#visual configuration software

[kbmax-cpqsoftware]

KBMax: Visual Configuration

The visual configuration tool is helpful since it enables customers to view the product in various dimensions. The manufacturing team can more precisely anticipate customer requests and provide accurate prices using the visual configuration software. Visit KBMax.com to see how KBMax 3D configuration solutions can help your company grow through improved client interactions.

[productvisualizationsoftware]

How Visual Configuration Software Speeds-up Production

Visual configuration software is better equipped to handle the error of enhancing production performance when making custom products. Using a single-product model framework that any department may render improves production efficiency and communication between production levels.

[zolak-3d-furniture-configurator]

3D Furniture Configurator: Revolutionizing Interior Design

In the rapidly evolving world of interior design, technology plays a pivotal role in transforming how designers and consumers approach spaces. The Zolak 3D furniture configurator stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering a cutting-edge solution that seamlessly blends technology with creativity. This innovative tool empowers users to visualize, customize, and perfect their furniture choices, ensuring every design decision is informed and inspired.

What is the Zolak 3D Furniture Configurator?

The 3D furniture configurator is an advanced digital tool designed to assist users in creating detailed, lifelike representations of their interior spaces. Whether you’re a professional designer or a homeowner with a vision, this configurator allows you to experiment with various furniture pieces, colors, materials, and layouts in a realistic 3D environment.

Key Features and Benefits

Realistic Visualization

The configurator uses high-quality 3D rendering to produce realistic images of furniture in your chosen space. This feature helps users to see exactly how different pieces will look and fit within their rooms, eliminating guesswork and ensuring satisfaction with final choices.

Customization Options

Users can customize nearly every aspect of the furniture, from size and color to material and finish. This flexibility ensures that each piece fits perfectly with the desired aesthetic and functional requirements of the space.

User-Friendly Interface

Designed with user experience in mind, the Zolak configurator is intuitive and easy to navigate. Even those without technical expertise can quickly get the hang of it and start designing their ideal spaces.

Space Planning

The tool also offers space planning capabilities, allowing users to place furniture in their room’s exact dimensions. This helps in visualizing the flow and functionality of the space, ensuring that the layout is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Cost Efficiency

By providing a clear and accurate visualization, the Zolak configurator reduces the risk of costly mistakes. Users can make informed decisions before making any purchases, ensuring that every investment in furniture is a wise one.

How to Use the Zolak 3D Furniture Configurator

Sign Up or Log In

Start by signing up for a Zolak account or logging in if you already have one. This gives you access to all the features and allows you to save your projects.

Choose Your Room

Select the room you want to design. The configurator offers various templates or the option to input your room’s dimensions for a more personalized experience.

Select Furniture

Browse through Zolak’s extensive catalog of furniture. You can filter by type, style, and more to find the perfect pieces.

Customize and Place

Customize your chosen pieces to match your vision. Adjust colors, materials, and sizes, then place them in your room to see how they look.

Save and Share

Save your design for future reference or share it with others for feedback. The configurator makes it easy to export your design or share it directly from the platform.

Conclusion

The 3D furniture configurator is a game-changer in the realm of interior design. By combining advanced technology with user-friendly features, it empowers users to create beautiful, functional spaces with confidence. Whether you’re planning a complete overhaul or just looking to add a few new pieces, Zolak’s configurator is your go-to tool for making informed, inspired decisions. Embrace the future of interior design and start creating your dream space today.

[av-industry-blog]

😩 Is complex AV integration making you lose sleep? #AVchallenges

⛔️ Incompatible components, buggy software, faulty configs - when will it end? #AVnightmare

🙏 What you need is simplicity in the midst of chaos. #AVpeaceofmind ✅ Here are 5 steps to tame the madness and take back control: 1️⃣ Catalog all your connected systems #AVinventory 2️⃣ Standardize settings across equipment #consistency 3️⃣ Automate repetitive testing tasks #AVautomation 4️⃣ Monitor everything remotely in real-time #AVmonitoring 5️⃣ Build a master integration guide for each site #AVplaybook

🤩 Read now and conquer AV complexity once and for all! 

😌 Finally, seamless AV integrations without the hair loss! #AVbliss

[cpqsoftware]

What is CPQ? A Comprehensive Guide to Boost Your Sales and Engineering Processes

Are slow, error-prone, and disjointed sales and engineering processes slowing you down? CPQ software could be the answer. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the concept of CPQ, its benefits for sales and engineering departments, and how the most robust CPQ solutions–complete with visual configuration–can enhance speed, accuracy, and customer experience. Let's dive in.

What is CPQ Software? Understanding the Basics

CPQ stands for Configure, Price, Quote. It's a software solution that streamlines the sales process by automating complex product configurations, pricing calculations, and quote generation. CPQ software is vital for businesses dealing with a wide range of products, customizations, and pricing structures.

As customer demands for personalized products and experiences grow, businesses must adapt to remain competitive. CPQ software helps companies manage complex product configurations and pricing strategies while reducing errors and increasing efficiency.

CPQ software doesn’t just benefit sales; it supports end-to-end engineering, which also helps engineering and shop floor teams. When a user configures a product on the front end, CPQ generates prices, quotes, and various engineering documents. By routing these documents to the right engineer or shop-floor operative, CPQ removes a massive amount of manual work.

Key Components of CPQ Technology

At the heart of any CPQ system are several vital components that work together to ensure a seamless configure- and engineer-to-order process from start to finish.

Product Configuration Rules

CPQ software uses so-called product rules to ensure configurations are optimized for margin maximization and engineering efficiency. These rules not only help to prevent incompatible configurations, but they also ensure the final product meets customer requirements.

Visual Product Configuration

Companies selling complex configurable products should leverage a CPQ solution with visual product configuration abilities. Visual configurators enable customers to see and interact with their customized products in real time. Sales reps, distributors, and other channel partners can leverage this interactive experience, as can customers themselves when sellers embed their configurators on their websites.

Dynamic Pricing

CPQ software simplifies pricing management by automatically calculating prices based on pre-defined rules, strategies, and external factors such as cost prices, inventory level, and demand. This ensures accurate pricing for each product configuration and reduces the risk of errors.

CPQ systems with dynamic pricing calculate prices in real time during configuration. This functionality ensures customers get instant pricing feedback, enabling them to optimize products better and place immediate orders.

Quoting and Proposal Generation

Once the product is configured and priced, CPQ software generates a professional quote or proposal for the customer. This automation streamlines the sales process, saving reps a tremendous amount of time and ensuring customers receive accurate, consistent information.

Integrations with CRM, ERP, and CAD Systems (e.g. CPQ for SAP)

The best CPQ software integrates seamlessly with other back-office systems like CRM, ERP, PLM, and CAD. Integrations give CPQ access to relevant data and enable seamless automation of time-consuming processes like CAD design and manual data entry.

End-to-End Use Case Example

Consider a manufacturing company that sells customizable shelving solutions. With a visual product configurator, customers can drag and drop to design their shelving unit, changing colors, materials, and dimensions until they have their ideal setup. With augmented reality capabilities, they can see how the unit will look in situ by pointing the camera on their smartphone to the appropriate location.

As the user makes selections, the configurator calculates pricing in real-time and generates a quote. Once the customer is satisfied, the CPQ software generates CAD files and BOMs, allowing the engineering and shop floor team to begin production immediately.

Advantages of Implementing CPQ Solutions for Sales and Engineering

Streamline Sales Processes and Reduce Errors

CPQ software helps streamline sales processes and minimize errors by automating product configuration, pricing, and quotes. This efficiency leads to faster sales cycles and improved customer satisfaction.

Improve Sales Productivity and Revenue

CPQ software can help businesses close deals faster and ultimately increase revenue by streamlining the sales process. Sales representatives can focus on building relationships and closing deals rather than wasting time on manual tasks like creating quotes and calculating pricing for complicated products with endless add-ons.

Enhance Customer Experience and Satisfaction with Visual Configuration

Visual product configurators provide customers with an interactive and immersive buying experience, which can help differentiate your business in crowded markets.

Support Complex Pricing and Product Configurations

CPQ software can handle complex pricing structures and product configurations, ensuring accuracy and consistency in every customer interaction. The best CPQs have no-code rules engines, which enable non-technical users to set the constraints for how products are configured, priced, and sold. This increases agility in the face of rapidly changing customer requirements. It also reduces third-party development costs.

Generate CAD Files, BOMs, and Other Engineering Documents

CPQ software automates the generation of engineering documents like CAD files and BOMs, saving time for the engineering department and ensuring a smooth manufacturing process. 

Happy engineers stay longer and do better work. Reducing time spent on the most menial, repetitive engineering tasks leads to a greater focus on R&D and a more productive, satisfied engineering team. 

Connect End-to-End Manufacturing Processes

By connecting the configure-to-order and engineer-to-order processes, CPQ software ensures seamless communication between sales and engineering teams, ultimately reducing lead times and improving efficiency.

Choosing the Right CPQ Software for Your Business

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a CPQ solution.

Vendor’s Industry Focus

Choose a CPQ solution that caters to your business size and industry, as different providers may offer features tailored to specific markets. Manufacturing businesses should consider Epicor CPQ with its engineering and shop-floor automation features.

Integration Capabilities with CRM, ERP, CAD Systems, and More

Ensure the CPQ software you choose integrates seamlessly with your existing CRM, ERP, CAD, and other back-office systems to facilitate efficient data sharing and collaboration.

Scalability and Customization

Look for a CPQ solution that can grow with your business and offers customization options to meet your unique needs. Cloud-based solutions are inherently scalable and also integrate with other software more efficiently, thanks to APIs.

Visual Product Configuration with AR and VR Capabilities

Select a CPQ software that offers visual configuration tools, including AR and VR capabilities, to provide an immersive and interactive buying experience for customers.

In Summary

CPQ, short for Configure, Price, Quote, is an innovative software solution that bridges the gap between sales and engineering teams. It automates complex tasks like product configurations, pricing, quoting, and CAD, leading to improved sales performance, increased customer satisfaction, and a considerable competitive edge in the market.

When companies integrate CPQ software into their workflows, they can eliminate manual tasks, minimize errors, and foster collaboration between departments. Additionally, visual product configuration empowers the customer experience, further contributing to a company's success.

[cpqsolution]

Using A Visual Configuration Tool To Design Complex Products

Designing complex products can benefit greatly from visual configuration, which enhances adaptability, flexibility, and design efficiency. Designers and engineers can provide a graphical interface for customers to customize a product by choosing different choices and features using visual configuration. 

Designers can design highly complex products suited to specific consumer demands and preferences using CPQ software for product configuration. Users will be able to develop a product that satisfies their particular needs, which can assist in boosting customer satisfaction.

What Is Visual Configuration

Using a graphical user interface to build a product or service, a process known as "visual configuration" allows users to choose and arrange product features, choices, and components graphically. Customers can design a unique product by choosing different options or characteristics from a preset list of possibilities, including colors, materials, sizes, forms, and functionality.

Visual CPQ tools are frequently used in manufacturing to create complicated goods with several variations or alternatives. Customers can now customize the product to meet their unique demands without advanced technical knowledge or design experience.

Visual CPQ tool is frequently employed in industries where clients desire individualized and customizable items, such as automobiles, furniture, home appliances, and electronics. It can also be used in software programs like website builders, which let users visually design and manage their websites by selecting various page layouts, fonts, graphics, and colors.

Benefits Of Visual CPQ Tool

Visual CPQ tools can offer several benefits to businesses, including:

The sales process can be automated using CPQ resources, making it more rapid and effective. Salespeople can rapidly and accurately provide quotations based on customer needs without laborious manual data input. This can lower mistakes, speed up sales, and boost client happiness.

Customers' purchasing experiences can be enhanced by using CPQ software, which enables consumers to view and personalize their items in real-time. Before deciding to buy, customers can experiment with various product settings and choices to see how the changes would appear. Increased engagement, contentment, and loyalty can result from this.

Rules-based setup is used by visual CPQ resources to guarantee the accuracy and completeness of quotations and orders. This can improve the accuracy of the sales process by lowering mistakes and preventing misunderstandings between sales representatives and clients.

By automating the design and quotation processes, CPQ software can assist organizations in bringing new goods to market more quickly. As a result, firms can adapt to customer wants and market trends more rapidly. This can shorten the time needed to develop new goods and get them to market.

By giving customers a more exciting and dynamic shopping experience, visual CPQ technologies can assist businesses in growing their sales. Products that satisfy customers' requirements and preferences are more likely to be bought. Sales representatives can find and recommend suitable product alternatives and configurations that consumers might not have considered using CPQ resources.

Functionalities Of Visual Configuration

Visual configuration tools can offer a range of functionalities depending on the specific product or service being configured. Some of the key functionalities of visual configuration tools include:

Visual CPQ software allows users to select and configure products visually, using 3D models or other graphical representations. 

Visual configuration tools use rules-based configuration to ensure that product configurations are valid and consistent. 

Visual configuration tools can calculate the price of a configured product in real-time based on the selected options and features. 

Visual configuration tools can validate product configurations against predefined rules and requirements, ensuring that the final product will meet the required standards and specifications. 

Visual configuration tools can integrate with other systems, such as CRM, ERP, and CAD, to streamline the design and production process. 

Visual configuration tools can provide realistic visualizations and renderings of the configured product, enabling users to see how it will look. 

Summing Up

The visual configuration enables users to develop distinctive and customized goods that match their particular requirements, streamlining the product creation process, shortening lead times, and boosting customer satisfaction.

CPQ software can speed up a company's sales process, improve customer satisfaction, increase accuracy, shorten time-to-market, and boost revenue.

Users can configure and personalize items quickly using visual configuration tools, which can provide various features. By streamlining design and manufacturing procedures, firms can improve accuracy, decrease mistakes, and boost customer satisfaction. Contact KBMax for the successful implementation of CPQ software.

[epicorcpq]

Top Reasons to Invest in Epicor CRM CPQ

One of the first areas to check if you want to increase sales productivity is Epicor CRM CPQ. Many businesses are leveraging the potential of Epicor product configurator CPQ to design complex products and generate quotations with more precision. 

Price quotation has always been a labor-intensive, sluggish, and error-prone manual operation. And every successful salesperson is aware that speed is crucial for sales success. Enterprise software with CPQ gives that speed to the sales team by generating product quotes in no time. Epicor CRM CPQ has various benefits to implement, but here are some important reasons to incorporate Epicor product configurator CPQ software into your company:

Fulfill orders without any mistakes 

It takes a significant amount of sales team training to get new hires up to speed with available product and service configuration options, and there is still a lot of space for error.

Nobody has time for that, as a wise woman once stated. Your sales staff has access to a digital catalog using Visual configurator for CPQ software, which helps them navigate all possible product and service configuration choices while automatically removing goods incompatible with a chosen option. You receive prompt recommendations for the best possible solutions, bridging team members' knowledge gaps regarding potential solutions. Also, you may lessen the expense and work involved in maintaining the catalog.

Moreover, a well-designed Epicor CRM CPQ solution makes sure that your systems communicate with one another. Capturing orders before they can be processed stops erroneous orders from reaching the administration stage and causing delays. Win again for your credibility and client happiness.

Open up prospects for sales.

The relevant information is sent at the right moment with CPQ software, opening up huge potential for your sales staff. Create rules to display suggested purchases and related goods, which could increase your revenue. Moreover, graphic pricing histories are offered so you may determine how aggressively to promote a sale using information from previous transactions. To further motivate your staff, you may integrate your sales commission systems with Epicor CRM CPQ.

To secure profitability, increase margins. 

Many salespeople depend on their gut feeling to calculate the price that would close a deal. However, such speculation doesn't take long to reduce profit margins. All team members may work from the most recent list since the Visual configurator for CPQ software communicates the current pricing while managing the computations. This might be useful for complicated arrangements involving promotions, customer-specific pricing, and swings in different currencies.

Managers may quickly review base pricing and discount percentages if transaction clearance is required and take any necessary action to increase profitability.

Generate quotations that appear professional. 

Presentation is frequently used as the basis for sales choices. Yet, few salesmen have the time or graphic layout expertise to produce appropriately branded papers.

The visual configurator for CPQ offers a comprehensive composition tool to assist you in upholding brand compliance. You may add pricing summaries and quotation information as necessary, alter proposal templates so they are customized to the sales agreement, and include data updates as they happen. Team members may even have cover letters or remarks that refer to the unique client connection.

The result is a tailored, precise, and professional proposal.

Make quotations that appear professional. 

Decisions in sales are frequently made based on appearance. Yet few salesmen have the time or the aptitude for design layout needed to produce documents with the appropriate branding.

To maintain brand compliance, enterprise software with CPQ offers a thorough composition tool. You may add pricing summaries and quotation information as necessary, personalize proposal templates for the sales agreement, and integrate data updates as they come in. Team members can even include remarks or cover letters that refer to the special customer connection.

The outcome is a proposal that is precise, expert, and customized.

Businesses have experienced these and several other advantages of using an Epicor product configurator CPQ application throughout multiple installations spanning more than years. Contact KBMAX 3D CPQ team to begin achieving comparable outcomes for your business.

[cutecipher]

People will tell you all sorts of nonsense about how to set your TV up to run off a computer instead of the tvs software. Here's what has worked for me over and over.

Disconnect your TV from the internet so it can't update/pull in ads

Get a computer with at least 4 gigabytes of ram and 32 gigabytes of disk space (thin clients are great for this), if you already have one even better!

Connect it via Ethernet if possible

Connect it to your tv, if your computer is older you may need a visual adapter, these are widely available but I recommend buying off ebay because that's the cheapest place ive found and the quality is almost always good

Install VLC

Install Firefox with ublock origin at least for ad blocking

Now you can watch off yt, twitch, whatever other sketchy sites for free content

If you want to torrent public domain media download qbittorrent

If your ISP is weird about it you can set qbittorrent to use a vpns network connection in the advanced configuration section of settings (mullvad is recommended for this but ymmv)

You can watch your public domain media with vlc now

[mariacallous]

Some Fortune 500 companies have begun testing software that can spot a deepfake of a real person in a live video call, following a spate of scams involving fraudulent job seekers who take a signing bonus and run.

The detection technology comes courtesy of GetReal Labs, a new company founded by Hany Farid, a UC-Berkeley professor and renowned authority on deepfakes and image and video manipulation.

GetReal Labs has developed a suite of tools for spotting images, audio, and video that are generated or manipulated either with artificial intelligence or manual methods. The company’s software can analyze the face in a video call and spot clues that may indicate it has been artificially generated and swapped onto the body of a real person.

“These aren’t hypothetical attacks, we’ve been hearing about it more and more,” Farid says. “In some cases, it seems they're trying to get intellectual property, infiltrating the company. In other cases, it seems purely financial, they just take the signing bonus.”

The FBI issued a warning in 2022 about deepfake job hunters who assume a real person’s identity during video calls. UK-based design and engineering firm Arup lost $25 million to a deepfake scammer posing as the company’s CFO. Romance scammers have also adopted the technology, swindling unsuspecting victims out of their savings.

Impersonating a real person on a live video feed is just one example of the kind of reality-melting trickery now possible thanks to AI. Large language models can convincingly mimic a real person in online chat, while short videos can be generated by tools like OpenAI’s Sora. Impressive AI advances in recent years have made deepfakery more convincing and more accessible. Free software makes it easy to hone deepfakery skills, and easily accessible AI tools can turn text prompts into realistic-looking photographs and videos.

But impersonating a person in a live video is a relatively new frontier. Creating this type of a deepfake typically involves using a mix of machine learning and face-tracking algorithms to seamlessly stitch a fake face onto a real one, allowing an interloper to control what an illicit likeness appears to say and do on screen.

Farid gave WIRED a demo of GetReal Labs’ technology. When shown a photograph of a corporate boardroom, the software analyzes the metadata associated with the image for signs that it has been modified. Several major AI companies including OpenAI, Google, and Meta now add digital signatures to AI-generated images, providing a solid way to confirm their inauthenticity. However, not all tools provide such stamps, and open source image generators can be configured not to. Metadata can also be easily manipulated.

GetReal Labs also uses several AI models, trained to distinguish between real and fake images and video, to flag likely forgeries. Other tools, a mix of AI and traditional forensics, help a user scrutinize an image for visual and physical discrepancies, for example highlighting shadows that point in different directions despite having the same light source, or that do not appear to match the object that cast them.

Lines drawn on different objects shown in perspective will also reveal if they converge on a common vanishing point, as would be the case in a real image.

Other startups that promise to flag deepfakes rely heavily on AI, but Farid says manual forensic analysis will also be crucial to flagging media manipulation. “Anybody who tells you that the solution to this problem is to just train an AI model is either a fool or a liar,” he says.

The need for a reality check extends beyond Fortune 500 firms. Deepfakes and manipulated media are already a major problem in the world of politics, an area Farid hopes his company’s technology could do real good. The WIRED Elections Project is tracking deepfakes used to boost or trash political candidates in elections in India, Indonesia, South Africa, and elsewhere. In the United States, a fake Joe Biden robocall was deployed last January in an effort to dissuade people from turning out to vote in the New Hampshire Presidential primary. Election-related “cheapfake” videos, edited in misleading ways, have gone viral of late, while a Russian disinformation unit has promoted an AI-manipulated clip disparaging Joe Biden.

Vincent Conitzer, a computer scientist at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and coauthor of the book Moral AI, expects AI fakery to become more pervasive and more pernicious. That means, he says, there will be growing demand for tools designed to counter them.

“It is an arms race,” Conitzer says. “Even if you have something that right now is very effective at catching deepfakes, there's no guarantee that it will be effective at catching the next generation. A successful detector might even be used to train the next generation of deepfakes to evade that detector.”

GetReal Labs agrees it will be a constant battle to keep up with deepfakery. Ted Schlein, a cofounder of GetReal Labs and a veteran of the computer security industry, says it may not be long before everyone is confronted with some form of deepfake deception, as cybercrooks become more conversant with the technology and dream up ingenious new scams. He adds that manipulated media is a top topic of concern for many chief security officers. “Disinformation is the new malware,” Schlein says.

With significant potential to poison political discourse, Farid notes that media manipulation can be considered a more challenging problem. “I can reset my computer or buy a new one,” he says. “But the poisoning of the human mind is an existential threat to our democracy.”

[anheliotrope]

I'm quite happy that Rider IDE is now free for personal use. This is a recent development.

Where-in I talk about IDEs a bit

Rider is a C# IDE that is in direct competition with Visual Studio. It's a bit surprising that Microsoft gave enough wiggle room in the ecosystem to allow a competitor like this to exist.

Of course, both Rider and VS are non-free software, but I find Rider to be an addition to the ecosystem that makes things healthier overall.

Ultimately, even if Rider wasn't free, I don't mind paying for this kind of tool. It is a good tool. What I mind is the lack of control and recourse if the company decides to fuck me over. And that's less likely when you have two IDEs in direct competition like this.

(Though to be clear, this is extremely far from a bulletproof defense and your long-term future as a programmer is always at risk if you don't have FOSS tooling available.)

(Also, it would be cool if we found a way to pay people for tools that doesn't require them holding the kind of power they can use to fuck you over later.)

I think it's generally unlikely for the FOSS community to develop IDEs that are this comprehensive, along with the fact that most programmers in that category have an inherent distaste for IDEs. I think that at least for some usecases, the distaste is misguided.

Trying to get emacs to give you roughly the capabilities of a proprietary IDE can be really painful. Understanding how to configure it and setting everything up is a short full-time job. Then maintaining it becomes a constant endeavor depending on the packages you've decided to rely on and to try to integrate together. It will work wonderfully, then when you update your packages something stops working and debugging it can be frustrating and time-consuming. Sometimes it's not from updating -- you notice some quirky behaviour or bad performance you want to fix and this sends you down a rabbit hole.

By comparison, Rider works mostly how I want it to work. It's had some minor misbehavior, but nothing that would make me have to stop and expend a lot of time. The time saved is really psychologically significant. On some days debugging my tools is fine and even fun. On other days it is devastating.

Don't get me wrong. The stuff you can do with emacs is incredible. The level of customization, the ecosystem. If you want to be a power user among power users, emacs is your uncle, your sister, your estranged half-brother, and your time-travelling son. But it definitely comes at a cost.

Where-in I talk about VSCode a bit

All of this rambling also reminds me of VSCode.

VSCode masquerades as being free software, but the moment you fork it in any way:

Microsoft's C# and C++ debuggers are so restrictively licensed as to exclude the ability to run them with a VSCode fork. (Bonus fact: Jetbrains when developing Rider had to write a debugger from scratch!)

Microsoft forbids the VSCode extension marketplace from being used by any VSCode fork.

Microsoft allows proprietary extensions to be published to the extension market place, which are configured to refuse to work with a non-official build even if you obtain them separately.

In response to this, Open VSX appeared, operated by the Eclipse Foundation. This permits popular FOSS builds of VSCode, such as VSCodium, to still offer an extension marketplace.

Open VSX has an adapter to Microsoft's marketplace API, which is what permits a build of VSCode to use Open VSX as a replacement for Microsoft's marketplace.

Open VSX does not have every extension that Microsoft's marketplace has and will always lack the proprietary ones. But the fact that a FOSS alternative exists is encouraging and heartwarming.

[charlesmwa]

How Can You Create a Personalized Sound Experience Using Customizable DJ Controllers?

Personalization has become a defining trend in modern DJing, with customizable DJ controllers enabling artists to develop their signature sound and streamline their workflow. These innovative tools allow DJs to tailor their setups to fit their unique style and performance preferences, transforming a traditional set into a highly personalized experience. Here's how you can harness customizable DJ controllers to create a sound experience that's uniquely yours.

1. Understanding Customizable DJ Controllers

Customizable DJ controllers are devices that allow users to adjust key functionalities, such as button mapping, pad assignments, and effects control. Unlike traditional controllers with fixed layouts, these offer flexibility to adapt their configurations, empowering DJs to craft a setup that complements their music style and techniques. Whether you’re a beat-heavy hip-hop DJ or an EDM artist focusing on smooth transitions, these controllers can help you achieve precision and creativity.

2. Customizing Layouts for Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of customizable controllers is the ability to remap buttons and knobs to match your workflow. Most modern controllers come with dedicated software that lets you:

Reassign Hot Cues and Effects Pads: Map your most-used effects and samples to accessible buttons for quicker triggering.

Create Layered Controls: Set up secondary functions for knobs and buttons to maximize functionality without cluttering the interface.

Optimize for One-Handed Operation: Map essential controls closer together, perfect for DJs who want to multitask during a live set.

By tailoring the layout, you can reduce the time spent searching for controls and focus more on the music.

3. Exploring Customizable Sound Effects

Custom effects are a game-changer for crafting a unique sonic identity. Many controllers allow you to integrate third-party plugins or tweak built-in effects like delays, filters, and reverb. Here’s how you can make the most of this feature:

Layer Effects Creatively: Combine echo and reverb for atmospheric transitions or use distortion with a phaser for grittier drops.

Adjust Parameters on the Fly: Customize effect depth, rate, and resonance to suit your track's mood in real time.

Save Presets: Many controllers let you save your favorite effect combinations, making it easy to recall them during performances.

These tweaks give your sound a distinct character, setting you apart from other DJs.

4. Utilizing MIDI Mapping

MIDI mapping is at the heart of controller customization. It enables DJs to assign software functions to hardware controls, providing limitless creative possibilities. For instance:

Control Lighting with Your Controller: Synchronize lighting effects with your music for an immersive audiovisual experience.

Add Unique Sampling Features: Assign unconventional sounds, like ambient textures or vocal snippets, to your pads for unexpected transitions.

Use Multiple Layers: Set up different MIDI layers to manage decks, effects, and samples simultaneously.

Mastering MIDI mapping can dramatically enhance your live performance and workflow.

5. Integrating Visuals and Additional Gear

Modern DJ controllers often support integration with other equipment like samplers, synthesizers, or visual systems. By linking your controller to these devices, you can:

Sync Visual Effects: Use your controller to trigger visuals that match your music, creating a cohesive sensory experience.

Incorporate Live Instruments: Map inputs for synthesizers or drum machines to blend live elements into your set.

Expand Your Sound Palette: Add external sound processors or effects racks for greater sonic diversity.

Such integrations open doors to more experimental and captivating performances.

6. Advanced Features for Personalized Performances

High-end customizable DJ controllers come equipped with advanced features to elevate your sound:

Key Syncing: Match the harmonic keys of different tracks to ensure seamless transitions.

Dynamic EQs: Adjust frequency bands interactively for on-the-fly sound shaping.

Custom Loop Settings: Set loop lengths that align with your style, such as long ambient loops or rapid 4-beat repetitions.

Learning these advanced tools will not only improve your technical skills but also refine your artistry.

7. Crafting Your Unique Sound

Customizable DJ controllers are more than just tools—they’re a canvas for your creativity. To truly personalize your sound:

Experiment with Unconventional Techniques: Use pitch bends creatively, mix genres, or introduce unpredictable elements like silence for dramatic effect.

Record and Review: Listen to your sets and analyze what works to refine your customizations.

Stay Updated: Regularly explore new software updates and hardware integrations to keep your setup fresh and innovative.

Over time, these practices will help you build a signature sound that resonates with audiences.

8. The Role of Customizable Controllers in Modern DJ Culture

As DJing continues to evolve, the emphasis on personalization is becoming central to the craft. Customizable controllers empower DJs to break free from traditional molds and experiment with new techniques. This shift is not just about technology but about redefining how music is performed and experienced.

Customizable DJ controllers are a gateway to unlimited creativity. They allow you to tailor your equipment to your needs, transforming your performances into unique experiences that captivate your audience. To ensure you’re investing in the right tools, it’s important to source your equipment from professional and reputable audio shops like VIP PRO AUDIO, where quality and expertise are guaranteed.

[kbmax-cpqsoftware]

KBMax: Visual Configuration Software 

Visual configuration involves customizing products using interactive 2D or 3D representations. This procedure is made possible by the Visual configuration software from KBMax, which customers and sales representatives can both use to create an engaging buying experience. KBMax cpq pricing refers to the set of various price points, where the outcome of one price point is used as input for the next one. To learn or explore more, visit KBMax.com

[productvisualizationsoftware]

How Visual Configuration Software Speeds-up Production

Consumer loyalty is what every firm strives for! However, it can be challenging to achieve. To respond to client inquiries, information-driven operations and predictable attempts are required. Various B2B firms are vying to outperform the competition regarding customer experience. Innovative organizations that want to make their business's future a reality are turning to a visual product configurator.

Manufacturers are encouraged to develop the product with every granular detail proposed by the client using the visual configuration software. Visual product configuration  lets the user pick a feature based on their needs, which is then validated by a configuration rules engine before allowing the user to select the following option about the remaining features on their product. 

Benefits of visual configuration software

Visual product configurator is a must-have for any manufacturing organization. Its ability to speed up every step of the process, from designing to taking orders to making the product. Visual product configuration significantly improves manufacturers' ability to deliver a quick and high-quality turnaround in designing something for a customer, as well as its manufacturing ability to provide engaging and delightful customer experiences.

Here are five reasons visual configuration software makes sense for your business:

1.For complicated products, a visual product configurator is ideal.

Meeting the ever-changing demands of customers is a challenging endeavor. It necessitates an extensive understanding of the product type desired for their organization and the resources required to create their particular requirements.

Many merchants assume that some products need to be simpler for an eCommerce system to manage. Some goods, particularly in the B2B business, contain many features, choices, and computations. However, using a visual product configurator helps clients surmise these complicated products readily. 

2. Visual configuration software is beneficial to your team.

When a production staff knows precisely what the client wants, it is much easier to configure a product to meet their needs. This also saves your sales staff a lot of time and work. A consumer who requests a quote becomes a significant lead who asks to be contacted again. This helps your sales team concentrate on consumers who already know what they want.

Meanwhile, the consumer is content. This enables other teams to finish product manufacture on schedule and generate quotes in minutes. And then hand it off to product specialists to deal with more pressing matters than guiding clients through setup options. Visual configuration software & pricing also allows consumers to make changes in real-time, saving the product design team time by instantaneously developing a drawing and delivering it to the production team to implement as soon as feasible.

3. Visual configuration software reduces the chances of error.

Based on client needs, visual configuration software creates detailed product designs with all the minute details, which also relate to components of the production process. Because all changes and procedures are coordinated through product visualization software, the risks of error are reduced, and all linked teams have complete transparency.

By simplifying the transmission of information between functions and making the margin of error insignificant, the product quote production process becomes smoother, and the risks of inaccuracy in quotations are decreased.

4. Visual configuration and pricing cut down on lead times.

Customers can use visual configuration software to scheme, design, and change products based on their ideas, which reduces the likelihood of revision after the invention has been completed. This also saves other teams time preparing for the procedure and speeds up the product development process. The usage of visual configuration software minimizes the average time spent on order records, reviews, and processing. This increases client satisfaction by creating products on time and low cost.

Summing Up

To meet the expanding market demand for sophisticated bespoke goods, organizations must exploit the full potential of online visual configuration software more than ever. It enables businesses to provide far more complicated solutions comprised of real-time data.

KBMax Visual configuration software eliminates quotation mistakes in complex goods and increases customer satisfaction by delivering well-defined solutions. With the assistance of this automated system, firms should be adequately informed of future product production demands and use the value contained inside their manufacturing process. 

[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.

[geeta1726]

thank you so much for answering my previous ask! can you also share your insights on how i can activate my mars conjunct pluto in 9th house as i have saturn (3H) opposite mars which seems to block and hinder the mars pluto conjunction energy can you provide some remedies for this? thank you so much!!

Certainly! Activating and harnessing the energy of Mars conjunct Pluto in the 9th house can be a powerful endeavor, especially considering the opposition from Saturn in the 3rd house. Here are some insights and solutions to help you navigate this dynamic aspect configuration:

Understanding Mars Conjunct Pluto in the 9th House: Mars conjunct Pluto suggests intense and transformative energy, particularly when it occurs in the expansive and philosophical 9th house. This placement can signify a strong drive for personal growth, a passion for exploring profound truths, and a desire to make a significant impact on the world.

Identify and Address Saturn Opposition: The opposition from Saturn in the 3rd house may pose challenges related to communication, learning, and mental processes. Saturn's influence can manifest as self-doubt, limitations in self-expression, and obstacles in the pursuit of knowledge. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them.

Develop Mental Resilience: Cultivate mental resilience and discipline to counteract Saturn's restrictive influence. Practice positive affirmations, visualization techniques, and mindfulness exercises to strengthen your mental fortitude. Focus on building confidence in your abilities and overcoming self-imposed limitations.

Embrace Transformation: Embrace the transformative energy of Mars conjunct Pluto by delving into deep introspection and shadow work. Explore your subconscious patterns, fears, and desires to uncover hidden motivations and sources of power. Use this awareness to initiate profound personal transformation and empower yourself.

Channel Energy Constructively: Direct the intense energy of Mars conjunct Pluto into constructive outlets, such as pursuing higher education, engaging in philosophical studies, or advocating for social justice causes. Channel your passion and drive into activities that align with your values and contribute positively to society.

Seek Higher Knowledge: The 9th house is associated with higher education, spirituality, and philosophy. Invest time and effort in expanding your intellectual horizons, exploring spiritual teachings, and seeking wisdom from diverse sources. Engage in deep philosophical discussions, embark on spiritual retreats, or pursue advanced studies in subjects that inspire you.

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care: Incorporate mindfulness practices and self-care routines into your daily life to maintain balance and equilibrium. Establish healthy boundaries, prioritize self-care activities, and engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Regular meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature can help you stay grounded and centered amidst challenges.

Seek Guidance from a Mentor or Counselor: Consider seeking guidance from a mentor, counselor, or spiritual advisor who can provide support and insights tailored to your unique circumstances. A knowledgeable mentor can offer guidance, perspective, and practical strategies for navigating the complexities of your planetary configurations.

For more information, you can get an accurate information with the help of Kundli Chakra Professional 2022 software.

[cpqsoftware]

Product Configurator Software For Design Automation

A product configurator software for design automation is a tool that allows businesses to configure a product according to their specific needs and preferences. These days many industries, such as manufacturing, engineering, and construction, where customized products are often required, are unleashing their benefits at the fullest.