Runway’s Gen-3 Alpha AI Video Model Now Available

RunwayML has announced that its latest AI video model, Gen-3 Alpha, is now generally available through its platform. This model allows for hyper-realistic video generations from text, images, or video prompts with widespread fidelity and motion capabilities. Users must upgrade to a paid subscription starting at $12/month to access Gen-3 Alpha. It represents a significant upgrade over previous Gen-1 and Gen-2 models in speed, detail, and motion consistency. Runway partnered with a research team but did not disclose full training data sources.

Initially, Gen-3 Alpha will power text-to-video generations through natural language prompts. Control features like motion brushing and camera controls will also be supported. Each video can reach up to 10 seconds, faster than most models but less than OpenAI's upcoming Sora. It will be valuable to observe how creators utilize Gen-3 Alpha. A free version may be released, and improvements are expected in the coming months.

Runway describes Gen-3 Alpha as the first in a series of models trained on its new infrastructure for large-scale multimodal learning. This aims to develop "General World Models" that simulate diverse real-world situations and interactions. Former Stability AI CEO Emad Mostaque has begun testing Gen-3 Alpha against Sora. While only the beginning, Gen-3 Alpha shows promise as an advanced option for professional video generation use cases.

Robinhood Acquires Pluto Capital to Add AI Capabilities

Investment app Robinhood has acquired AI startup Pluto Capital to add more advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to its platform. Pluto utilizes large language models and real-time market data to identify trends and investment opportunities for clients. At Robinhood, Pluto founder Jacob Sansbury will spearhead AI integration efforts to benefit users. Pluto technology will analyze individual risk profiles and histories to provide personalized investment recommendations and portfolio management guidance tailored for each investor.

With Pluto’s integration, Robinhood customers can also gain up-to-the-minute insights and portfolio optimization suggestions. The trading app believes this will empower users to make more informed decisions promptly and achieve better financial outcomes. Founded in 2021, Pluto raised $4 million from investors before the acquisition. Terms of the Robinhood deal were undisclosed.

Robinhood executives expressed enthusiasm about Pluto’s data analysis expertise and aligned mission of furthering financial access through technology. Sansbury noted Robinhood as an inspiration and looked forward to innovating at the company. With Pluto, Robinhood aims to incorporate more sophisticated AI to streamline the investing process and deliver customized guidance focused on each customer’s individual needs and goals. This acquisition should expand Robinhood’s AI-driven tools and resources for investors.

Apple and Meta to Bring AI to the Metaverse

Apple is working to port its AI features from other devices to the Vision Pro headset according to rumors. Bloomberg reports that capabilities, like improved Siri, proofreading, and custom emoji integration, are in development for mixed-reality usage. Additionally, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple plans to release AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026 that could enable new spatial audio and gesture control functions combined with Vision Pro.

Separately, Meta is looking to leverage generative AI to revitalize its metaverse gaming strategy. Job postings indicate the company will research prototype games that change each playthrough through non-deterministic design. Meta also aims to develop generative AI tools to streamline the creation process for developers and improve time to market. These efforts will focus on Meta's Horizon platform but could expand to other devices.

Meta has struggled to attract users to Horizon while investing billions in Reality Labs. Prior statements from CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed interest in using generative AI to help level the playing field for content creation. Zuckerberg demonstrated a prototype for building virtual worlds through natural language and CTO Andrew Bosworth described tools to boost individual creators and act as force multipliers for developers. Meta's work targets applying generative AI innovations seen entering game development to create new dynamic experiences for the metaverse.

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Hoyoverse Launches Zenless Zone Zero

HoYoverse's action RPG Zenless Zone Zero was released with its global launch on July 4th across PC, Android, iOS, and PlayStation5. Pre-downloads began on July 2nd ahead of its highly anticipated release. The game had already seen unprecedented pre-registration numbers, surpassing 45 million and far exceeding figures from Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact. With such high interest, HoYoverse looked poised to break industry records for day-one downloads.

Zenless Zone Zero took place in a fantasy setting called New Eridu and focused on story-driven quests. While maintaining Honkai and Genshin's anime art style, gameplay varied with more emphasis on the exploration of alternate universes within different locations in the city. The game sizes were slightly smaller than past HoYoverse titles, with downloads between 20-57GB depending on the platform.

Launch timings had been provided for various regions worldwide. Players in the US could start playing from July 3rd in the evenings, while those in other parts of the globe could begin their journey on July 4th between 3am-12pm depending on the time zone. With the huge pre-registration sums, HoYoverse anticipated breaking its record for simultaneous players set by Honkai: Star Rail. Fans eagerly awaited discovering the new heights Zenless Zone Zero achieved upon its worldwide launch.

Black Myth: Wukong’s Preview Build Gets Reviewed

The upcoming action RPG Black Myth: Wukong aims for photorealistic graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5. A preview build showcased detailed forests and enemies, with water interactions wowing players. Developers at Game Science used motion capture and scanning to create lush, natural environments representing Chinese mythology. While initially planned for simultaneous multi-platform release, the Series S version’s struggles mean an August PC and PS5 launch alone.

Combat diverges from Souls-like conventions through the emphasis on perfect timing. Players dodge at the last second to leave a ghost, countering from the sidelines. Transforming into defeated bosses grants new movements against them. Fights require landing multiple perfect dodges in succession on punishing opponents. Drawing from Journey to the West, battles resemble performances between immortal foes using spells and transformations. Healing allows forgiveness but precision remains key.

The build began each encounter against largely human-sized bosses, offering preferred practice to beasts. Fights rushed sequentially with scant 90 seconds between, lacking basic mobs to hone skills on. While simple enemies provide one read, struggling to boss rooms enhances anticipation. Game Science aims players feel heroic through many tries to surpass each tailored challenge. Visuals and performance impressed but maintaining intricate bosses throughout the full experience will prove their mettle.

New Open-world MMO “Crazy Taxi” Title Unveiled

Sega's upcoming new Crazy Taxi title will be an open-world, massively multiplayer AAA game according to recent announcements. A job listing from Sega revealed they aim to make it a globally popular driving game using Unreal Engine. In an interview, series producer Kenji Kanno stated it will allow many players to play simultaneously while keeping the core Crazy Taxi gameplay. Developers are resolving multiplayer specifics and compatibility while retaining the style with new mechanics.

A previously released teaser hinted at multiplayer with multiple taxis and a police car mode. The in-development game will feature a realistic city along with a theme park map and motifs from the American West Coast. Positions recruited include designers, artists, and more to create the large-scale project. Sega Sapporo Studio, established in 2021, is aiding the development described previously as a AAA title by its president Takaya Segawa.

Details on compatible platforms and release dates have yet to be unveiled. The interview explained developers are currently testing the multiplayer integration while maintaining the high-adrenaline racing and stunts core of delivering passengers promptly. With an open world and massive online component, Sega looks to revitalize the long-dormant franchise into a new globally successful driving game franchise for modern platforms.

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Layer3 Foundation Unveils $L3 Tokenomics

Layer3 has revealed plans to introduce its protocol governance and utility token $L3 this summer. The token will power further development of the Layer3 ecosystem according to today's announcement.

Layer3 has established itself as a trusted player, facilitating over 96 million interactions across 545 projects used by a global user base of over 150 countries. As the token launches, holders will be able to participate in incentive programs, create digital experiences on-chain, and have a say in aspects of the protocol through governance rights.

Details on the initial token distribution show a total supply of 300 million L3 will be created. The community can expect to receive 51% of this in a four-year vesting schedule. Core to Layer3's vision is that L3 will enable stakeholders to stake their coins for rewards while helping expand the ecosystem.

Communities will need to acquire and burn L3 tokens to carry out activities like posting quests or allocating incentives on Layer3. Individual users may also choose to burn tokens for special perks across partner applications. Revenue sources may later be directed to token holders through staking yields or additional burn mechanisms as well.

Layer3 believes L3 tokenomics combined with staking and activity levels will foster long-term participation in a self-sustaining manner. Those who stake their coins and actively take part stand to gain more over time through governance rights, exclusive opportunities and greater influence. Initial signs show the governor token has the potential to supercharge further growth of Layer3's ambitious cross-chain vision.

Polkadot Marketing Spend Sparks Controversy

The recent Polkadot treasury report showing $37 million spent on marketing in the first half of 2024 sparked debate about high spending levels depleting funds quickly. However, critics argue marketing spending hasn't yielded good returns. Some also allege discrimination in grants favoring Western projects over those in Asia.

Victor Ji of Manta Network criticized Polkadot's ecosystem as "toxic", claiming Asian founders don't receive equal treatment or representation. But others like StellaSwap didn't experience discrimination, receiving a large grant. While ecosystems lean Western, barriers may be perceived due to underrepresentation.

Concerns grew around sustainability with a two-year projected runway. However, the treasury is continually replenished through staking rewards, not limited to current funds. Spending increased significantly in the first half, over 40% on marketing. Revenue declined along with network fees and inflation-based income.

The head ambassador wants lower 10% DOT inflation to reduce selling pressure. Tighter budgeting, transparency, and balancing user growth with development are proposed. While community control is important, more centralized decision-making may ensure long-term viability. Ongoing evaluation aims to maximize technology and minimize costs.

Bitcoin Price Drops Amidst German Government Sell-off and Mt. Gox Distribution

Bitcoin's price dropped significantly, falling to its lowest level since February at $53,000. This triggered over $500 million in long liquidations and an additional $80 million in shorts being liquidated, marking the largest single-day crypto wipeout in months.

Experts attributed the fall in part to uncertainty around the Federal Reserve's ability to curb inflation, which is negatively impacting risky assets. Concerns over a large transaction from the Mt. Gox bankruptcy wallet and actions by the German government were also dampening price momentum.

The German government had begun liquidating billions in seized bitcoin by transferring over half a billion dollars worth to exchanges. This drew criticism from German politician Joana Cotar, who argued the funds should have been held as a strategic reserve instead. Justin Sun further offered to purchase the remaining $2.3 billion holdings off-market to minimize disruption. However, large sell pressures from the governmental flows totaling hundreds of millions to top exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken contributed to the cascade of liquidations.

Critics maintain there are better alternatives than dumping seized crypto during downturns. Struggling to sustain gains above $60,000, Ethereum also dropped over 4% below $3,000 for the first time in weeks amid the bearish scene.

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