits App helps those who are songwriters with tracking information on their work. Using the app, musicians can track the ownership percentage of each contributing writer on the song. As one of the only rights management services app in stores, the Jammber Splits app also helps users officially register their songs and collect any royalties made from the sales of the track. The app is available on the Apple App Store for download.

Fanbase: Created by the son of the late legendary singer Isaac Hayes, Isaac Hayes III, the Fanbase app is for musicians, influencers, artists and any other person who wants to expand their reach. Created in 2018, the app is a subscription social media platform that works to motivate Black content creators and have their work be rewarded with monetary value to bridge the equity gap on other social media sites. With the Fanbase app, every content creator’s work is guaranteed protection. Celebrities that have already endorsed the app by signing up include Snoop Dogg and Charlamagne Tha God, amongst others. The Fanbase app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

The LABZ: Created by founder and CEO Farah Allen, The LABZ is an app that serves multiple purposes with partnerships with companies such as Comcast, Netflix and Amazon. It is a technology platform that allows users to create in an immersive online space. Previously, the app has been used extensively by musicians to collaborate on tracks in real-time.  

Breakr: Founded by four Florida A&M University alumni, Ameer Brown, Anthony Brown, Rotimi Omosheyin and Dan Ware, the Breakr music app helps with “direct-to-creator relationships.” The music marketing platform helps artists share their work by connecting with influencers as part of a collaboration. With these campaigns, the app ensures that content creators are getting paid for their work.

[jcmarchi]

What Went Wrong With the Humane AI Pin?

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/what-went-wrong-with-the-humane-ai-pin/

What Went Wrong With the Humane AI Pin?

Humane, a startup founded by former Apple employees Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, recently launched its highly anticipated wearable AI assistant, the Humane AI Pin. Now, the company is already looking for a buyer.

The device promised to revolutionize the way people interact with technology, offering a hands-free, always-on experience that would reduce dependence on smartphones. However, despite the hype and ambitious goals, the AI Pin failed to live up to expectations, plagued by a series of hardware and software issues that ultimately led to a disappointing debut.

Chaudhri and Bongiorno, with their extensive experience at Apple, set out to create a product that would seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into users’ daily lives. The AI Pin was envisioned as a wearable device that could be easily clipped onto clothing, serving as a constant companion and personal assistant. By leveraging advanced AI technologies, including large language models and computer vision, the device aimed to provide users with quick access to information, assistance with tasks, and a more intuitive way to interact with the digital world.

The AI Pin promised a range of features and capabilities, including voice-activated controls, real-time language translation, and the ability to analyze and provide information about objects captured by its built-in camera. Humane also developed its own operating system, CosmOS, designed to work seamlessly with the device’s AI models and deliver a fluid, responsive user experience. The company’s vision was to create a product that would not only replace smartphones but also enhance users’ lives by allowing them to be more present and engaged in the world around them.

Hardware Issues Right Away

Despite the sleek and futuristic design of the Humane AI Pin, the device suffered from several hardware shortcomings that hindered its usability and comfort. One of the most significant issues was its awkward and uncomfortable design. The AI Pin consists of two halves – a front processing unit and a rear battery – which are held together by magnets, with the user’s clothing sandwiched in between. This design proved problematic, as the heavy device tended to drag down lighter clothes, causing discomfort and an odd sensation of warmth against the wearer’s chest.

Another major drawback of the AI Pin was its poor battery life. With a runtime of just two to four hours, the device failed to provide the all-day assistance that users expected from a wearable AI companion. This limitation severely undermined the product’s usefulness, as users would need to constantly recharge the device throughout the day.

The AI Pin’s laser projection display, which beamed information onto the user’s palm, also faced challenges. While the concept was innovative, the display struggled to perform well in well-lit environments, making it difficult to read and interact with the projected information. Additionally, the hand-based interaction, which required users to tilt and tap their fingers to navigate the interface, proved cumbersome and often led to distorted or moving visuals, further compromising the user experience.

Software and Performance Problems

In addition to the hardware issues, the Humane AI Pin also suffered from several software and performance problems that severely impacted its usability. One of the most glaring issues was the device’s slow voice response times. Users reported significant delays between issuing a command and receiving a response from the AI assistant, leading to frustration and a breakdown in the seamless interaction promised by Humane.

Moreover, the AI Pin’s functionality was limited compared to smartphones and smartwatches. Basic features such as setting alarms and timers were notably absent, leaving users to rely on other devices for these essential tasks. The company’s decision to forgo apps in favor of a voice-centric interface also proved to be a drawback, as it restricted the device’s versatility and potential use cases.

The value of the AI Pin’s assistant capabilities was also called into question. While the device aimed to provide contextual information and assistance based on voice commands and camera input, the actual performance often fell short of expectations. The AI’s responses were sometimes inaccurate, irrelevant, or simply not helpful enough to justify the device’s existence as a standalone product.

Pricing and Subscription Model

The Humane AI Pin’s pricing and subscription model also contributed to its lackluster reception. With an upfront cost of $699, the device was significantly more expensive than many high-end smartphones and smartwatches. This high price point made it difficult for consumers to justify the purchase, especially given the AI Pin’s limited functionality and unproven value proposition.

In addition to the steep initial cost, Humane also required users to pay a monthly subscription fee of $24 to keep the device active and access its AI features. This recurring expense further compounded the financial burden on users and raised questions about the long-term viability of the product.

When compared to more affordable and capable alternatives, such as the Apple Watch, the AI Pin’s pricing and subscription model seemed even more unreasonable. For a fraction of the cost, users could access a wide range of apps, enjoy seamless integration with their smartphones, and benefit from a more robust set of features and performance capabilities.

The Future of Humane

Following the disappointing launch of the AI Pin, Humane finds itself in a precarious position. The company is now actively seeking a buyer, hoping to salvage some value from its technology and intellectual property. However, the challenges in finding a suitable acquirer are significant.

Humane’s asking price of $750 million to $1 billion seems unrealistic, given the AI Pin’s poor reception and the company’s lack of a proven track record. Potential buyers may be hesitant to invest such a large sum in a company whose first and only product failed to gain traction in the market.

Additionally, the value of Humane’s intellectual property remains questionable. While the company developed its own operating system, CosmOS, and integrated various AI technologies into the AI Pin, it is unclear whether these innovations are truly groundbreaking or valuable enough to justify the high asking price. Industry giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are already heavily invested in AI and wearable technologies, and they may not see Humane’s offerings as a significant addition to their existing portfolios.

As Humane navigates this difficult period, it is crucial for the company to reflect on the lessons learned from the AI Pin’s failure. The experience highlights the importance of conducting thorough market research, setting realistic expectations, and ensuring that a product delivers tangible value to users before launching. Humane’s story also serves as a cautionary tale for other startups in the wearable AI space, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with practicality and user-centric design.

The AI Pin’s failure serves as a reminder that innovation alone is not enough to guarantee success. Products must offer tangible benefits and solve real problems for users, and they must do so in a way that is both accessible and affordable. The wearable AI assistant market remains an exciting and promising space, but future innovators must learn from Humane’s missteps to create products that truly enhance users’ lives.

[spoonikprofile]

mameTxt Watch App 2019 (plain txt book reader)

[quillusquillus]

at this point I'm tempted to predict a future schism between mobile and desktop internet users, even more so then there is now. It used to be that there were the internet-savvy people and the non-internet-savvy people, where "non-internet-savvy" meant "doesn't know how to do anything except send e-mail at best".

These days we exist in a delightful sea of many many people existing and exchanging ideas on the internet, but more and more I see that things designed for mobile use are very much designed to make the user think as little as possible and consume as much as possible, all the classic things they said about TV numbing your brain etc etc in the pre-internet days. Basic internet skills like browser extensions, privacy controls, ad blockers, and knowing when a company's "sorry, you have to do xyz to use our site!" is unnecessary bullshit designed to make you their product, are falling by the wayside, with younger people with no computer simply not having access to that knowledge unless they explicitly go diving for it

It's pretty easy at this point to foresee a possible future that cycles back around to the "mainstream uncritical TV-watching consumers" versus "weird squirrelly computer nerds" era of the turn of the millennium, when knowing how to add animated gifs to your Geocities was rare technical knowledge and having a home computer was something only those who were kind of nerdy did. So many websites are redesigning themselves now to be the most compatible for mobile use, because that's where the bulk of users are and therefore the profits, with several websites I've used in the past (RIP DoInk) going fully app-only and becoming unusable on desktop. I'm seeing my first full-production music videos produced in vertical format, looking absurd on anything other than a phone screen. YouTube now literally has two faces: Shorts for mobile users and "classic" youtube (which also throws Shorts at you because those get more views and more profit). Sites geared to app-based use overwhelmingly censor adult content more than browser-based (in my experience), thanks in part to Apple's app store approval policies and iron grip on what you can install on your own iOS device, which also excludes all the people who want to quietly get their freak on.

Perhaps over the next decade this polarization might continue into a central hub of mainstream, corporate-controlled mobile-oriented sites that provide the main sources of knowledge and entertainment (again, we've gone back to TV), and some secondary, more "underground" hubs where the nerds and the freaks and the weirdos hang out. I mean it's already like that right now but as a certified nerd freak and weirdo who has gotten pushed away from mobile-oriented spaces it's interesting to imagine it more extreme, what the internet cultural tapestry might become, further along this path

[madebywater]

Goog News - branding and application design

Credits: Visual design — Jordan Vitanov All product photos are used only for presentation for non-commercial purposes only. All rights reserved. Thank you!

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 1 Pt. 22 (Love and Heartbreak)

The Nesbitts spent Sportsball Sunday at the Gnome’s Arms with friends, watching the Henford Hens win the big game in an exciting overtime. Daisy and Neal even allowed Heather and Holly to order alcohol – they both picked wine instead of a cocktail, but while Daisy loved a crisp glass of apple nectar, Holly was into Von Haunt Estates Meloire and Heather loved Granite Falls Grappo Blanco. Neal, on the other hand, loved his sweet mixed cocktails, and even had the bartender make Cupid Juice martinis a full week before Love Day. He’d helped the bartender perfect the verdant and funk – a drink which landed her on the cover of Pub Life Monthly – and he was undoubtedly one of her all-time favourite customers.

Hazel invited Pierce Delgato while River spent time with his old friend Carlton Bell – soon enough the boys were dating, and they had the Nesbitts to thank for introducing them. All around Hazel, her friends were falling in love, but she was still too young and immature to know what they were feeling. She was grateful for Heather’s example; she didn’t need a man, and neither would Hazel. She was sure of it.

Heather entered an Incredible e-Sports tournament to celebrate the Sportsball Bowl, and this was the first tournament she ever won. It was so exciting for her – ButtercupNesbeets was practically famous in the online gaming community, and now she had a first-place prize to brag about!

She was so confident with computers that an idea struck her, inspired by her family’s many hour-long trips to Brindleton Bay. They had the resources, but not every sim was as fortunate as Heather and her family. She set to work designing a mobile app connecting pet owners in smaller towns with veterinarians remotely, to help pets everywhere stay as healthy as possible. She started carving out more free time to work on the app, even as she took advanced computing classes and attended more vet courses, learning to make treats for her pets that wouldn’t send them to the hospital.

For Love Day, Mortimer convinced Neal and Daisy to join him and Bella for an awkward double date at the Gnome’s Arms. While Neal and Daisy were loved up and happy after all their years together, Mortimer and Bella were clearly still together as a matter of course. The love between them had dwindled to polite kisses and half smiles across the old wooden bar. By the time they returned home to Brindleton Bay, Mortimer was bursting, and he finally confessed his affair to his wife. At first, she seemed unfazed by the revelation, but when Mortimer said it wasn’t just sex, that he was head over heels in love with Karl Nesbitt, too, Bella was shocked. She shed a tear and forbidden words over the truth, but it didn’t take long for her to realize their marriage had been over for a long time, already.

With her head held high, Bella went to her lawyer who drew up divorce papers. She’d keep the house and primary custody of the kids, and Mortimer was free to be with Karl. He didn’t love leaving the children for the city almost two hours away, but Karl’s job meant he couldn’t leave San Myshuno, and Mortimer didn’t face the demise of his marriage to end up living unhappily ever after without his soulmate.

Where would the Goths go from here, and would it impact Cass' relationship with River Nesbitt? ->

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