Indie game studio Ather Labs dropped a stunning new cinematic trailer for their upcoming Action RPG Sipher Odyssey. The trailer introduced the initial three playable races — Inu, Neko, and Buru — showing off their unique abilities and teamwork as they battled enemies in Dopamis and encountered the fearsome TempesTwin boss.

WATCH THE CINEMATIC TRAILER IN 4K 👇🏻

Accompanying the trailer, Sipher launched a major Open Alpha pre-registration campaign where they’re giving away exclusive in-game rewards at launch if they hit certain pre-registration and follower milestones. Players who pre-register during this campaign and spread the word are eligible to receive these in-game rewards worth up to $100.

PRE-REGISTER NOW 👇🏻

A new quest was also released as part of the Ather Club, where members can earn additional Nanochip and XP rewards by engaging with their X post.

Check it out: https://dashboard.atherlabs.com/ather-club

Getty and Nvidia Partner to Launch Text-to-Image Platform ‘iStock’

Generative AI by iStock is a new text-to-image platform launched by Getty Images and Nvidia. It builds on Getty's prior AI image generation tool aimed at enterprise users. Offering an alternative for individual users, it is being offered through iStock, which Getty owns. The AI model was trained only on Getty and iStock's image libraries. This avoided generating trademarks or personalities from other sources.

Targeting small and medium businesses, Generative AI by iStock lets users efficiently find precise photos for projects that may be difficult to capture. An example given describes generating penguin photos for climate change illustrations, rather than hiring a photographer. Pricing is $14.99 for 100 prompts, each generating four images.

Unlike Getty's platform, iStock offers limited legal protection up to $10,000 per asset. This aligns with iStock's existing licensing. Revenue sharing is offered to those who contributed to training the model.

Soon, the iStock platform will gain features allowing users to edit portions of images through inpainting. It will also allow users to extend photos through outpainting for different aspect ratios.

Rabbit Unveils AI-powered Pocket Companion ‘r1’

Tech startup Rabbit unveiled r1, an AI-powered pocket companion designed to handle digital tasks for users. Rabbit raised $30 million for this effort and showcased r1 at CES 2024.

The r1 aims to simplify tasks through its proprietary Rabbit OS operating system, which efficiently navigates apps using natural language. Powered by Atmosic's Large Action Model (LAM), r1 streamlines complex tasks by learning and replicating user actions across interfaces.

Rabbit OS introduces "rabbits" - personal AI agents that carry out various tasks from simple inquiries to complex errands like travel research or grocery shopping. Unlike other assistants, Rabbit OS can handle most digital errands through a cloud-based "rabbit hole" where it operates with user permission without storing personal data.

The LAM enables r1 to comprehend and execute human-like actions within multiple environments by observing user behaviors, removing the need for app integrations. R1's design was a collaboration with Teenage Engineering and employs an intuitive retro aesthetic with a touchscreen, button, scroll wheel, and rotating camera.

As a standalone device with cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity, r1 prioritizes privacy by only activating the microphone and camera with user initiation. Rabbit raised $30 million in funding from investors like Khosla Ventures and Synergis Capital to commercialize r1 and the Rabbit OS.

OpenAI Launches GPT Store

OpenAI has launched the GPT Store, enabling developers to create and distribute AI-powered chatbots called GPTs. The store is accessible through ChatGPT and features GPTs categorized by the purpose that was built by OpenAI partners and developers.

To use the store, users must have a paid ChatGPT subscription. At launch, several free GPTs are available from companies like AllTrails and Khan Academy. Developers can build GPTs without coding using a tool that trains models based on textual descriptions.

Listing GPTs involves submitting them for human and automated review to ensure compliance. The article questioned OpenAI about compensation and support for human reviewers. At this stage, developers cannot charge for GPTs but OpenAI plans a revenue program in Q1 tying payments to user engagement with GPTs.

The GPT Store aims to democratize AI app creation using OpenAI's models. However, it could disrupt consultancies that build customized GPT-like solutions. The store was initially announced in December 2022 but delayed, likely due to OpenAI leadership changes.

By enabling anyone to create AI chatbots, the GPT Store could fundamentally change how regenerative AI is applied. However, the article notes uncertainties around working conditions for human reviewers and how developer revenues will be implemented.

Volkswagen & Mercedes Bringing AI Integrations to Cars

Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are enhancing their in-car virtual assistants with AI capabilities. Volkswagen announced plans to integrate the OpenAI-developed ChatGPT into compatible VW vehicles starting in Europe in Q2 2024. This will allow drivers to have natural conversations and receive vehicle information through the IDA assistant. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is upgrading its MBUX assistant on the new MB.OS platform with generative AI for more human-like interactions through predictive behavior and natural dialogue. Both automakers aim to reduce distractions while providing helpful information to drivers.

Cerence is providing Volkswagen with a custom AI model called CaLLM to address car-specific queries, while limiting inappropriate responses. Mercedes declined to name its technology provider but said it is working with leaders in the field to develop natural language capabilities. In-car assistants from various automakers increasingly rely on large language models to power more sophisticated functionality using voice commands.

Mercedes says its AI-powered MBUX assistant will debut in 2025 vehicles on the new MMA platform and feature customizable personality traits. It will also offer predictive services based on calendar entries and preferences. Both companies are investing in AI and focusing on in-car entertainment and productivity applications to improve the passenger experience while prioritizing safety. Their virtual assistants demonstrate how automakers are leveraging advances in conversational AI.

Samsung Embraces “AI for All” at CES 2024

At CES 2024, Samsung emphasized how it is making AI accessible to all users. The company's CEO said its decade of AI investments is delivering AI-empowered products and services while prioritizing social responsibility and security through technologies like Knox.

An executive discussed Samsung's unique ability to safeguard user experiences across platforms using AI. The company also aims to enable more sustainable technologies, citing its SmartThings partnership with Tesla and efforts to recycle 14% of plastics used in devices through a more circular economy approach.

Samsung argues AI can save users time and make their lives more personalized and intelligent. It envisions AI becoming easier to use, simpler, and more creative. To bring AI to millions, Samsung demonstrated assistive accessibility features and showed Ballie has evolved from a prototype to an AI companion that interacts with devices through voice commands.

Ballie can perform remote tasks for users like distracting a dog by playing films or feeding it. Samsung also previewed AI capabilities for recipe recommendations based on fridge contents and ReadyVision, an AI-powered copilot system for cars and homes from Harman. Additionally, Samsung highlighted an 8K wireless projector as part of its vision to apply AI and hyperconnectivity across a vast portfolio of devices.

The company emphasizes a mission of leveraging its AI investments and transformational technology to benefit users while prioritizing responsible development and inclusive accessibility.

X Outlines Plans to Supercharge Platform with AI

In a year-in-review report, X emphasized its progress in transforming into an all-encompassing platform. It focused on free expression, rolling out Community Notes that garnered over 50 million daily views, and user experience improvements through new products and features.

Video now dominates the platform, comprising 80% of sessions. Launches included Immersive Video with over 100 million users, half of whom are Gen Z, as well as long-form uploads and communication/job listing capabilities. Infrastructure upgrades boosted conversations in Spaces and Communities.

X also introduced the AI assistant Grok and paid over 80,000 creators through its revenue-sharing program. Advertising algorithms were integrated to boost engagements by 22%, and brand safety tools exceeded previous years' outputs. Cultural moments demonstrated X's influence.

Looking ahead, X will increasingly apply AI to search, ads, and customer understanding. Peer-to-peer payments will facilitate more transactions. Enhanced recommendation features and original content/partnerships aim to attract users and fuel ads. The full-funnel offering and brand safety solutions will be strengthened through IAS integration.

2024 projects include groundbreaking products to revolutionize connectivity, communication, and transactions. X's focus on communities, partners, and innovation while addressing needs will reshape the future platform. The company highlighted momentum from foundational work establishing X as the central online forum.

• Amazon’s Alexa gets new generative AI-powered experiences
• AMD launches next-gen GPUs and AI processors
• Google Cloud rolls out new GenAI products for retailers

• Valve opens the door to more Steam games developed with AI
• Wells Fargo’s AI-powered assistant poised to hit 100 million interactions annually
• Walmart debuts generative AI search and AI replenishment features at CES

Smite 2 Announced for PC and Next-Gen Consoles

Developer Titan Forge Games and publisher Hi-Rez Studios announced Smite 2, a sequel to the popular MOBA Smite that is being rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. The sequel will feature the diverse array of gods from mythologies around the world seen in the original, though some will have redesigned abilities and animations.

The announcement trailer highlighted Hecate as the first god exclusive to Smite 2, who brings a ranged magical playstyle and abilities that allow dimensional travel. Significant changes are also coming to items and mechanics. Relics are removed and the entire six-slot inventory can have activated effects. New stealth zones, buffs for defeating Gold Fury, and evolving minion formations were also noted.

An executive producer addressed that skins from the original Smite will not directly transfer to the sequel due to time and engine differences. Migrating each of over 1600 skins from Unreal Engine 3 to 5 was estimated to take 246 years. However, players will still be rewarded for their investments and accomplishments in Smite 1 through unspecified means in Smite 2.

Closed alpha testing for Smite 2 is planned for this spring on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games store. While no release date was given, Titan Forge Games is fully remaking the MOBA experience utilizing Unreal Engine 5's capabilities for graphical and systemic improvements. Fans can look forward to significant evolutions for the characters, gameplay, and world compared to the original Smite.

Halo Series’ Season 2 Trailer Released

Paramount+ has released a trailer for the second season of the Halo TV series, which will focus on events unfolding on the planet Reach. The voiceover warns of extinction for Reach's people, suggesting the Covenant invasion will be a major plot line.

Glimpses from the trailer show Master Chief outnumbered by Elites and Kai-125 watching as Covenant orbital strikes destroy UNSC ships. Captain Keyes is also seen inspiring soldiers to make their last stand.

Fans familiar with Halo lore know Reach's fall is incredibly significant. While the TV adaptation takes liberties with its adaptations of characters and stories, focusing on the battle of Reach provides an ideal scenario to both explore the humanity of the Spartans as well as feature intense action sequences against the Covenant.

Unlike the depiction in the game Halo: Reach or novel The Fall of Reach, it's unclear if Noble Team will play a role or if those specific events will be directly adapted. Nonetheless, season 2 promises to heighten the stakes and deliver epic battles as the Spartans fight to defend the planet, making this a highly anticipated story arc for Halo fans.

Season 2 of the Halo TV series will premiere on February 8th, 2024 exclusively on Paramount+. The new trailer teases a faithful recreation of some of the franchise's most pivotal moments during the invasion and fall of the human planet Reach.

Switch 2 Rumored to Launch this September

Speculation about Nintendo's successor to the Switch console has been intense, with few official details disclosed. A recent press release from AI company AI Shark, formerly known as cheat code provider GameShark, added an unexpected element by stating the Nintendo Switch 2 would launch in September 2024.

The claim appeared matter-of-factly in a single sentence at the end of the first paragraph of an otherwise unrelated press release about AI Shark's transition to providing AI gaming assistance software instead of cheat codes. However, Nintendo itself has not confirmed any launch window details.

Experts like Bloomberg's Jason Schreier report that AI Shark is simply guessing at the Switch 2's release timing rather than having insider knowledge. Furthermore, the odd decision to insert the predicted date into an announcement about an uninvolved company raises doubts about the validity of the claim.

Nonetheless, the statement understandably gained attention due to intense interest in the Switch successor's launch. However, without corroboration from Nintendo, most analysts view AI Shark's assertion skeptically. The press release insertion presented an unexpected element in the ongoing speculation about hardware details and launch planning but did little to clarify facts from a credible source given AI Shark's lack of relation to Nintendo's plans.

Second Dinner Raises $100 Million to Continue Growing Marvel Snap

Marvel Snap developer Second Dinner has raised $100 million in a Series B investment round led by Griffin Gaming Partners. The successful funding round will allow Second Dinner to further support and expand Marvel Snap while potentially developing new games.

Since launching in June 2022, Marvel Snap has seen immense commercial success, generating over $200 million in revenue and amassing more than 22 million downloads. Second Dinner has worked to sustain this by introducing features like full cross-platform support.

Co-founder Ben Brode noted most of Second Dinner remains focused on Marvel Snap but they are working on other projects as well. The company looks to use the funds to continue growing Marvel Snap globally, incubate original IPs, and pursue other opportunities.

As the lead designer of Hearthstone, Brode has brought his expertise in collectible card games to Marvel Snap. He has shared the game's design principles, such as the importance of physical prototyping and assigning character powers.

Second Dinner will retain its independence following the investment. While the future of Marvel Snap publisher ByteDance is uncertain as it restructures gaming, Second Dinner has assured players the game will continue operating normally. The successful funding round provides Second Dinner flexibility to further expand its popular flagship title and explore new ventures.

2024 Begins with Layoffs Across the Gaming Industry

Several prominent technology and gaming companies announced major layoffs recently. Engine maker Unity will lay off 1800 employees by March due to ongoing financial struggles. Streaming platform Twitch will cut 500 jobs, about 35% of staff, as the company remains unprofitable despite increased advertising investments.

Mobile game publisher Playtika is also laying off 300-400 employees, or around 10% of its workforce, following previous cuts of over 600 workers in December 2022. Most jobs lost will reportedly be at Playtika's Belarus office, which is closing at the end of February. The company has struggled with a difficult marketing period and failed to acquire Rovio, instead buying Innplay Labs and Youda Games.

Discord cut 170 jobs, or 17% of staff, due to overhiring causing inefficiencies, according to CEO Jason Citron. The company aimed to become profitable after raising $1 billion.

These announcements continue horrific trends from 2023, when Microsoft, Epic Games, BioWare, Bungie, Naughty Dog, and others cut over 10,000 roles. Striking Distance, Ascendant Studios, Media Molecule, Amazon Games, Ubisoft, 505 Games, and Embracer Group also implemented major layoffs. Dungeons & Dragons owner Hasbro cut 1,100 positions just before the holidays.

The games industry faces challenges from such widespread and substantial job losses for developers, support staff, and those in related fields for years to come as companies struggle with an economic downturn.

Tencent and Ubisoft Making NPCs with AI-Generated Tools

Ubisoft and Tencent have begun using NVIDIA's new AI tool Ace to help generate NPCs for their games. Ace allows developers to create characters with traits like lip-syncing and customizable personalities using AI. NVIDIA announced at CES 2024 that these major studios are early adopters of the tool, alongside NetEase and MiHoYo.

A portion of Ace is now available, though details on its training are vague. Partner Studio Convai further develops characters with modifications to backstories and personalities. Ubisoft also has its internal tool Ghostwriter for NPCs, created with writer feedback, while Microsoft announced quest-focused design tools.

However, use of AI in creative works remains controversial. Wizards of the Coast faced issues over AI-generated Magic: The Gathering art, acknowledging it "had some AI components." Last year they had banned AI in sourcebooks due to concerns over artistic compensation and proprietary training data.

At GDC2023, developers were cautiously open to AI helping workload but recognized social issues. While tools like Ace could streamline development, they may raise similar problems if artist attribution and consent are unclear. For now, major studios are experimenting with NPC automation through NVIDIA's offerings and internal R&D, but ensuring proper practices for AI-generated creative work remains a challenge.

Big Win for Bitcoin and the Crypto Industry with Spot ETF Approval from the SEC

After years of rejections, the SEC has officially approved the first spot Bitcoin ETF applications from several issuers. This comes just one day after the SEC Twitter account confused followers by posting about approvals that had not occurred yet. Issuers whose applications were approved include ARK 21Shares, Invesco Galaxy, VanEck, WisdomTree, Fidelity, Valkyrie, BlackRock, Grayscale, Bitwise, Hashdex, and Franklin Templeton.

The approvals will allow spot Bitcoin ETFs tracking the price of Bitcoin to be listed and traded on exchanges, giving investors exposure without direct ownership. This is significant as the first regulated product of its kind in the US market after over a decade of attempts. Industry analysts estimate billions of dollars could flow into these ETFs in the coming years.

Leading up to approval, the SEC had denied past applications over concerns of market manipulation but was forced to revisit its stance after Grayscale won a court case challenging the denial of its conversion to an ETF. Fees for the approved ETFs range from 0.2% to 1.5%, with BlackRock, Bitwise, and Ark 21Shares on the lower end and Grayscale the highest. Ark 21Shares will also waive fees initially.

The approvals pave the way for the landmark launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US, fulfilling a longstanding objective for the industry and crypto advocates. Investors will now watch for the ETFs' trading and inflow volumes in the coming months.

X Removes NFT Profile Picture Feature

Twitter has removed the ability for its paid Twitter Blue/X Premium subscribers to use verified NFTs as their profile pictures, a feature launched two years ago. TechCrunch and Decrypt independently confirmed the option is no longer available in the app. It remains unclear if existing NFT profile pictures will still display or retain verification status.

The removal comes after Twitter debuted the exclusive perk in early 2022 as one of the first major platforms to integrate NFTs. However, Meta soon embraced NFTs more fully before also scaling back support to focus on other priorities. Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter later in 2022 introduced major changes to Twitter's approach.

Crypto communities on the platform have reacted to the news by joking about potential lawsuits if their NFTs are screenshots. Meanwhile, the SEC account faced recent unauthorized access where a false tweet about approving Bitcoin ETFs was posted before being walked back.

Twitter confirmed the SEC lacked proper two-factor authentication security and an unauthorized individual gained access via a phone number. The SEC is investigating with the FBI and still expects to officially announce ETF approvals on Wednesday.

While Twitter was pioneering in its early NFT efforts, the removal of its verification feature means the platform has now scaled back that integration while competitors like Meta have shifted attention elsewhere as well. The future of NFT implementations across major social platforms remains uncertain.

Solana Game 'Nyan Heroes' Hits Epic Store Ahead of Airdrop

Nyan Heroes, an upcoming battle royale shooter featuring anthropomorphic cat heroes piloting giant mechs, has announced its upcoming release on the Epic Games Store. As a free-to-play game, it will target a large audience in the popular PC marketplace. No official release date has been provided yet.

Battle royale shooters like Fortnite and PUBG are massively popular genres that see many players or teams fight to be the last ones surviving on a shrinking map. Nyan Heroes is built on the Solana blockchain and has previously launched related NFT collections for character profile pictures that have grown in price since the Epic Store announcement.

Developer 9 Lives Interactive also teased an upcoming airdrop for the community, though it's unknown if this will take the form of NFTs or a new crypto token. Many blockchain games have issued rewards recently as the market rebounds. The game's Twitter excitedly promoted an "epic" first airdrop of 2024 and encouraged players to get involved in the upcoming adventure.

As Solana hosts numerous other play-to-earn crypto and NFT games that allow earning tokens, Nyan Heroes may adopt similar economics. This positions it to target the sizable audience looking to integrate gaming and entertainment with blockchain-based prospects. The Epic Games Store listing will help expose its battle royale mechanics and crypto elements to a wide prospective player pool.

USDC Issuer Circle Files for IPO in the United States

Circle Internet Financial, the issuer of the second largest stablecoin USD Coin (USDC), has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States. Reuters reported Circle's plans to go public, which has long been part of the company's strategic goals.

Circle did not reveal proposed pricing or share details in the filing, which remains subject to SEC review and market conditions. Talks of an IPO first began in 2021 with plans for a $4.5 billion deal to merge with a blank-check company, though this was ultimately called off. Discussions continued into 2022 when reports said Circle was preparing for a potential direct listing and speaking with advisors.

While Circle declined to directly comment on these past rumors, becoming a publicly traded company has consistently been part of their aspirations. As the primary issuer of USDC, Circle's stablecoin maintains one of the largest market caps globally at $25 billion. USDC is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar and remains the second-largest stablecoin by trading volume.

The confidential IPO filing now moves Circle closer to realizing its goal of entering the public markets and increasing transparency as a regulated publicly traded firm.

GameStop Announces Shutdown of its NFT Marketplace

GameStop is shutting down its NFT marketplace and exiting the crypto space. The video game retailer launched the platform in early 2022 focused on gaming NFTs and collectibles on Ethereum networks like Immutable X and Loopring. However, it has now posted a notice that due to ongoing regulatory uncertainty around crypto, the marketplace will cease operations on February 2.

Roughly four months prior, GameStop also shut down its NFT wallet for similar reasons. It's unclear why there was a gap between shutting down the two products. In 2021, GameStop signaled plans to enter NFTs by hiring a team and later partnering with Immutable X, establishing a $100 million fund in IMX tokens. However, it quickly sold off $47 million worth.

By mid-2022, GameStop had laid off an undisclosed number of employees as it launched the marketplace to the public. It later added Immutable X gaming NFT support, but by then the CEO who oversaw the crypto expansion was fired. Analytics sites have now removed GameStop's marketplace listings. Its associated Twitter account has also been inactive since late 2023.

The shutdown marks GameStop's full exit from the crypto space after a brief period of exploring gaming NFT opportunities. Regulatory barriers appear to be the cited reason as the company backs out of its prior vision around blockchain integration.

The Apple Vision Pro Launch Date Set for February

Apple is launching its first mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, in February 2024 starting at $3,499. Pre-orders open on January 19.

Touting this as kickstarting the spatial computing era, Apple claims the Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device. It will revolutionize how people connect, collaborate, work, and enjoy entertainment—including gaming. While HTC, Microsoft, and Meta entered VR previously, Apple waited to ensure a considered strategy.

With gaming, Apple says the Vision Pro will offer engaging experiences by altering reality. It supports Apple Arcade and over 250 games, and titles like NBA 2K24 and Sonic can be played on large screens. Other spatial games may change reality more immersively.

The Vision Pro switches between AR and VR modes and supports third-party controllers including DualSense, allowing familiar gamepad usage. After its debut, Unity launched a visionOS beta program for developers to create spatial computing apps. Apple believes this device will transform computing through its interface.