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Microsoft’s Latest Layoffs Target The Entire AI Ethics Team

Mike Phalin
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Microsoft’s Latest Layoffs Target The Entire AI Ethics Team

The end times are upon us! Soon AI will become self-aware and unethical! It will start posting rude messages on Twitter. But no one will be around to pull the plug. Why? Because Microsoft laid off the entire AI ethics team!

A story from Tech Radar this week let us know that even though Microsoft has a staffed Office of Responsible AI, the team ethics and society team for the AI initiatives has been terminated. The article mentions that the group had at one time consisted of 30 “engineers, designers, and philosophers.”

At the time of the layoffs, the team comprised only seven employees. Considering that the entire team got the boot, I have a feeling they weren’t doing a whole lot. However, how do we know this septuplet wasn’t the only barrier between us and a human-hating rogue AI?

Imagine that: a Bing-powered terminator. Not only does it give you the wrong answers to your search engine inquiries, but it also thinks it’s time for carbon-based lifeforms to end.

The more significant concern is the trend of big tech downsizing. It comes right as companies explore more extensive applications for artificial intelligence. The cuts at Microsoft were nowhere near as severe as Meta’s recent 10K cut announcement. Nevertheless, it raises an interesting question: Is AI’s future in jeopardy if Microsoft and Meta only dedicate small teams to it? Meta’s “Year Of Zuck” isn’t going to see any real advancements in the AI sphere, that’s for sure.

Speaking of unethical uses of AI, check out the video below depicting the atomic bomb blast at Hiroshima as if it were a sports broadcast.

What are your opinions on AI? Are our lives destined to be ruined by it? Will it be an easy tool to cut down on overhead employees? Let us know below!

[Source: Tech Radar] [Source: GeekWire]

Spider-Man And Daredevil Team-Up In A Noir Adventure

Jacob Airey
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0
Spider-Man And Daredevil Team-Up In A Noir Adventure

The noir versions of Spider-Man and Daredevil are joining forces in a new series by Marvel Comics. Taking place in the pages of ‘Spider-Verse Unlimited,’ we see 1930s New York City face a new threat that only the webhead and the man without fear can handle.

Marvel said on their website that the comic is “from creators Amy Chu, Diogenes Neves, and Antonio Fabela: In the midst of a massive rally in New York City, Spider-Man Noir teams up with Daredevil Noir to stave off disaster in SPIDER-VERSE UNLIMITED #41. Until Spider-Man Noir hears…the voice of an old foe…”

The comic book issue is available on the Marvel Unlimited app for readers to download.

They added that “readers can expect a crossover event culminating in one giant mystery that’s already been teased in SPIDER-VERSE UNLIMITED #38-40! Stay tuned as ‘The Mystery Man’ story heats up.”

First appearing in 2009, ‘Spider-Man Noir’ was part of an imprint that saw several Marvel Comics characters experience more mature-themed adventures. The first adventure featuring Spidey was written by David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky, with artists Carmine Di Giandomenico and Marko Djurdjevic handling the illustrations. It would see Peter Parker before, during, and after the Second World War.

There would be two sequels ‘Eyes Without a Face’ and a second volume, though the character would make sporadic appearances in Spider-Verse stories. Nicolas Cage would voice the characters in the 2018 animated film ‘Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.’

‘Davedevil Noir’ would make his debut in a 2010 comic book series written by Alexander Irvine and drawn by Tom Coker. This version sees Matt Murdock living in Hell’s Kitchen during the Prohibition Era.

Marvel Comics legendary editor Stan Lee co-created both Spider-Man and Daredevil in 1962 and 1964, respectively. The two have had several crossovers throughout their published years including on television during season three of ‘Spider-Man: The Animated Series’ in 1996.

‘Nier: Automata’ Anime Series English Cast Revealed

Jacob Airey
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0
‘Nier: Automata’ Anime Series English Cast Revealed

The hit action RPG video game ‘Nier: Automata’ by Square Enix debuted an anime adaption ‘Nier: Automata Ver1.1a’ from Japanese animation studio A-1 Pictures. It is directed by Ryouji Masuyama who co-wrote it with Yoko Taro, the original creator of the game. It was released in January 2023 on Crunchyroll in North America with Aniplex announcing they would be producing an English dub.

Anime News Network revealed the voice cast on their website:

  • Kira Buckland as 2B
  • Kyle McCarley as 9S
  • Cherami Leigh as A2
  • D. C. Douglas as Pod 042
  • Abby Trott as Pod 153
  • Greg Chun as Adam
  • Ray Chase as Eve
  • Alexis Tipton as Pascal
  • Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Commander
  • Cassandra Lee Morris as Operator 6O
  • Connor Kelly-Eiding as Operator 21O
  • Erica Mendez as Lily

Jun Nakai was tapped to work on the anime television show as the chief animation director and character designer. The music company MONACA handled the soundtrack and score for the series.

You can watch the trailer below:

MyAnimeList described the synopsis as follows,

“In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by alien-crafted “Machine Lifeforms,” humanity is preparing for its last stand. Forced to retreat to the Moon for safety, humans are pinning their hopes on a group of man-made androids known as YoRHa soldiers. Led by the all-purpose battle android YoRHa 2-gou B-gata “2B,” the group will fight to take control of the Earth back from its invaders.

As war against the machines rages on, the YoRHa slowly begin to see the first shards of truth underlying the brutal conflict. Facing the harsh reality before her, the unwavering warrior 2B starts to question her very existence and just how much she must sacrifice for the sake of humanity.”

The video game ‘Nier: Automata’ was first released in 2017 and had crossovers with ‘Soulcalibur VI’ and ‘Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers.’

Hasbro Re-Releases Star-Lord’s Helmet For GotG 3

Mike Phalin
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0
Hasbro Re-Releases Star-Lord’s Helmet For GotG 3

Hasbro has dusted off an old Marvel Legends roleplaying since Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is due out in the not-too-distant future. So if you’ve wanted to cosplay as Peter Quill (Star-Lord), his helmet will return to the collectibles market!

The Marvel Legends roleplaying helmet popped up yesterday at Entertainment Earth. It has an April 10th release date. The replica of Star-Lord’s headgear appears identical to the one released a few years ago. Even the weathering and scuff marks are the same. Yes, the electronics are also identical:

  • COSMIC LIGHT FX: Prepare for battle by pressing the button on the side of the helmet to illuminate the red LED light FX
  • POWER-UP SOUND FX: Trigger the Marvel Legends Star-Lord Premium Electronic Roleplay Helmet’s distinctive sounds with the touch of a button and launch into galactic action

Like Hasbro’s other replicas, the asking price is above $100. However, it’s doubtful you’ll need to pay $131.99 to get your hands on this. Like the others in the Marvel Legends line, Star-Lord’s helmet will turn up on clearance quickly.

Keep an eye on sites like EE, GameStop, and Best Buy. I’ve been able to scoop up a number of these replicas at 30-50% off not long after release.

Star-Lord Helmet Guardians of the Galaxy 3
Photo Credit: Hasbro
Star-Lord Helmet Guardians of the Galaxy 3
Photo Credit: Hasbro
Star-Lord Helmet Guardians of the Galaxy 3
Photo Credit: Hasbro

“Peter Quill blasts into intergalactic action as the blaster-wielding, music-blasting hero, Star-Lord—complete with the helmet essential to his adventures across space. Equipped with thermal vision, HUD, and oxygen purification, the helmet has seen Peter through his most challenging of fights—including the Battle of Earth.”

Star-Lord’s helmet is one of the better Hasbro-made replicas. The scale is pretty accurate, more so than the Darth Vader helmet. The biggest negative is that the helmets are all plastic and look cheap. No matter Hasbro’s hard work, the company cannot correct metallic paint. Takara Tomy doesn’t have this issue.

[Source: Entertainment Earth]

Avoid Wardrobe Malfunctions With Microsoft Teams’ 3D Avatars

Mike Phalin
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0
Avoid Wardrobe Malfunctions With Microsoft Teams’ 3D Avatars

It has happened to the best of us. You log into a corporate Microsoft Teams video conference but forget the camera is on. Before you know it, HR is calling to let you know that the accidental moment of nudity has cost you that position at a Fortune 500 company. Even though none of the women complained, I’m no longer an Apple employee.

What could have solved this? Official Microsoft Teams 3D avatars! We knew this feature was coming, but that announcement was made two years ago. As of May 2023, the avatars will be officially part of the program, according to The Verge.

The best part about the new animated 3D avatars is that a camera is not required to use them. Instead, the digital representations will trigger various animations based on the user’s vocal cues.

The Microsoft Teams roadmap doesn’t tell us much. I’d like to know how customizable the avatars are and if I can trigger emotes via keystrokes rather than vocalization: “Avatars for Microsoft Teams gives you that much-needed camera break, while still allowing you to collaborate effectively. You can add a new layer of choice to your meetings and represent yourself the way you want with customizable avatars and reactions.”

Videos of the MESH avatars from months ago show off a fairly robust list of options. However, will these be improved during the final rollout?

One of the most famous video conference call disasters was when CNN’s Jeffery Toobin appeared totally naked on camera while polishing an acorn glued to his groin area. I understand that conference calls can be tedious. Hopefully, the Teams avatars won’t include inappropriate animations to mimic the Toobin-Lubin’.

Will you be taking advantage of the upcoming avatars? Let us know in the comments section below.

[Source: PC MAG] [Source: The Verge]

‘System Shock’ May Release Soon, Years After Being Crowdfunded

Mike Phalin
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0
‘System Shock’ May Release Soon, Years After Being Crowdfunded

In the far-off year of 2072, some bad stuff is going down at Citadel Station. Nearly 30 years after the original System Shock was released, PC gamers are being treated to a remake of the classic cyberpunk adventure. Although, if you backed the remakes crowdfunding campaign, you probably hoped it would have arrived a little sooner.

According to Ars Technica, it has been seven years since the Kickstarter project was successfully funded. We’re also just now learning that the game’s expected release date is May 30th. System Shock only missed its original launch date of 2017 by about six years. It’s all good. No worries. Unless the game gets bumped again.

If that happens, you can always get the demo and drown your sorrows that way. Yes, System Shock’s demo is still available on Steam.

The full game can be pre-purchased for $39.99. Check out the PC requirements below:

MINIMUM:

    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit only)
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-2400/AMD FX-8320 or better
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 670 2GB/AMD Radeon HD 7870 2GB or better
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 2 GB available space

RECOMMENDED:

    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit only)
    • Processor: Intel Core i7-3770/AMD FX-8350 or better
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 4GB/AMD Radeon R9 290 4GB or better
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 2 GB available space

“System Shock is the fully fledged remake of the ground breaking original from 1994, combining cult gameplay with all-new HD visuals, updated controls, an overhauled interface and all-new sounds & music; it even has the original voice actor of SHODAN, one of gaming’s most iconic villains. Witness the rebirth of one of the greatest and most influential games ever created.”

The only complaint I ever had about System Shock was the clunky user interface. Although that is still present in the remake, it’s no longer blocking half of the screen. Instead, it now only takes up a quarter of it.

Are you looking for reviews of recently released games? Then, check out our opinions on Atomic Heart and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.

[Source: Ars Technica] [Source: PC Gamer]

Find Bruce Campbell In ‘Evil Dead Rise’ And Win $50!

Mike Phalin
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0
Find Bruce Campbell In ‘Evil Dead Rise’ And Win $50!

Could Bruce Campbell make an appearance in Evil Dead Rise? According to the film’s director, Lee Cronin, yes, he does!

Sadly, it’s not the return of Ash Williams we hoped for. Instead, the actor does show up somewhere in Evil Dead Rise. However, it’s a Where’s Waldo affair. The good news is that Mr. Cronin will give the first person who finds Campbell a prize.

While speaking to Empire magazine, Cronin confirmed, “Bruce is hidden in the movie somewhere. Bruce has a small presence in the movie. The first person to figure it out and send me a tweet, I’ll give them 50 bucks.”

Even if you don’t win the $50, the director is trying his best to ensure the viewing experience is fun, “How I view the Evil Dead movies is [as] a popcorn-eating good time. Bringing it back to Evil Dead II, if there’s anything I would think about it would be the relentless creativity in that movie to refresh the experience as you go.”

The Evil Dead franchise isn’t high-brow, and that is its charm. Do these new films get the job done without The Chin leading the charge? The 2013 remake tried too hard to be scary. It failed to match the Raimi Trilogy’s energy or deliver memorable moments. In fact, I can’t remember much about the Fede Álvarez movie aside from the contact lenses the actors used—oh, and Ash’s brief, meaningless cameo at the end.

After the red-band trailer for the new film was released, I wondered what connection this film had to any other Evil Dead movie. So far, there are no apparent links. However, had it not been for the name, this latest entry could have been mistaken for any other demonic possession movie.

What are your thoughts on these two new movies?

[Source: Empire]

Zuckerberg’s Efficiency Measures Lead To 10K More Meta Layoffs

Mike Phalin
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0
Zuckerberg’s Efficiency Measures Lead To 10K More Meta Layoffs

When I originally made the header image last year, I had no idea I’d be using it every week. Another week has passed, which means more bad news for Meta workers.

A week ago, it was alleged that Meta’s top brass was prepping to make more staffing cuts. CEO Mark Zuckerberg planned a ‘Year of Efficiency.’ Today, Zuckerberg made the layoffs official, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.

As we expected, the devastating announcement was made to staff via a memo. Unfortunately, THR did not post the memo in full. However, the following quote from the document is attributed to Zuckerberg:

“As I’ve talked about efficiency this year, I’ve said that part of our work will involve removing jobs — and that will be in service of both building a leaner, more technical company and improving our business performance to enable our long term vision. At this point, I think we should prepare ourselves for the possibility that this new economic reality will continue for many years. Higher interest rates lead to the economy running leaner, more geopolitical instability leads to more volatility, and increased regulation leads to slower growth and increased costs of innovation. Given this outlook, we’ll need to operate more efficiently than our previous headcount reduction to ensure success.”

The announcement may have led to a 6% increase in shares of Meta. But will it have a long-lasting positive effect?

These recent staff-reducing plans follow a trend Meta started in 2022 when 11,000 employees were terminated, and Zuckerberg got an additional $4M added to his $10,000,000 personal security budget.

Meta’s troubles don’t end with shedding workers. The tech giant may soon have to pay news corporations in Canada for links users share on its social media platforms. The company formerly known as Facebook also had to settle a $74M privacy lawsuit in 2022.

I’m confused regarding what Meta wants to be. I’ve had an Oculus 2 since it launched. I rarely feel the need to use it. VR still feels more like a novelty than a real gaming platform. Facebook is … quite dead. Companies are probably getting more interaction and views on Twitter. Instagram has become a giant OnlyFans marketing machine with oddly lax nudity rules.

What are your thoughts on Meta’s latest layoffs and plans to run a tighter ship? Let us know below.

[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]

Avengers Assemble In New Marvel Comics Pull List

Jacob Airey
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0
Avengers Assemble In New Marvel Comics Pull List

The Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are heading to the conclusion of ‘Avengers Assemble’ as Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor fight to save the multiverse in the pages ‘Avengers Forever.’ Marvel Comics’ pull list has this story as well as plots involving Star Wars, Hellcat, the X-Men, Spider-Man, Moon Girl, and White Wolf.

Marvel said on their website that “the penultimate chapter of AVENGERS ASSEMBLE arrives in AVENGERS FOREVER (2021) #15 by Jason Aaron and Aaron Kuder. The greatest battle in the history of the Multiverse is raging, featuring Avengers from throughout time and space, countless different versions of Captain America and Iron Man and the God of Thunder. Yet somehow, it all comes down to one Starbrand and one Ghost Rider, who unfortunately are the only Avengers whose powers don’t seem to be working.”

They released the complete pull list as follows:

New Comics

  • AVENGERS FOREVER (2021) #15
  • AVENGERS: WAR ACROSS TIME (2023) #3
  • BISHOP: WAR COLLEGE (2023) #2
  • CAPTAIN AMERICA: SYMBOL OF TRUTH (2022) #11
  • CAPTAIN MARVEL (2019) #47
  • GOLD GOBLIN (2022) #5
  • HELLCAT (2023) #1
  • HULK (2021) #13
  • IMMORAL X-MEN (2023) #2
  • MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN (2022) #4
  • MOON GIRL (2022) #4
  • RED GOBLIN (2023) #2
  • SECRET INVASION (2022) #5
  • STAR WARS: YODA (2022) #5
  • THE X-CELLENT (2023) #1
  • WOLVERINE (2020) #31

New Collections

  • ALIENS EPIC COLLECTION: THE ORIGINAL YEARS VOL. 1 TPB
  • ALIENS: THE ORIGINAL YEARS OMNIBUS VOL. 4 HC STOKOE COVER
  • DEADPOOL BY KELLY THOMPSON TPB
  • MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE UNCANNY X-MEN VOL. 15 HC
  • STAR WARS LEGENDS EPIC COLLECTION: THE OLD REPUBLIC VOL. 5 TPB
  • STAR WARS LEGENDS: THE REBELLION OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC ALEX ROSS COVER
  • THE VARIANTS TPB
  • X-MEN RED BY AL EWING VOL. 2 TPB

Marvel Unlimited

  • AVENGERS #63
  • CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #7
  • CAPTAIN MARVEL #44
  • DAMAGE CONTROL #5
  • DAREDEVIL #6
  • DARK WEB #1 [DWB]
  • FANTASTIC FOUR #2
  • GHOST RIDER #9
  • IMMORTAL X-MEN #9
  • MARAUDERS #9
  • MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #1
  • PREDATOR #5
  • PUNISHER #8
  • SECRET INVASION #2
  • SPIDER-MAN #3
  • STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #29
  • STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #2
  • THE VARIANTS #5
  • THOR #29
  • TIGER DIVISION #2
  • X-FORCE #35
  • X-MEN RED #9

All of these titles will be available on March 15, 2023, for print or digital copies.

Netflix Picks Up Supernatural Romance Anime ‘My Happy Marriage For Streaming

Jacob Airey
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0
Netflix Picks Up Supernatural Romance Anime ‘My Happy Marriage For Streaming

Japanese author Akumi Agitogi originally published her supernatural romance ‘My Happy Marriage’ as a web novel before it was picked up by Fujimi Shobo in 2019 as a light novel series with illustrations by Tsukiho Tsukioka. The Tokyo-based animation studio Kinema Citrus announced that they would be doing an anime adaption with Takehiro Kubota handling directorial duties.

Netflix announced on Twitter they had acquired the rights to stream the anime to North America and other regions.

“(A)nnouncing the anime adaptation of My Happy Marriage, based on the light novels by Akumi Agitogi,” they wrote in a tweet along with a visual.

The story combines elements of ‘Cinderella,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ and historical fiction to bring a story of a romance between a shy woman and her suitor, a harsh military officer.

Wikipedia describes the synopsis as follows,

“Taking place in the 19th century Meiji Restoration era, Miyo Saimori, who is born without supernatural talent, is forced into an existence of servitude by her abusive stepmother. When Miyo finally comes of marriageable age, though, her hopes of being whisked away to a better life crumble after she discovers her fiancé’s identity: Kiyoka Kudou, a commander apparently so cold and cruel that his previous would-be brides all fled within three days of their engagements. With no home to return to, Miyo resigns herself to her fate—and soon finds that her pale and beautiful husband-to-be is anything but the monster she expected. As they slowly open their hearts to each other, both realize the other may be their chance at finding true love and happiness.”

Square Enix publishes a manga version of ‘My Happy Marriage’ illustrated by Rito Kohsaka in both Japanese and English. Yen Press publishes the English version of the light novel.

The series is also being adapted into a 2023 live action film by director Ayuko Tsukahara.

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