#Laptop Performance Factors

[ms-demeanor]

So You Need To Buy A Computer But You Don't Know What Specs Are Good These Days

Hi.

This is literally my job.

Lots of people are buying computers for school right now or are replacing computers as their five-year-old college laptop craps out so here's the standard specs you should be looking for in a (windows) computer purchase in August 2023.

PROCESSOR

Intel i5 (no older than 10th Gen)

Ryzen 7

You can get away with a Ryzen 5 but an intel i3 should be an absolute last resort. You want at least an intel i5 or a Ryzen 7 processor. The current generation of intel processors is 13, but anything 10 or newer is perfectly fine. DO NOT get a higher performance line with an older generation; a 13th gen i5 is better than an 8th gen i7. (Unfortunately I don't know enough about ryzens to tell you which generation is the earliest you should get, but staying within 3 generations is a good rule of thumb)

RAM

8GB absolute minimum

If you don't have at least 8GB RAM on a modern computer it's going to be very, very slow. Ideally you want a computer with at least 16GB, and it's a good idea to get a computer that will let you add or swap RAM down the line (nearly all desktops will let you do this, for laptops you need to check the specs for Memory and see how many slots there are and how many slots are available; laptops with soldered RAM cannot have the memory upgraded - this is common in very slim laptops)

STORAGE

256GB SSD

Computers mostly come with SSDs these days; SSDs are faster than HDDs but typically have lower storage for the same price. That being said: SSDs are coming down in price and if you're installing your own drive you can easily upgrade the size for a low cost. Unfortunately that doesn't do anything for you for the initial purchase.

A lot of cheaper laptops will have a 128GB SSD and, because a lot of stuff is stored in the cloud these days, that can be functional. I still recommend getting a bit more storage than that because it's nice if you can store your music and documents and photos on your device instead of on the cloud. You want to be able to access your files even if you don't have internet access.

But don't get a computer with a big HDD instead of getting a computer with a small SSD. The difference in speed is noticeable.

SCREEN (laptop specific)

Personally I find that touchscreens have a negative impact on battery life and are easier to fuck up than standard screens. They are also harder to replace if they get broken. I do not recommend getting a touch screen unless you absolutely have to.

A lot of college students especially tend to look for the biggest laptop screen possible; don't do that. It's a pain in the ass to carry a 17" laptop around campus and with the way that everything is so thin these days it's easier to damage a 17" screen than a 14" screen.

On the other end of that: laptops with 13" screens tend to be very slim devices that are glued shut and impossible to work on or upgrade.

Your best bet (for both functionality and price) is either a 14" or a 15.6" screen. If you absolutely positively need to have a 10-key keyboard on your laptop, get the 15.6". If you need something portable more than you need 10-key, get a 14"

FORM FACTOR (desktop specific)

If you purchase an all-in-one desktop computer I will begin manifesting in your house physically. All-in-ones take away every advantage desktops have in terms of upgradeability and maintenance; they are expensive and difficult to repair and usually not worth the cost of disassembling to upgrade.

There are about four standard sizes of desktop PC: All-in-One (the size of a monitor with no other footprint), Tower (Big! probably at least two feet long in two directions), Small Form Factor Tower (Very moderate - about the size of a large shoebox), and Mini/Micro/Tiny (Small! about the size of a small hardcover book).

If you are concerned about space you are much better off getting a MicroPC and a bracket to put it on your monitor than you are getting an all-in-one. This will be about a million percent easier to work on than an all-in-one and this way if your monitor dies your computer is still functional.

Small form factor towers and towers are the easiest to work on and upgrade; if you need a burly graphics card you need to get a full size tower, but for everything else a small form factor tower will be fine. Most of our business sales are SFF towers and MicroPCs, the only time we get something larger is if we have to put a $700 graphics card in it. SFF towers will accept small graphics cards and can handle upgrades to the power supply; MicroPCs can only have the RAM and SSD upgraded and don't have room for any other components or their own internal power supply.

WARRANTY

Most desktops come with either a 1 or 3 year warranty; either of these is fine and if you want to upgrade a 1 year to a 3 year that is also fine. I've generally found that if something is going to do a warranty failure on desktop it's going to do it the first year, so you don't get a hell of a lot of added mileage out of an extended warranty but it doesn't hurt and sometimes pays off to do a 3-year.

Laptops are a different story. Laptops mostly come with a 1-year warranty and what I recommend everyone does for every laptop that will allow it is to upgrade that to the longest warranty you can get with added drop/damage protection. The most common question our customers have about laptops is if we can replace a screen and the answer is usually "yes, but it's going to be expensive." If you're purchasing a low-end laptop, the parts and labor for replacing a screen can easily cost more than half the price of a new laptop. HOWEVER, the way that most screens get broken is by getting dropped. So if you have a warranty with drop protection, you just send that sucker back to the factory and they fix it for you.

So, if it is at all possible, check if the manufacturer of a laptop you're looking at has a warranty option with drop protection. Then, within 30 days (though ideally on the first day you get it) of owning your laptop, go to the manufacturer site, register your serial number, and upgrade the warranty. If you can't afford a 3-year upgrade at once set a reminder for yourself to annually renew. But get that drop protection, especially if you are a college student or if you've got kids.

And never, ever put pens or pencils on your laptop keyboard. I've seen people ruin thousand dollar, brand-new laptops that they can't afford to fix because they closed the screen on a ten cent pencil. Keep liquids away from them too.

LIFESPAN

There's a reasonable chance that any computer you buy today will still be able to turn on and run a program or two in ten years. That does not mean that it is "functional."

At my office we estimate that the functional lifespan of desktops is 5-7 years and the functional lifespan of laptops is 3-5 years. Laptops get more wear and tear than desktops and desktops are easier to upgrade to keep them running. At 5 years for desktops and 3 years for laptops you should look at upgrading the RAM in the device and possibly consider replacing the SSD with a new (possibly larger) model, because SSDs and HDDs don't last forever.

COST

This means that you should think of your computers as an annual investment rather than as a one-time purchase. It is more worthwhile to pay $700 for a laptop that will work well for five years than it is to pay $300 for a laptop that will be outdated and slow in one year (which is what will happen if you get an 8th gen i3 with 8GB RAM). If you are going to get a $300 laptop try to get specs as close as possible to the minimums I've laid out here.

If you have to compromise on these specs, the one that is least fixable is the processor. If you get a laptop with an i3 processor you aren't going to be able to upgrade it even if you can add more RAM or a bigger SSD. If you have to get lower specs in order to afford the device put your money into the processor and make sure that the computer has available slots for upgrade and that neither the RAM nor the SSD is soldered to the motherboard. (one easy way to check this is to search "[computer model] RAM upgrade" on youtube and see if anyone has made a video showing what the inside of the laptop looks like and how much effort it takes to replace parts)

Computers are expensive right now. This is frustrating, because historically consumer computer prices have been on a downward trend but since 2020 that trend has been all over the place. Desktop computers are quite expensive at the moment (August 2023) and decent laptops are extremely variably priced.

If you are looking for a decent, upgradeable laptop that will last you a few years, here are a couple of options that you can purchase in August 2023 that have good prices for their specs:

14" Lenovo - $670 - 11th-gen i5, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD

15.6" HP - $540 - 11th-gen i5, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD

14" Dell - $710 - 12th-gen i5, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD

If you are looking for a decent, affordable desktop that will last you a few years, here are a couple of options that you can purchase in August 2023 that have good prices for their specs:

SFF HP - $620 - 10th-gen i5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD

SFF Lenovo - $560 - Ryzen 7 5000 series, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

Dell Tower - $800 - 10th-gen i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

If I were going to buy any of these I'd probably get the HP laptop or the Dell Tower. The HP Laptop is actually a really good price for what it is.

Anyway happy computering.

[electronalytics]

Silicon Microphone Integrated Circuits (ICs) Market Overview and Regional Outlook Study 2017 – 2032

The Silicon Microphone Integrated Circuits (ICs) Market refers to the market for integrated circuits that are specifically designed for use in silicon-based microphones. Silicon microphones are a type of microphone that utilizes silicon-based materials and technology to convert sound waves into electrical signals.

Silicon microphone ICs are designed to provide amplification, filtering, and signal processing functionalities for silicon microphones. These ICs play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and capabilities of silicon microphones, making them suitable for various applications such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, automotive systems, and other consumer electronics devices.

The market for silicon microphone ICs has been witnessing significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality audio solutions in various electronic devices. The advancements in semiconductor technology and the miniaturization of components have led to the development of smaller, more efficient, and cost-effective silicon microphone ICs.

Some key factors driving the growth of the silicon microphone ICs market include:

Rising demand for voice-controlled devices: The increasing popularity of voice assistants and voice-controlled devices like smart speakers, virtual assistants, and voice-activated home automation systems has created a strong demand for silicon microphones and their associated ICs.

Growing adoption of smartphones and wearable devices: The proliferation of smartphones and wearable devices has resulted in a higher demand for compact and high-performance silicon microphones integrated with ICs, as they are essential components for voice recording and voice communication applications.

Advancements in MEMS technology: Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology has played a crucial role in the development of silicon microphones and their associated ICs. MEMS-based silicon microphones offer advantages such as small size, low power consumption, high sensitivity, and improved noise cancellation, driving their adoption in various consumer electronics applications.

Increasing demand for high-fidelity audio: With the growing emphasis on high-quality audio experiences, there is a rising demand for silicon microphones and ICs that can provide better audio capture, noise cancellation, and signal processing capabilities. This trend is particularly evident in applications such as professional recording, broadcasting, and conferencing systems.

Overall, the silicon microphone ICs market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for voice-controlled devices, smartphones, wearables, and high-quality audio solutions.

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[optiblog]

OPTİVİSER - GOLD

Welcome to Optiviser.com, your ultimate guide to navigating the complex world of electronics in 2024. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, finding the right devices that suit your needs can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll harness the power of AI to help you make informed choices with our comprehensive electronics comparison. We’ll take a closer look at the top smart home devices that are revolutionizing how we live and work, providing convenience and efficiency like never before. Additionally, we’ll offer expert laptop recommendations tailored to various lifestyles and budgets, ensuring you find the perfect match for your daily tasks. 

AI-powered Electronics Comparison

In today's fast-paced technological landscape, making informed choices about electronics can be overwhelming. An AI-powered Electronics Comparison tool can help streamline this process by providing insights that cater to specific user needs. These advanced tools utilize algorithms that analyze product features, specifications, and user reviews, resulting in a tailored recommendation for buyers.

As we delve into the world of consumer technology, it's important to highlight the Top Smart Home Devices 2024. From smart thermostats to security cameras, these devices are becoming essential for modern households. They not only enhance convenience but also significantly improve energy efficiency and home safety.

For those looking for a new computer to enhance productivity or gaming experiences, consider checking out the latest Laptop Recommendations. Many platforms, including Optiviser.com, provide comprehensive comparisons and insights that can help consumers choose the best laptop suited to their needs, whether it’s for work, study, or leisure.

Top Smart Home Devices 2024

As we move into 2024, the landscape of home automation is evolving rapidly, showcasing an array of innovative gadgets designed to enhance comfort and convenience. In this era of AI-powered Electronics Comparison, selecting the right devices can be overwhelming, but we've highlighted some of the best Top Smart Home Devices 2024 that stand out for their functionality and user experience.

One of the most impressive innovations for this year is the latest AI-powered home assistant. These devices not only respond to voice commands but also learn your preferences over time, allowing them to offer personalized suggestions and perform tasks proactively. Imagine a device that can monitor your schedule and automatically adjust your home's temperature and lighting accordingly!

Moreover, security remains a top priority in smart homes. The Top Smart Home Devices 2024 include state-of-the-art security cameras and smart locks that provide robust protection while ensuring ease of access. With features like remote monitoring through your smartphone or integration with smart doorbells, keeping your home safe has never been easier. For more details on the comparisons and recommendations of these devices, you can check out Optiviser.com.

Laptop Recommendation

In today's fast-paced world, choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task. With numerous options available in the market, it's essential to consider various factors such as performance, portability, and price. At Optiviser.com, we provide an insightful guide to help you navigate through the vast array of choices. To streamline your decision-making process, we have developed an AI-powered Electronics Comparison tool that allows you to compare specifications and features of different laptops side by side.

This year, we have seen a surge in innovative laptops that cater to diverse needs. Whether for gaming, business, or everyday use, our top recommendations include models that excel in battery life, processing power, and display quality. For instance, consider the latest models from top brands, which have integrated the best features of Top Smart Home Devices 2024 trends, ensuring seamless connectivity and advanced functionalities.

Additionally, if you're looking for a laptop that can handle multitasking effortlessly, we suggest models equipped with the latest processors and ample RAM. Our detailed Laptop Recommendation section on Optiviser.com includes expert reviews and user feedback to help you choose a laptop that not only fits your budget but also meets your specific requirements.

[monocodoll]

OnlySims WIP Update 8/2024 #3

Fourthly, our next feature is OnlySims...

OnlySims is the sims equivalent of OF. Allowing you to gain a following, likes, and an income. Any sim aged Young Adult and Above may use OnlySims. OnlySims can be accessed via a Sims Smartphone, Laptop, or Computer.

-Create OnlySims Interaction

Upon creating your OnlySims account, your sim will obtain the first level of the OnlySims Skill. As well as have access to the other OnlySims Interactions

-OnlySims Skill

The OnlySims Skill keeps track of many things. Such as...

Number of Photos Posted

Number of Vidoes Posted

Number of Streams Posted

Number of Likes

Number of Tips

Number of Requests Completed

Number of Subscribers

Current Photo Quota For The Week

Current Video Quota For The Week

Current Amount of Comments To Read And Respond To For The Week

Current Amount of Chat Requests For The Week

Current Livestreams Quota For The Week

Current Likes Quota For The Week

Current Requests Quota For The Week

Earnings From Tips

Earnings From Requests

Earnings From Subscriptions

Note: Quotas are given as soon as you reach a OnlySims tier. The higher the tier the more that is expected of you to post. If quotas are not met by the end of the week. You may lose a percentage of your subscribers. Possibly dropping your OnlySims Tier.

The OnlySims Skill comes along with Skill Challenges.

Beginner Tier

Intermediate Tier

Advanced Tier

Expert Tier

Master Tier

Each Tier provides a bonus to the amount of likes gained on posts when achieved. Additionally, for the OnlySims skill you may need to achieve a Specific tier to advanced to the next OnlySims Level. Therefore Indirectly increasing the subscription payouts as you increase in tiers. For example in Level 1 of the OnlySims skill you only get 2 Simoleans per sub each week. Meanwhile at Level 10 you would get 20 Simoleans per sub each week.

Note: The amount of subs needed to complete the challenges are tunable.

-Post On OnlySims Interaction

This interaction will allow you to post on your OnlySims account.

As of this moment, the content you can post on your OnlySims are...

Selfies

Videos

Note: Each category of content that you may post has different factors that determine the amount of likes that can be gained from said post.

-OnlySims Selfies

With OnlySims you can utilize the Cell Phone to take Selfies. There are three types of Selfies you can post on OnlySIms. Selfies, Sexy Selfies, and Nude Selfies. Nude Selfies are Selfies taken when your sim is naked, Sexy Selfies are selfies taken when a sim is wearing sleepwear or swimwear, and everything else is a normal selfie.

Note: When a Sim takes a selfie, data is stored into that photo. Their age group, The Cosmetic Surgery they have had done, and the outfit category that they are wearing. This data then helps determine the amount of likes gained when that photo is posted. Other factors also determine the amount.

-OnlySims Videos

You can utilize a video camera to turn on the record button and perform a couple of activities while It's on to receive a recording.

The Type of videos that you can record for OnlySims are...

Work Out Videos

Dancing Videos

Hot Tubbing Videos

Posing Videos(Check Self Out In The Mirror)

Kissing Videos

Cooking Videos

Painting Videos

Woohoo Videos

Showering/Bathing Videos

After you perform the activity, you will recieve a recording that you can then upload to your OnlySims.

Note: When a sim shoots a recording, data is stored into that tape. Their age group, Cosmetic Surgery that they have had done, and the outfit category that they are wearing. This data then helps determine the amount of likes gained when that recording is posted. Other factors also determine the amount. Additionally, for those that will ask, Passion Woohoo will result in a Woohoo tape like vanilla ea woohoo. Any modded woohoo mod that triggers the "had woohoo" event will result in a Woohoo tape. As I use passion I can confirm that it does work with passion.

-OnlySims Livestreaming Interaction

The model may also livestream on a Laptop or Computer on OnlySims.

When you livestream you may start to receive tips alongside comments.

Note: By default you may start to gain tips at 50 subscribers. This value is tunable. Additionally, for every hour streamed, that counts as one livestream. So if you stream for 3 hours straight, you officially performed three livestreams. This value is also tunable.

-Read and Reponse To Comments Interaction

The model will also have the ability to read and respond to comments.

This will typically generate a comment and a response by the model. This is mainly utilized when the model reaches a tier and begins to receive quotas beginning the following week after obtaining a OnlySims tier.

Note: By default for every in game 5 minutes spent on this interaction, your sim will respond to one comment. Therefore if you spend 25 minutes using this interaction you have officially responded to 5 comments. This value is tunable.

-Read OnlySims Requests Interaction

The model may also take requests from their subscribers.

This will generate a request for the model to accept or decline. Alongside what the subscriber will pay for the personal request.

The requests can be...

Nude Photo

Sleepwear Photo

Swimwear Photo

Athleticwear Photo

Formalwear Photo

Woohoo Video

Kissing Video

Shower Video

HotTubbing Video

Dance Video

Workout Video

Woohoo Video With One YA Sim (Can be Model or other)

Woohoo with BBL (Can be Model or other)

Woohoo with Breast Augmentation (Can be Model or other)

Woohoo with Big D*ck (Can be Model or other)

Woohoo with BBC (Can be Model or other)

Woohoo with Muscular Sim (Can be Model or other)

Woohoo with Size Queen (Can be Model or other)

Stream Liveshow

Woohoo Defloweration Video

Dance With BBL Video

Once a request is accepted, the model will need to post the content on their OnlySims in order to complete the request. Upon completion the model will be notified that they have completed the request and will receive the payment.

Additionally, if the model gets cold feet. They may cancel a request. However, this will cause the model to lose one Subscriber.

-Chat With Subs Interaction

The model will also have the ability to chat with their subscribers.

This will typically generate a chat message by a sub. This interaction also increases the social need when utilized. This is mainly utilized when the model reaches a tier and begins to receive quotas beginning the following week after obtaining a OnlySims tier.

Note: By default for every in game 15 minutes spent on this interaction, your sim will complete one chat. Therefore if you spend 45 minutes using this interaction you have officially completed 3 chat requests. This value is tunable.

-OnlySims Fanmail

Once a Model reaches any of the tiers for OnlySims, they will have a chance to receive Fanmail.

The Fanmail can consist of...

Cups

Cannabis Gummies

Visa Gift Cards

Laptops

Computers

Video Game Systems

Cameras

Video Cameras

Stereos

TV's

Hygeine Products

Furniture

Flowers

Make Up

The higher the tier the model is in, the more likely they are to receive Fanmail, the quantity of gifts are greater, and the more expensive the gift.

The Fanmail will arrive in the mail and be inside of a package. Once the sim opens the package they will receive the gift and a message from the fan.

-OnlySims Sponsorship Opportunities

Similar to Simstagram Sponsorships, if the OnlySims model were to have a Simstagram and a OnlySims. They may receive additional sponsorship opportunities.

These OnlySims sponsorships may appear under the check Simstagram Messages interaction.

The OnlySims sponsorship opportunities so far include selling your own Gamer Girl Bath Water and attending one of those redpill manosphere podcasts.

Gamer Girl Bath Water Opportunity

For the Gamer Girl Bath Water opportunity if accepted, 50 containers will arrive in the mail. Once received, the model will just need to have those containers in their inventory while they take a bath. The container will be filled with their bath water. The model can then send out the filled Gamer Girl Bath Water containers using their mailbox. Once they are sent, the model can then make a Simstagram post about their sale of bath water. The model will receive some sales. If the model still has remaining inventory, they will be able to make another post the following day until all the inventory is gone. Additionally, if the model were to aquire more empty containers, they will be able to send more out. Increasing their inventory of Gamer Girl Bath Water. Great opportunity to earn Simoleans. This product will offer the biggest commission as the product is their own Bath Water.

Manosphere Podcast Guest Opportunity

If the model were to accept to be a guest on one of the manosphere podcasts. The model will be able to attend the podcast on the Office Building Rabbithole. Once they attend, the model will remain there for a few hours. Where they will be asked 3 questions in total. The goal is to generate the most rage possible to create the most possible viewership. Therefore it is in the interest of the model to answer the questions that will enrage the manosphere red pill viewers the most. This will increase viewership and gain you the most possible sub gain from red pill simps. This opportunity does not earn the model Simoleans, but is by far the biggest opportunity to gain thousands of subs for your OnlySims.

-Consequences of being an OnlySims Model

Being an OnlySims model comes with consequences. A model always has the chance to become a known OnlySims model whenever they post on their OnlySims. The higher the tier of the OnlySims model, the more likely they are to becoming a Known OnlySims model.

Once a OnlySims model becomes a known OnlySims model, they will have difficulty in keeping employment at a regular job. The jobs that the OnlySims model can keep without being fired are the Criminal, Culinary, Music, Part Time Bookstore Clerk, Part Time Grocery Store Clerk, Part Time Mausoleum, Part Time Day Spa Specialist, and Film careers.

Additionally, OnlySim models will have a harder time keeping partners who have an issue with them having done OnlySims.

The partner may argue to the model about them having done OnlySims and may even break up with them once their relationship drops.

-OnlySims Ask For Consent Interaction

OnlySim models have the option to do content with others. Such as shooting Woohoo videos, Kissing videos, Naked Selfies, Sexy Selfies, Selfies, Naked Kissing Selfies, Sexy Kissing Selfies, and Kissing Selfies.

However, tapes will not be produced if the OnlySims model does not get consent with the other sim who they are recording doing intimate acts with.

Additionally, content that you shoot with others also have the chance of making them become known OnlySim Models. Giving them the consequences that come along with being a known OnlySims model.

Sims who are either against OnlySims or have a job that they could lose from doing OnlySims will always never give out consent to shoot content with you.

Note: Consent is sexy

-Add Mosaic Interaction

This interaction can be utilized by OnlySim models with a Computer or Laptop.

This interaction is utilized to apply mosaic to a Models Photos and Videos before uploading them to OnlySims. Completely preventing the chance of them becoming a known OnlySims models since mosaic will be covering their face. However, it is extra work.

-Delete OnlySims Interaction

This interaction allows OnlySims models to delete their OnlySims page. Completely removing the OnlySims skill.

Note: No photo's for this interaction, used the max possible amount of photos allowed on a single post.

In the next part of the report for August of 2024, we will discuss the fifth topic Cosmetic Surgery/Natural Physical Traits... This part of the report may also take a few days to release as I am debating adding more Natural Physical Traits. In the meantime, is there any additional feautures that you would like to see with OnlySims?

[devsgames]

Game Optimization and Production

I wanted to write a bit of a light primer about optimization and how it relates to game production in the event people just don't know how it works, based on my experience as a dev. I'm by no means an expert in optimization myself, but I've done enough of it on my own titles and planned around it enough at this point to understand the gist of what it comes down to and considerations therein. Spoilers: games being unoptimized are rarely because devs are lazy, and more because games are incredibly hard to make and studios are notoriously cheap.

(As an aside, this was largely prompted by seeing someone complaining about how "modern" game developers are 'lazy' because "they don't remember their N64/Gamecube/Wii/PS2 or PS3 dropping frames". I feel compelled to remind people that 'I don't remember' is often the key part of the "old consoles didn't lag" equation, because early console titles ABSOLUTELY dropped frames and way more frequently and intensely than many modern consoles do. Honestly I'd be willing to bet that big budget games on average have become more stable over time. Honorable mention to this thread of people saying "Oh yeah the N64 is laggy as all hell" :') )

Anywho, here goes!

Optimization

The reason games suffer performance problems isn't because game developers are phoning it in or half-assing it (which is always a bad-faith statement when most devs work in unrealistic deadlines, for barely enough pay, under crunch conditions). Optimization issues like frame drops are often because of factors like ~hardware fragmentation~ and how that relates to the realities of game production.

I think the general public sees "optimization" as "Oh the dev decided to do a lazy implementation of a feature instead of a good one" or "this game has bugs", which is very broad and often very misguided. Optimization is effectively expanding the performance of a game to be performance-acceptable to the maximum amount of people - this can be by various factors that are different for every game and its specific contexts, from lowering shader passes, refactoring scripts, or just plain re-doing work in a more efficient way. Rarely is it just one or two things, and it's informed by many factors which vary wildly between projects.

However, the root cause why any of this is necessary in the first place is something called "Platform Fragmentation".

What Is Fragmentation

"Fragmentation" is the possibility space of variation within hardware being used to run a game. Basically, the likelihood that a user is playing a game on a different hardware than the one you're testing on - if two users are playing your game on different hardware, they are 'fragmented' from one another.

As an example, here's a graphic that shows the fragmentation of mobile devices based on model and user share. The different sizes are how many users are using a different type of model of phone:

As you can tell, that's a lot of different devices to have to build for!

So how does this matter?

For PC game developers, fragmentation means that an end-user's setup is virtually impossible to predict, because PC users frequently customize and change their hardware. Most PC users potentially have completely different hardware entirely.

Is your player using an up-to-date GPU? CPU? How much RAM do they have? Are they playing on a notebook? A gaming laptop? What brand hardware are they using? How much storage space is free? What OS are they using? How are they using input?

Moreover PC parts don't often get "sunsetted" whole-cloth like old consoles do, so there's also the factor of having to support hardware that could be coming up on 5, 10 or 15 years old in some cases.

For console developers it's a little easier - you generally know exactly what hardware you're building for, and you're often testing directly on a version of the console itself. This is a big reason why Nintendo's first party titles feel so smooth - because they only build for their own systems, and know exactly what they're building for at all times. The biggest unknowns are usually smaller things like televisions and hookups therein, but the big stuff is largely very predictable. They're building for architecture that they also made themselves, which makes them incredibly privileged production-wise!

Fragmentation basically means that it's difficult - or nearly impossible - for a developer to know exactly what their users are playing their games on, and even more challenging to guarantee their game is compatible everywhere.

Benchmarking

Since fragmentation makes it very difficult to build for absolutely everybody, at some point during development every developer has to draw a line in the sand and say "Okay, [x] combination of hardware components is what we're going to test on", and prioritize that calibre of setup before everything else. This is both to make testing easier (so testers don't have to play the game on every single variation of hardware), and also to assist in optimization planning. This is a "benchmark".

Usually the benchmark requirements are chosen for balancing visual fidelity, gameplay, and percentage of the market you're aiming for, among other considerations. Often for a game that is cross-platform for both PC and console, this benchmark will be informed by the console requirements in some way, which often set the bar for a target market (a cross-platform PC and console game isn't going to set a benchmark that is impossible for a console to play, though it might push the limits if PC users are the priority market). Sometimes games hit their target benchmarks, sometimes they don't - as with anything in game development it can be a real crap shoot.

In my case for my games which are often graphically intensive and poorly made by myself alone, my benchmark is often a machine that is approximately ~5 years old and I usually take measures to avoid practices which are generally bad and can build up to become very expensive over time. Bigger studios with more people aiming at modern targets will likely prioritize hardware from within the last couple years to have their games look the best for users with newest hardware - after all, other users will often catch up as hardware evolves.

This benchmark allows devs to have breathing room from the fragmentation problem. If the game works on weaker machines - great! If it doesn't - that's fine, we can add options to lower quality settings so it will. In the worst case, we can ignore it. After all, minimum requirements exist for a reason - a known evil in game development is not everyone will be able to run your game.

Making The Game

As with any game, the more time you spend on something is the more money being spent on it - in some cases, extensive optimization isn't worth the return of investment. A line needs to be drawn and at some point everyone can't play your game on everything, so throwing in the towel and saying "this isn't great, but it's good enough to ship" needs to be done if the game is going to ship at all.

Optimizing to make sure that the 0.1% of users with specific hardware can play your game probably isn't worth spending a week on the work. Frankly, once you hit a certain point some of those concerns are easier put off until post-launch when you know how much engagement your game has, how many users of certain hardware are actually playing, and how much time/budget you have to spend post-launch on improving the game for them. Especially in this "Games As A Service" market, people are frequently expecting games to receive constant updates on things like performance after launch, so there's always more time to push changes and smooth things out as time goes on. Studios are also notoriously squirrelly with money, and many would rather get a game out into paying customer's hands than sit around making sure that everything is fine-tuned (in contrast to most developers who would rather the game they've worked on for years be fine-tuned than not).

Comparatively to the pre-Day One patch era; once you printed a game on a disc it is there forever and there's no improving it or turning back. A frightening prospect which resulted in lots of games just straight up getting recalled because they featured bugs or things that didn't work. 😬

Point is though, targeted optimization happens as part of development process, and optimization in general often something every team helps out with organically as production goes on - level designers refactor scripts to be more efficient, graphics programmers update shaders to cut down on passes, artists trim out poly counts where they can to gradually achieve better performance. It's an all-hands-on-deck sort of approach that affects all devs, and often something that is progressively tracked as development rolls on, as a few small things can add up to larger performance issues.

In large studios, every developer is in charge of optimizing their own content to some extent, and some performance teams are often formed to be dedicated to finding the easiest, safest and quickest optimization wins. Unless you plan smartly in the beginning, some optimizations can also just be deemed to dangerous and out-of-reach to carry out late in production, as they may have dependencies or risk compromising core build stability - at the end of the day more frames aren't worth a crashing game.

Conclusion

Games suffer from performance issues because video game production is immensely complex and there's a lot of different shifting factors that inform when, how, and why a game might be optimized a certain way. Optimization is frequently a production consideration as much as a development one, and it's disingenuous to imply that games lag because developers are lazy.

I think it's worth emphasizing that if optimization doesn't happen, isn't accommodated, or perhaps is undervalued as part of the process it's rarely if ever because the developers didn't want to do it; rather, it's because it cost the studio too much money. As with everything in our industry, the company is the one calling the final shots in development. If a part of a game seems to have fallen behind in development it's often because the studio deemed it acceptable, refused to move deadlines or extend a hand to help it come together better at fear of spending more money on it. Rarely if ever should individual developers be held accountable for the failings of companies!

Anywho, thanks for reading! I know optimization is a weird mystical sort of blind spot for a lot of dev folks, so I hope this at least helps shed some light on considerations that weigh in as part of the process on that :) I've been meaning to write a more practical workshop-style step-by-step on how to profile and spot optimization wins at some point in the future, but haven't had the time for it - hopefully I can spin something up in the next few weeks!

[andmaybegayer]

I think if you did a full design exercise with what certain people online say they want from computers you'd end up with some kind of modernized luggable, and I can understand why. It is the form of computer that is able to be put away when not in use, but which does not suffer from the limitations of the laptop form factor. A lot of people don't use desktop computers often enough to warrant the space expense, but they do want an all-in-one solution that attends to every possible need without having to consider expansions and add-ons. Something like this.

I don't think that's a good idea but it does seem to be the thing a lot of people think they want. I would contend that laptops plus modern peripherals basically fill this need better, and that the potential benefits just aren't that high.

I cannot relate to people who think mainstream laptops should be chunky affairs with every port. I put this stuff in my shoulderbag. If I want more battery I will carry a charging pack. If I need an ethernet port I will use a USB dongle. My current laptop weighs one point two kilograms and fits in a shoulder bag with room to spare, and my battery pack weighs 800 grams and has 50% more energy than you're legally allowed to take on a plane and the best part is that when I'm not using it I can leave it the fuck at home.

I had an old high end 17" performance laptop for a year in university when my normal laptop battery crapped out and it was utterly miserable to hoof that thing around. It's a very niche class of device and that's when it still does laptop things well.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

In the switch to "greener" energy sources, the demand for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries is surging. However, their cathodes typically contain cobalt -- a metal whose extraction has high environmental and societal costs. Now, researchers in ACS Central Science report evaluating an earth-abundant, carbon-based cathode material that could replace cobalt and other scarce and toxic metals without sacrificing lithium-ion battery performance. Today, lithium-ion batteries power everything from cell phones to laptops to electric vehicles. One of the limiting factors for realizing a global shift to energy produced by renewable sources -- particularly for the transition from gasoline-powered cars to electric vehicles -- is the scarcity and mining difficulty of the metals, such as cobalt, nickel and magnesium, used in rechargeable battery cathode manufacturing. Previous researchers have developed cathodes from more abundant and lower cost carbon-containing materials, including organosulfur and carbonyl compounds, but those prototypes couldn't match the energy output and stability of traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Read more.

[govindhtech]

Lenovo Duet Chromebook Powered By MediaTek Kompanio 838

Lenovo Duet Chromebook (11”, 9) and Chromebook Duet EDU G2, powered by MediaTek Kompanio 838, are transforming mobile productivity. These new Chromebooks with stunning 2K displays in 10.95-inch form factors strike the perfect combination between performance, design, and durability. Lenovo Chromebooks are for professionals, educators, and students.

The thinnest laptop available, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook (11”, 9) weighs less than 1.2 lbs and measures only 0.3 inches. It’s ideal for creative and enjoyment, with a stylish metal chassis, Corning Gorilla Glass, and a soft protective folio. The user experience is improved with twin USB-C ports, 4K display connection, clear music from two speakers with SmartAMP and Wave music, and an 8MP rear camera that takes use of MediaTek’s cutting-edge image processing technology. Note-taking, streaming, and sketching with the Lenovo USI Pen 2 are easy with the MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor’s strong CPU, graphics, and AI-enabled Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

With its durable TPU shell, detachable keyboard, and spill-resistant design, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet EDU G2 is made to handle the rigors of the classroom and is aimed towards educators and students alike. Additionally, it supports Chrome Education Upgrade, which helps IT organizations manage devices more easily.

AI-enhanced cameras, 2K 400-nit displays for outdoor reading, and 12-hour batteries are on both smartphones. The Chromebooks for business, education, and pleasure boost creativity and productivity anywhere.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Elegant Style with Adaptable Features

The elegant and effective Lenovo Duet Chromebook 11′′ is housed in a complete metal chassis with Corning glass. Ideal for work, pleasure, or everything in between, the soft polyurethane folio cover and clever kickstand design enable simple transitions between laptop and portrait modes.

Increase Output with MediaTek

With the powerful MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor, NPU, and enough RAM, you can do more and wait less. In less than ten seconds, you can get started with Fast Boot, and on-device AI processing increases productivity by producing interactive multimedia experiences with unmatched effectiveness.

Innovative Instruments & Engaging Entertainment

Narrow bezels on the 10.95-inch 2K display maximize screen real estate whether you binge-watch YouTube or use SmartAMP with Waves Audio to play music with crystal-clear clarity. With the Lenovo USI Pen 2, which writes and doodles like a real pen, you can quickly and simply record, arrange, and communicate ideas on Good notes.

Maximum Durability & Portability

With a weight of just.51 kg/1.12 lbs and a thinness of just 7.6 mm/1.30 in, the Lenovo Duet Chromebook 11′′ is meant to be used when traveling. It can withstand life’s adventures thanks to its spill-resistant chassis and military-grade MIL-810H certification. Also, with an all-day battery life and a brilliant 400 nits display, you can read all day both indoors and outside.

Superior Webcams for All Occasions

With the 5MP front camera, which has a physical shutter for privacy, and the 8MP back camera, which produces vivid photos, you can stay connected and record every moment. Superior low-light performance and true-to-life colors are guaranteed by MediaTek’s sophisticated image processing.

Two USB-C Ports for Optimal Communication

Enjoy endless functionality with two USB-C connections that provide data transmission, quick charging, and video output. With a superior on-device AI solution, you can effortlessly connect to an external 4K monitor and remain productive with a headphone/mic connector that will keep you talking and interested all day.

Read more on govindhtech.com

[books-and-kids]

My safe families coach (caseworker equivalent) is going to call me today to discuss the details of someone else taking Deshaun. I feel so guilty and inadequate not to be able to finish out his hosting but I can’t figure out a way to. I’m sick and not getting enough sleep, to the point that I felt lightheaded and dizzy last night, but I could grit my teeth and make it through that for 2 more weeks. The problem is work. He’s not allowed back to daycare until he tests negative and is symptom free for 5 days. That’s totally reasonable from daycare’s perspective, but he’s still coughing and very snotty so I suspect it will be many days until he meets that criteria. And while hes home I can only half-work. He needs constant access to me. I’m wearing him in the carrier for many hours each day, but he won’t accept that all day and the rest of the time he has to be near me, climbing all over my lap. If I ignore him he cries. If I try to type, he grabs at the laptop. I can take some calls, but it’s a crapshoot what his mood will be like. Yesterday I had an important external call that I had to take off camera and mic, listening to someone else explain my work while Deshaun screamed in the background.

My job has been incredibly flexible and supportive but it’s been a week (we tested positive last Thursday night) and I don’t want to push it. Right now is busy for me also — I’m leading an important project with a firm deadline based on external factors we can’t change, and it’s already behind schedule. If I don’t finish my pieces of it within the next 1-2 weeks, it won’t happen in time.

There’s just no slack. If daycare is out as the childcare option, there’s nothing left. No partner to trade off childcare with. I’m not allowed to hire a babysitter (safe families would require them to be certified, there’s no prudent parenting standard), and even if I was I can’t imagine finding someone who’d risk getting sick, and even if I could I couldn’t afford it. I have family in the area, but nobody who’d volunteer to babysit a sick child while I work. (Mostly when I hear about people with that kind of family support it’s from their mom, and my mom is dead.)

What am I missing? I know single parents exist and manage sick kids. Do they accept the need to take significant PTO and the limits that places on their ability to perform at work? Do they accept getting no sleep so they can catch up on work after the baby is asleep? I guess if I was truly committed I’d do some combination of those things. Am I a terrible person because I’m not willing to? (I should also say — my job is really important to me. I work for a nonprofit doing the most important work I can think of. In terms of helping people, my job does that more than hosting does. And, I’m in my early career and I want to build my reputation as a top performer. I know there are different considerations for different people.)

Of the three hostings I’ve done that involved daycare, all three have had kids home unexpectedly. Charlie was home for a day and played independently and it went fine. Bella was home for 7 consecutive work days and it wasn’t great, but she watched a lot of Barbie Dreamtopia and we muddled through. Now with Deshaun, today is the 5th consecutive work day (one day off and then 4 days working while also caring for him). Is that level of daytime childcare need typical in yalls experience? If I’m not able to manage it, does that mean I’m not cut out for hosting and should stop doing it?

[w3bgrl]

predebut history

synopsis: an in depth look at kang juyeon’s life prior to debut, including both information known by the public and unknown by the public.

a/n: bold is public information!

kang juyeon was born may sixteenth nineteen ninety nine in daegu to her parents, sangjun (b. 1963) and miyoung (b.1965), and her older sister minju (b.1993). her father worked as an english teacher at a high school in daegu and her mother took care of the girls until he got home before leaving to clean businesses after closing. growing up her family was always very affectionate and close, often spending time going on trips and sleeping all squished together in bed. to this day, juyeon cites her positive upbringing as her source of strength in life.

unbeknownst to the general public, grief struck her family early into her life concerning her older sister, who was 10 at the time. on november fourth, 2003, kang minju passed away after suffering an accidental drowning while at a friends house. this period of her family’s life was very difficult and lead to her parents exhibiting overly-protective tendencies, a likely factor in juyeon’s fear of water and anxiety around new people.

a few years after this incident juyeon’s parents decided to begin enrolling her in a sport, which happened to be dancing - per her choosing. she attended a hip hop academy that was only a short ride from her house and joined their “junior crew” for dancers aged 6-10. even though she had no prior experience with dancing other than with her family and friends, juyeon quickly fell in love with her newfound hobby and attended every practice and performance diligently. only a few months after starting to dance she found an interest in music and singing, deciding to join her school’s band and later choir teams.

in january of 2010, only a few days after new years, her father was called by choi sutae, president of songwon university in gwangju. he was offered a job as a professor in a few different english courses and quickly accepted this opportunity. the kangs were relocated by the end of march and though juyeon was sad to leave her friends behind in daegu, her mom did prior research to find her a suitable new dance academy. in hindsight, this may have been one of the best decisions for juyeon. her new academy offered her expertise, hip hop, as well as other styles she hadn’t been able to explore before such as jazz, ballet, and contemporary.

after settling into her new environment, juyeon fully dedicated herself to her after-school practices and weekend performances. she tried every style offered and often went home going over the choreography again. her efforts were noticed by the teachers in her classes and juyeon was able to make her way to the center position, where her priorities changed from simply learning the choreography well to perfecting her presence on stage. after diving so far into her passion for dancing, juyeon then began thinking about making her own dances, which led her to thinking about making her own music.

juyeon’s first ever song was created on the laptop she had received for christmas in 2011, and it had been completed with a choreography by mid-january of 2012. although she never posted her very first song on soundcloud like she would later into her musical journey, juyeon described it as very beat heavy and less focused on lyrics. she spent many sleepless nights on this project and especially fatigued her body after already attending her dance classes. for the next few years after this initial song her inspiration for music shifted from choreography focused to actual music focused. she started out building a beat from nothing to something, leading to a lot of her songs sounding pretty similar, but her real artistry started once she found out what samples were.

after finding samples from around the internet, juyeon was able to not only work the rest of a song around it, but it was also a good way for her to find examples of what she could recreate in her own way.

at this same time, due to her dad being a college-level english professor with his expertise in english-speaking cultures, juyeon’s proficiency in the language was held at a high standard. and although she sometimes struggled with this expectation it eventually lead her to the opportunity to exchange to america for a semester.

from september to mid december 2013 juyeon lived with a host family in eugene, oregon, where a lot of international students attended the university of oregon. her host family was also korean and had a daughter the same age named mina who was considered a best friend by the time she had to return to korea. juyeon went by billie during her time in america, leading to her eventual stage name. this time was certainly hard for juyeon; she missed her family and friends, she wasn’t attending any dance classes, and every day was an overwhelming culture shock after another. however, juyeon looks back on this time fondly. she made some good friends that she still talks to and cites this experience as a big growing point for her as a person. alongside the english language, juyeon learned a lot about the american culture, history, and people. it really changed her perspective on the world and opened her mind to greater possibilities.

after returning to korea for christmas and new years, juyeon finished her second year of middle school and began her last. as a celebration for juyeon’s hard work in america and graduating her second year, she and her family took a short trip to seoul and spent most of their time wandering around and finding shops and restaurants to stop at. during one of these days out with her parents, juyeon was approached by a jyp staff member and offered the opportunity for an audition. she was given a card and told to call if she was interested.

juyeon’s parents were a little iffy about the idea at first. their image of idols was not as admirable as their daughters, who had been a fan of quite a few artists over the past few years such as; wonder girls, f(x), 4minute, shinee, and exo. however, juyeon was certain she could convince them. during her process convincing her parents juyeon revealed the music she had been working on which happened to be the straw that broke the camels back. her parents saw her interest as well her potential and finally gave in late april, stating that as long as she kept studying english diligently and didn’t let her grades drop, she could join as a trainee on her 15th birthday. obviously, juyeon did exactly as told and joined may sixteenth, 2014.

in june 2014 juyeon met the first member of the now permanent group stray kids. after a dance class juyeon was getting her stuff together when an older boy came up to her and complimented her dancing. juyeon, who had been shy all her life, was still new to jyp and very embarrassed by this sudden recognition. however, to compensate for her awkward nature, she was extremely friendly to this stranger and ended up going to the cafeteria with him for dinner (which ended up being a great decision). during this dinner, juyeon learned that bang chan joined in 2010 from australia. their numbers were exchanged, and after furthering their friendship, they began making music side by side, offering constructive criticism and suggestions for each others productions. chan and juyeon’s friendship was the foundation for what came after - 3racha and subsequently stray kids. this is also the reason why her place in their group meant so much, as netizens at the time of the survival show didn’t understand why she needed to be in the group.

the group, formed by chan with help from juyeon, was completed just a few months prior to filming the survival show. although this process was in no way official, it made it easier for chan to take his ideal debut team to evaluations, which they passed. however, their excitement was short-lived as now they had to prove their worth directly to jyp. while on the show, juyeon faced a lot of stress in order to be competent enough to debut within their hand-made group. jyp stated that her opportunity to debut in the ‘boy group’ depended on her ability to not only meet his expectations but exceed them. she couldn’t just be as good as their best member, she needed to be better. the majority of these days were spent working constantly in fear of not meeting the standards, and the blood sweat and tears she put into debuting was recognized by jyp at the end of the show. juyeon, as well as all of the other members, were granted their debut and finally, on march 25th, 2018, stray kids debuted as a 10 member group with district nine.

[us-laws-you-should-know]

Work Expenses: Who Pays?

There are all sorts of work-related expenses out there that an employee might have to face, from the cost of their work uniform to the cost of cleaning their work uniform to bills for the cell phone they use for work calls to the cost of that laptop used for working from home.

The question is, under the law, when is the employer mandated to pay for such expenses, rather than leaving them to the individual employee to bear?

Summary: Under federal law, the only requirement is that expenses not bring employees' pay under minimum wage.

California and Illinois say the employer must cover "necessary expenditures and losses" including remote work equipment.

Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota also say the employer must cover all the employee "expends or loses" due to work.

Washington D.C. says the employer must pay for required tools.

Iowa, New York, and New Hampshire require that the expenses be "authorized" by the employer or that employer and employee have an "agreement" beforehand for the employer to be liable for the costs. Iowa says such costs must be reimbursed within 30 days.

Minnesota requires that employee-paid work expenses be limited to $50 a month, and that the employer reimburse such costs at the end of the employee's employment.

Massachusetts requires that employers pay transportation expenses and the cost of uniforms specifically.

Federal law says only that if the employee's paying for expenses, that can't be used to effectively bring their wages below minimum wage level. So, if you're making minimum wage at a McDonald's, your employer can't then take the price of your work uniform out of your first paycheck, because then you'd effectively be making less than minimum wage.

This doesn't just apply to expenses directly paid to the employer, either; the statute specifically says that if the employee is required to buy their own tools required for a job, they have to be reimbursed if that would mean their pay going below minimum wage after deducting the cost of the tools from their pay.

But this only comes into play in connection to minimum wage. If your pay is high enough that your work expenses would still leave you above minimum wage, federal law doesn't say anything else making your employer liable for the cost.

But that's federal law. US law in general, and especially labor law, often has more specific restrictions within certain states, and this is no exception.

California law says that the employer has to pay for "all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties". In other words, if it's necessary for the job, under California law, the employer should be footing the bill. What counts as a "necessary expenditure or loss"? Excellent question. No definition is given for this in the statute, so it's all open for debate... though a recent court case suggests it includes remote working equipment, including for jobs that are normally in-person but went to remote work during the lockdown.

Illinois state law uses similar wording, with the employer paying for "all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee within the employee's scope of employment and directly related to services performed for the employer." Illinois' statute does actually give a bit more definition to what counts as "necessary" here, however, and a 2023 amendment included specific factors to weigh when determining whether an expense is "necessary" and therefore should be paid by the employer. Like California, Illinois has specified that remote work equipment counts here.

Montana is similar as well, using the wording "all that he necessarily expends or loses in direct consequence of the discharge of his duties", as long as it's not "in consequence of the ordinary risks of the business in which he is employed." North Dakota's wording is nearly identical, with "all that the employee necessarily expends or loses in direct consequence of the discharge of the employee's duties as such" unless it's tools or equipment "also used by the employee outside the scope of employment". South Dakota also has similar wording, "all that the employee necessarily expends or loses in direct consequence of the discharge of the employee's duties".

Washington, D.C. law has the employer paying "the cost of purchasing and maintaining any tools required of the employee in the performance of the business of the employer."

Iowa's version is stricter, saying that the expense must be "authorized by the employer", but also sets a timetable, saying that such expenses must be reimbursed within thirty days' time. Similarly, New York says that the issue arises after there is an "agreement" between employer and employee about the expenses, and New Hampshire says that it must be "at the request of the employer".

Minnesota's got a different take on it--employers can make employees foot the bill, but once the employment ends, the employer has to pay the employee back for uniforms, equipment, supplies, and travel expenses that aren't just regular commuting. Also the initial out-of-pocket cost to the employee for such things can't be more than $50 a month. Although there's some weird exceptions and additional specifics for employees of motor vehicle dealers...

Massachusetts law specifically requires payment of "transportation expenses" and uniforms by the employer, with a definition given for what does and does not count as a uniform. The cost of uniform cleaning is covered if it requires "dry-cleaning, commercial laundering, or other special treatment".

Note that this is all assuming the employee would pay directly; laws vary somewhat if it is instead the employee charging (real, believed, and/or fraudulent) work expenses to a company card or account directly.

[aaryan-mwa-blogs]

Are Hybrid DJ Setups the Future? Combining Analog and Digital for the Ultimate Performance

In the ever-evolving world of DJing, the debate between analog and digital setups has sparked creativity and innovation, giving rise to hybrid DJ setups. These setups blend the tactile charm of analog equipment with the versatility of digital technology, offering DJs the best of both worlds. But are hybrid DJ setups truly the future of the craft? Let’s explore the concept, benefits, challenges, and potential of hybrid setups.

What Is a Hybrid DJ Setup?

A hybrid DJ setup integrates elements of traditional analog equipment—like turntables or mixers—with digital tools such as DJ controllers, laptops, and software. This combination enables DJs to harness the authenticity and feel of vinyl while leveraging the precision, features, and convenience of modern digital gear.

Why Go Hybrid?

1. Tactile and Creative Freedom

One of the biggest advantages of hybrid setups is the tactile control that turntables and analog mixers provide. Many DJs value the physical connection with their music, finding it enhances their creativity during performances. Meanwhile, digital tools expand possibilities with features like real-time effects, looping, and sample triggering.

2. Access to Vast Music Libraries

Hybrid setups allow DJs to mix vinyl records while also accessing extensive digital music collections. This is especially useful for those who love the sound of vinyl but need the convenience and variety of digital tracks for diverse gigs.

3. Enhanced Performance Features

Digital elements bring advanced functionalities such as tempo syncing, waveform visualization, and MIDI mapping. These features enable DJs to push boundaries, create complex mashups, and perform more dynamic sets.

4. Adaptability

Hybrid setups are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various venues, audiences, and music styles. DJs can switch between analog and digital sources seamlessly, catering to specific performance needs.

Challenges of Hybrid DJ Setups

While hybrid setups are exciting, they come with their own set of challenges:

Learning Curve: Understanding both analog and digital systems requires significant technical knowledge and practice.

Higher Costs: Investing in both analog and digital equipment can be expensive, especially when factoring in maintenance for turntables and purchasing high-quality software.

Setup Complexity: Combining multiple types of equipment often results in more complicated wiring and setup processes, increasing the risk of technical glitches during live performances.

Innovations Driving the Hybrid Movement

Technological advancements have played a key role in making hybrid setups more practical and appealing. Innovations such as timecode vinyl, which allows DJs to manipulate digital audio files using traditional turntables, are blurring the lines between analog and digital. Additionally, DJ software has evolved to integrate seamlessly with both analog and digital equipment, creating a unified workflow.

Popular Configurations for Hybrid DJ Setups

Turntables with Timecode Vinyl and DJ Software: This classic hybrid configuration uses traditional turntables and vinyl to control digital tracks via software like Serato or Rekordbox.

Analog Mixer with Digital Inputs: Many DJs pair an analog mixer with digital sources such as USB drives or laptops, allowing for analog warmth with digital precision.

Standalone Controllers with Vinyl Integration: Modern DJ controllers often include phono inputs, enabling DJs to incorporate vinyl into their digital workflows.

The Future of Hybrid DJing

Hybrid DJ setups reflect the ongoing evolution of the craft, combining tradition with innovation. As technology continues to advance, we can expect these setups to become more streamlined, affordable, and accessible. Features like AI-driven mixing tools, enhanced connectivity, and immersive soundscapes are likely to shape the next generation of hybrid DJ systems.

While some purists may argue for the supremacy of analog or digital, hybrid setups demonstrate that combining the strengths of both can create something truly unique. For DJs who value creativity, flexibility, and the ability to cater to diverse audiences, hybrid setups are poised to become a mainstay in the industry.

When exploring hybrid DJing, it’s crucial to invest in reliable equipment. Buying from professional or reputable audio shops like VIP PRO AUDIO ensures that you get high-quality gear, expert advice, and ongoing support to enhance your performances.

[dylanfrenzysawesometakes]

Recent Handheld Innovations in Video Game Technology

Over the recent years, handheld gaming devices have had huge innovations. The PSP walked all those years ago so the Nintendo Switch could run. The Switch takes the same premise the PSP had all those years ago, which is to deliver console quality experiences on a handheld. There previous handheld entries, while very good in their own right, still came nowhere near delivering a home console-like experience. The Switch however finally achieves this. While obviously not as powerful as the leading consoles of today, especially coming up on it's eighth birthday, it still offers home-console-like gameplay. It also bridges the gap between handhelds and home consoles with its docking capability. It also appeals to many different groups of people by doing this. This is also helped with it's different models, namely the Switch Lite and newer Switch OLED.

The OLED offers a nicer screen and other quality of life improvements for those who have a little more money they want to splash out for all the bells and whistles. The Lite is a handheld only console which would suit players looking for just a handheld, as maybe they already have a console for the TV or don't have one, or maybe they are looking for a smaller and lighter handheld to bring around. I personally have both a regular Switch and a Switch Lite, and use the Lite a lot more due to its small form factor and comfort.

Another space that has seriously grown in regards to handheld devices would be the handheld pc space. In 2022, Valve released the Steam Deck, an on-the-go option to play your PC games, which was basically unheard of at the time. This launch led to a chain reaction of other new handheld PCs launching very quick on it's heels. At the time, I didn't own a PC and didn't get the hype very much around these devices.

Now, I'm in college, with barely any time at home to play on a console and not enough energy to setup my laptop and plug everything in when I get home. I finally started to understand the buzz about these handhelds. Just before Black Friday, I picked up an Asus ROG Ally for well under the usual price and haven't put it down since. I never expected to use it as much as I have done. Not only does it provide an experience closer to that of a console, which has always been something I wanted in the PC space, but it also has unbelievable performance.

The fact it also can be used for general PC tasks, such as doing work is amazing. I use it all the time for typing out Word documents and the like when I don't have the space for my laptop. I am even writing this whole blog post on it! I really look forward to the future growth of the space, and with new chipsets and parts for these on the horizon I imagine it won't be long till we see more major leaps in the space.

[monocodoll]

OnlySims WIP Update 8/2024 #2

Thirdly, lets move on to Simstagram and it's features...

Simstagram is the sims equivalent of Instagram. Allowing you to gain a following, likes, and possibly an income depending on your popularity. Any sim aged Teen and Above may use it. Simstagram can be accessed via a Sims Smart phone, Laptop, or Computer

-Create Simstagram Interaction

Upon creating your Simstagram account, your sim will obtain the first level of the Simstagram Skill. As well as have access to the other Simstagram Interactions.

-Simstagram Skill

The Simstagram Skill keeps track of many things. Such as...

Number of Stories Posted

Number of Photos Posted

Number of Videos Posted

Number of Art Pieces Posted

Number of Sponsorships Posts

Number of Likes

Number of Subscribers

Current Photos Quota For The Week

Current Video Quota For The Week

Current Likes Quota For The Week

Earnings From Sponsorships

Earnings From LlamaPay Donations

Note: Quotas are given as soon as you reach a Simstagram tier. The higher the tier the more that is expected of you to post. If quotas are not met by the end of the week. You may lose a percentage of your subscribers. Possibly dropping your Simstagram Tier and decreasing the likelyhood of LlamaPay Donations, Sponsorships, and Sub/Likes Gain.

The Simstagram Skill also comes along with Skill Challenges.

Simsta Social Butterfly Tier

Simsta Star Tier

Simstagram Maven Tier

Simsta Sensation Tier

Simstagram Soverien Tier

Simstagram Baddie

Each Tier provides a bonus to the amount of subs gained and likes gained on posts when achieved. Additionally, it increases the likelyhood of being given sponsorship opportunities. As well as being given LlamaPay donations from Subscribers when posting. The tiers also help with sales when posting a Sponsorship posts.

Note: The amount of subs needed to complete the challenges are tunable. Additionally, Simstagram Baddie Challenge still needs to be developed.

-Post on Simstagram Interaction

This interaction will allow you to post on your Simstagram account.

As of this moment, the content that you can post on your Simstagram are...

Selfies

Videos

Art

Stories

Simstagram Sponsorships

Note: Each category of content that you may post has different factors that determines the amount of likes and subs that can be gained from said post.

-Simstagram Seflies

With Simstagram you can utilizes the Cell Phone to take selfies. There are two types of Selfies you can post on Simstagram. Selfies and Sexy Selfies. Sexy Selfies are selfies taken when a sim is wearing either swimwear or sleepwear. Meanwhile everything else is a normal selfie.

Note: When a Sim takes a selfie, data is stored into that photo. Their age group, The Cosmetic Surgery they have had done, and the outfit category that they are wearing. This data then helps determine the amount of subs and likes gained when that photo is posted. Other factors also determine the amount.

-Simstagram Videos

You can utilize a video camera to turn on the record button and perform a couple of activities while it's on to receive a recording.

The Type of videos that can you can record for Simstagram are...

Work Out videos

Dancing Videos

Hot Tubbing Videos

Posing Videos(Check Self Out In The Mirror)

Kissing Videos

Cooking Videos

Painting Videos

After you perform the activity, you will receive a recording that you can then upload to your Simstagram.

Note: When a sim shoots a recording, data is stored into that tape. Their age group, Cosmetic Surgery that they have had done, and the outfit category that they are wearing. This data then helps determine the amount of subs and likes gained when that recording is posted. Other factors also determine the amount.

-Simstagram Art

Sims who paint can also post their Art piece to their Simstagram.

Note: The Quality of the painting effects the Likes and Subs Gained From an Art Post. Other factors like the Simstagram Skill and Celebrity Status gives a boost to this as well.

-Simstagram Stories

You may also post Stories of events that had occurred. The types of stories are...

(Life Events)

Had Baby

Adopted Child

Adopted Pet

Married

Engaged

Pregnant

Graduated

(Relationships)

Broke Up

Woohoo'ed with...

Kissed with...

Fought...

Did Mean Social to...

(Crime/Incarceration)

Parent Got Incarcerated

Child Got Incarcerated

Sibling Got Incarcerated

Family Member Got Incarcerated

Partner Got Incarcerated

Finished Prison Sentence

Serving House Arrest

(Woohoo Experience)

Sensual Paradise

F*cking Sore

(Career/Work)

Got Fired

Career Change

Career Promotion

Skipped Work

Skipped University

(Daily Life)

Ate at Restuarant

Read Book

Won Brawl

(Holidays/Festivals)

Attended Summer Festival

Attended Fall Festival

Attended Winter Festival

Attended Spring Festival

Leisure Day

Spooky Day

Snowflake Day

Love Day

(Cosmetic Surgery)

Thrilled With BBL

Thrilled With Breast Augmentation

Thrilled With Liposuction

Thrilled With Tummy Tuck

Thrilled With Lip Fillers

Thrilled With Thigh Augmentation

Thrilled With Calve Augmentation

Thrilled With Corset Liposuction

(Sobriety)

Has Quit Weed

Has Quit Meth

Has Quit Cocaine

Has Quit MDMA

Has Quit Xanax

Has Quit Heroin

Has Quit Adderall

Has Quit PainKillers

Has Quit Lean

Has Quit Nicotine

-Simstagram Sponsorships

If a Simstagram Model has reached any of the five tiers on Simstagram, they have a chance of receiving a Simstagram Message asking if they would like to do a Sponsorship post for a product.

If the Simstagram Model were to accept the offer. Then the product would be mailed to them, and the Model would be able to do a Sponsorship post for the product.

In this case we had accepted a Sponsorship opportunity for the Quencher Tumbler. You have the option to wait to receive the product and use it before posting the Sponsorship post or you can make the sponsorship post the moment you receive the Sponsorship opportunity. Massive thanks to @cozygirlsimmer for allowing me to use her adorable Cups for one of the few Sponsorship opportunities. I love them so much! So much so, that they were given functionality and a custom drinking animation.

A Sponsorship post will gain the Model Subs and Likes, however they may also earn Simoleans. The Model earns a base payout for the sponsorship, a Bonus payout for the Simstagram Tier they are in, and a commission for each sale that the Sponsorship post garners.

-Simstagram Fatigue Moodlet

If a sim were to post too often, they may receive a temporary moodlet called Simstagram Fatigue. While active, the sim would not be able to post on their Simstagram page until the moodlet expires.

-Add LinkTree Interaction

This interaction is available for Simstagram Models who have either an OnlySims page or a LlamaPay account.

By Adding a LinkTree to your Simstagram, you can potentially gain subs for your OnlySims and receive LlamaPay Donations from your Simstagram Subscribers.

In the next part of the report for August of 2024, we will begin discussing the fourth topic OnlySims... This part of the report may take a few days to release as it contains the most content since it is the main feature for the upcoming update. In the meantime, for the Simstagram Baddie Challenge what should the model need to do to achieve this Challenge?