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cjorgens2022 · 2 months

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Star Wars: Imperial Shadow

in light of the third season of the Bad Batch, this is how I will think how Tech potentially operates as the shadow clone assassin known as CX-2, I must remind you there will be angst in this.

After his fall to his near death on Eriadu following his noble enactment of Plan 99, Clone Commando CT-9902 “Tech”, the brains of the Bad Batch and second in command to Hunter is rescued by Dr. Royce Hemlock of the Empire’s Advanced Science Division

however, Tech will have to feign compliance to Hemlock’s wishes!

He is taken to Tantiss on Weyland where he will undergo some reconditioning, however due to Tech’s brilliant exceptional mind it doesn’t work the way Royce expects. Scorch knows this, as he and Delta Squad had history with Clone Force 99 during the clone wars

instead, the reconditioning just made Tech more cunning and smart.

like Tech, Scorch has no choice in what he does and it’s something Scorch really regrets, he doesn’t want to hunt down his rogue brethren but he has no choice.

normally, Tech would leave the handling of knives to Hunter and Wrecker, but with his rigid training to be a Shadow X assassin operative, Tech will find this in handy so that he can know and understand how Hemlock’s Clone X program works and operates

And so, Tech and Scorch will navigate their roles all while masking their true intentions from Dr. Hemlock, Emperor Palpatine and the rest of the Empire!

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phantom-of-the-501st · 1 year

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Episode 11 Thoughts

Spoilers for TBB Season 2

It is day 873 without Echo and I am not thriving. 🤧

We unfortunately did not get the Rex and Echo centric episode that I was hoping for, but I still really liked this episode. So obligatory "I miss Echo" bit aside for now, let's get into it!

Mysterious smoky ship. Interesting. 🤔

Aside from the little electrical zaps, the first few seconds is very monochrome. I kind of love it.

Horror(ish) elements coming through very early on!

MOUNT TANTISS

Dr Hemlock!

Okay, so the hemlock people were right. Dr Parsnip would've been kinda funny though. 🤣

Ngl, the way they were hiding his face, I thought that there was going to be something about his face worth hiding.

There wasn't.

Unless Dr Hemlock is someone that's been sent before? 🤔 I don't remember anyone by that name. 😅

Nala Sé has appeared!

Omg Cid is such a bitch. 🤬

JUST DITCH HER!

Wrecker nodding along to each percentage then seeing Hunter's unimpressed look and going into angry mode. 😭

Interesting to see Omega, who has always been the first to help Cid, turning as well.

I get very stressed when Tech goes off by himself somewhere. He's already broken a leg this season. 😬

Tech wouldn't have to go off by himself if Echo was here. 🥲

The squad feels so empty without Echo and Cross. 😭

This episode is spooky. I like it!

There was me thinking it was a weird Zillo hybrid. Turns out that's just what small Zillobeasts look like.

Saying that, THE ZILLOBEAST IS BACK!!!

Completely forgot we got a glimpse of it in the trailer. 🤣

Tech looks so adorable. 🥰

Another Omega and Tech team up!!!

There is a lot of Hunter piloting the Marauder this season.

Omega being a little nerd is so personal to me. Science girlies rise!!!

Although I guess it was less of a choice for her. 🥲

But she's a smart bean and I love her.

HOW QUICKLY IS THAT THING GROWING?!

FORGET INDESTRUCTIBLE ARMOUR DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT COULD MEAN FOR SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES

RAPID CELL DIVISION = POSSIBILITIES OF FINDING NEW THINGS FOR ANTI CANCER RESEARCH AND-

I'm getting ahead of myself. Oops. 😅

Although I will say this...

HOW??? I know it's Star Wars but that thing grows that quickly off energy??? What???

I just realised I forgot to mention the arm from earlier.

Yeah... the arm hanging out of the mouth.

Ew.

Anyway back to where we were! 🤣

Omega having to turn off the machines so that Tech will actually leave. 🤣

Zillibeast laser? Interesting. 🤔

Is that likely a giant bacta tank or just a random fluids container?

These poor people just lost all their electricity because of the zillobeast and now they're being forced to leave?!

I feel so bad for them. 😭

So many Commandos this episode. 🤨

I just love Wrecker leaning on things with his arms crossed. 🥰

I wanna give that man a hug.

He would give good hugs.

ECHO AND REX MENTION!!!

We have to be seeing those boys soon. Come on. 🥲

They're definitely all still in touch with each other though which makes me happy. 🥰

Is that Scorch?

Suspected that Lama Su would still be alive!

NOPE NOPE NOPETY NOPE NOPE NOPE

WE ARE NOT GOING AFTER OMEGA

NOPE

Anyway, overall thoughts are that I really liked this episode! The spooky vibes were really fun and I was glad to see some more of the zillobeast!

Felt like a pretty even split of dialogue across the Batchers today, and we got some new characters as well. I think it was well balanced! Not the Echo and Rex episode I was hoping for, but still very enjoyable. 😄

BUT NEXT EPISODE IS A CROSSHAIR EPISODE AND I CAN'T WAIT!!! I MISS THAT GRUMPY TOOTHPICK SO MUCH!

Anyway, I'm gonna have to disappear for a few hours while I avoid Mando spoilers 😅, but I can't wait to see what everyone thinks of the episode later!

#part of me is worried that we won't see echo until episode 14 #and that makes me sad #BUT IT'S CROSSHAIR NEXT WEEK!!!#star wars #the bad batch #the bad batch seaskn 2 spoilers #the bad batch spoilers #tbb spoilers #tech #wrecker #hunter #omega #echo #crosshair

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chillmax19 · 9 months

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Smart Cooling Choices: Exploring Brine Chiller Manufacturers in India

In the scorching heat of India's summers, the need for efficient cooling solutions cannot be overstated. Whether you're running a manufacturing plant, a data centre, a hotel, or any other commercial establishment, keeping your equipment and spaces cool is vital for smooth operations. One of the most innovative and environmentally friendly options for cooling in India is brine chillers, and leading the way in this industry is Chillmax Technologies Pvt Ltd.

The Rising Need for Smart Cooling Solutions

As India continues to experience rapid industrialization and urbanisation, the demand for cooling solutions has skyrocketed. The country faces a dual challenge: the need to keep indoor spaces comfortable and to protect sensitive machinery from overheating. This has led to a surge in the popularity of brine chillers, which offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to meet these demands.

Why Choose Brine Chillers?

Brine chillers are a smart choice for several reasons. Unlike traditional air conditioning systems that consume enormous amounts of electricity and rely on refrigerants harmful to the environment, brine chillers use a specially formulated brine solution to transfer heat. This not only makes them more energy-efficient but also significantly reduces their carbon footprint.

Chillmax Technologies Pvt Ltd: Pioneering Smart Cooling

When it comes to brine chillers in India, Chillmax Technologies Pvt Ltd stands out as an industry leader. Founded with a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Chillmax has consistently delivered cutting-edge cooling solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses across the country.

Advanced Technology and Engineering Excellence

Chillmax prides itself on its advanced technology and engineering excellence. Their brine chillers are designed and manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring reliable and efficient cooling. With a team of experienced engineers and technicians, Chillmax stays at the forefront of technological advancements in the cooling industry.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility

One of the core principles of Chillmax Technologies is environmental responsibility. Their brine chillers are designed to be highly energy-efficient, reducing electricity consumption and operational costs for their clients. Moreover, by using a non-harmful brine solution, Chillmax ensures that its cooling solutions have a minimal impact on the environment, aligning with India's push for sustainability.

Tailored Solutions for Diverse Industries

What sets Chillmax apart is its ability to provide tailored cooling solutions for a wide range of industries. Whether you need to cool a large manufacturing plant, a data centre, a hotel, or a pharmaceutical facility, Chillmax can customise its brine chillers to meet your specific requirements. This flexibility makes them a go-to choice for businesses seeking smart cooling solutions.

Exceptional After-Sales Support

Chillmax Technologies Pvt Ltd doesn't just stop at delivering high-quality brine chillers. They understand the importance of after-sales support in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of their products. Their dedicated service team is available around the clock to address any maintenance or repair needs, ensuring that your cooling systems run smoothly year after year.

Customer-Centric Approach

At Chillmax, the customer is at the centre of everything they do. They take the time to understand your unique cooling needs, budget constraints, and environmental concerns. This customer-centric approach allows them to recommend the most suitable brine chiller solution for your business, ensuring that you get the best value for your investment.

Conclusion

In a country as diverse and dynamic as India, the demand for smart cooling choices is ever-increasing. Brine chillers, with their energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, have emerged as a game-changing technology in the cooling industry. Among the top brine chiller manufacturers in India, Chillmax Technologies Pvt Ltd has set itself apart with its commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and customer satisfaction.

If you're in search of a reliable and eco-friendly cooling solution for your business, Chillmax is the name you can trust. Their brine chillers not only provide efficient cooling but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for India. Make the smart choice for your cooling needs—choose Chillmax Technologies Pvt Ltd and experience the difference in cooling technology.

#brine chiller manufacturers #in India #in Bangalore

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martinahlijanian · 3 years

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The Hunt for Real Contracting Transformation (co-written by Dennis Smyth)

Change. The mere mention of the word generates multiple emotions. As professionals, particularly in the tech and professional services sectors, we know we’re supposed to embrace it, sell it, and support it. But in the context of OUR internal organizations and operations, we flinch. In fact, some of us get downright petulant, almost reverting to holding our breath and stomping feet. And those responsible for implementing the change – whether it be a procedure, a policy, or a system/app – have to deal with that resistance, while somehow staying on schedule and ensuring broad user adoption. No wonder certain implementers can sound like esteemed Captain Bart Mancuso (played perfectly by veteran actor Scott Glenn in the greatest movie ever made, The Hunt for Red October) when he says “Now if that ___ so much as twitches, I’m going to blow him straight to Mars”.

Hopefully change-related tensions don’t rise to this level in your company or agency, and your implementation teams are a bit more friendly, mature and flexible. Every change manager should understand that the acceptance of change is challenging.

Some might argue that change is more difficult for certain functions. One of the most important processes in any business is the handling of quotes, proposals and contracts. After all, contracts date back to our old friend Justinian’s law of the 6th century CE/AD as cornerstones of a developed market economy, and have increased in significance, particularly as business increases in complexity. Entitlements, obligations, and value corresponding to each party continue to be captured in contracts, but with the advent of business intelligence tools and sophisticated databases, tactical and strategic advantages inure to those organizations that mine data from their contracts most efficiently. So every large, successful corporation must be embracing contract process transformation initiatives, right? Not even close. Perhaps more than others, contracts, legal, and compliance professionals generally LOATHE change. Go ahead and implement a new HR or finance system, but don’t touch the way we do our jobs! Any lost time, lost information, or even worse, lost document(s) could be fatal to the company (so we think). As Admiral Painter said in Red October, “This business will get out of control…it will get out of control and we’ll be lucky to live through it!” (That’s a bit of an understated response when someone proposes a contract transformation program in MY department, but you get the idea.)

Nevertheless, contract transformation must occur. We’ve established that the handling of proposals and contracts is critical to a successful organization. If that’s the case, it should logically follow that the contracting process must perform at peak operational efficiency and effectiveness, with the best tools currently available. Contracts, legal, and compliance practitioners should never be the “red-headed stepchildren”, using outdated apps and byzantine procedures solely because “that’s the way we’ve always done it”.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged every aspect of our society, and contracting processes are no exception. If your department hasn’t gone through a transformation recently, COVID has likely generated a host of reasons to consider changes. For starters, where your team will work is a daily consideration, and the subject of thousands of webinars, white papers, and advisories. Smashing silos between departments is now a necessity, not a luxury from a consultant’s wish list. And completing such a transformation in a timely manner must occur to keep the company afloat. But before any other change initiative is considered, there’s now a sine quo non of transformation in 2021: employee safety. Pressures to return to an office environment will mount as infection rates drop; however, the benefits of in-person collaboration and employee-company stickiness shouldn’t ever trump increased risk to your team’s physical and emotional health. Stay tuned as this dynamic evolves through the coming months of vaccine mandates and booster shots.

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) matters, as well as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) considerations, are now part and parcel of contracts teams, from the retention of consultants in these areas to the increased utilization of diverse suppliers, partners, and subcontractors within the business. Entire proposal sections on ESG issues may have to be drafted, and contracts professionals may be called upon to provide substantial input into these developing responses. With respect to DEI, our colleagues in the government contracts arena have been utilizing tools to discover, partner with, and monitor/report on the performance of diverse subcontractors for over four decades; the contract formation and management practices used in that market could jump start a team’s ineffective – or non-existent – diversity supplier program. Process and system transformation will need to accommodate these critical areas.

Much has also been written about cloud systems and apps that facilitate remote work, and our blog from earlier this year on Contracts Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems addresses the jewel in the crown of remote contracts work. Collaboration tools, packaged home office setups, and mobile applications should also be considered to replicate the pre-COVID ways of working as much as possible.

In terms of your team’s structure, changes may be required to your wiring diagram to improve efficiency and reflect the dramatically altered circumstances. Schematic adjustments alone don’t often yield tremendous results, but in the current environment, and under the aegis of process transformation, reporting structures should be examined, particularly involving coordination with Legal and Finance departments. The placement of the contracts team – as either a centralized shared service, within a business unit, or in a hybrid structure, is also an issue to be addressed. Substantively, real estate, insurance, supply chain, third party partners in the remediation/testing field, and bankruptcy issues will likely demand equal footing with the typical front-runner of customer contracts.

This blog could go on for hundreds of pages on the topic of change management alone. Mandatory requirements include:

Ø Very public senior leadership support

Ø Transparency from start to finish

Ø Focus initially on managers – their buy-in is essential

Ø It’s all about relationships – don’t ever forget that, and use them within and outside of the process

Ø Develop and deliver training throughout the initiative

Specific transformation activities should focus on:

1. Contracts team performance, as measured against internal SLAs and KPIs

2. Skills of team members

3. Budget management

4. IT systems and apps

5. Terms and fallback position standardization (“playbook” creation, distribution and training)

6. Utilization of external resources and consultants

7. Common project management practices

Best practices in structuring the transformation exercise include the following steps:

Ø An initial diagnostic assessment of functions and then-current performance

Ø Survey of stakeholders and analysis of results against benchmarks

Ø Creation of a new contracting strategy

Ø Assessing IT tools that will facilitate the transformation for multiple years

Ø Messaging the urgent need and advantages of changes

Ø Creation of change agent allies and identification of specific team members for this role

Ø Measuring and monitoring progress

Merger and acquisition (M&A) integration activities must also be reflected in your contracts team transformation program. This includes both previously integrated entities/staff as well as future organizations. A packaged, M&A-centric version of your transformation program must be created as a major quick reaction process with your entity integration plan. This doesn’t have to be an immediate “break glass, pull alarm” response, but as discussed above, should be implemented sooner rather than later given the criticality of contracts to the overall business.

“Hey Ryan – be careful what you shoot at. Most things in here don’t react too well to bullets.”

Another aspect of change management (at least as taught to us at PwC) is to cajole and convince, but never go in with guns blazing. After all, facts and logic are in ample supply – you shouldn’t have to utilize a scorched earth approach. Does that mean every colleague will warmly embrace the changes? Absolutely not. But verbal bullets fired at your own team members shouldn’t be an option.

“When he reached the New World, Cortez burned his ships. As a result, his men were well motivated.”

While a Genghis Khan communication strategy shouldn’t be employed, weak, nostalgic messaging that undercuts the transformation and questions the need or approach for change will doom the program. Burn those ships sailing against the initiative. That doesn’t mean all of the prior procedures, approaches, systems, or contract terms were poor, or should be abandoned. But broader statements questioning the need or wisdom of the transformation must be torched.

A lot to consider here but it’s all about moving forward in a way that that improves staff/company morale and performance in a rapidly-changing internal and external environment. As Jack Ryan said in the final scene of Red October, “Welcome to the New World, Captain.”

#contract management #contract process #contract team

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webart-studio · 5 years

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Right here's why it is very important have a cohesive cell buyer expertise – Advertising and marketing Land

Within the hyper-connected world we reside in, it’s bewildering to see situations the place manufacturers activate lack-luster and even damaged cell experiences for his or her clients. The last word frustration although is when an organization makes an attempt to satisfy the minimal requirement of beginning with a clear, cell expertise, however then hyperlinks to different non-responsive digital properties to finish a process or proceed a person’s journey. As an expertise lead at an company, settling for minimal necessities to accommodate cell customers is unacceptable. Each step all through a buyer’s journey needs to be tailor-made round a cohesive cell expertise, accentuating accessibility. As a runner, I consider it like beginning a run on a easily paved floor, however then being compelled to detour right into a muddy path for many of my journey. No enjoyable. Not joyful.

One supply of those points could also be brought on by a niche in understanding the sensible utility of sure mobile-centric phrases. Cellular expertise buzzwords, comparable to “mobile-first” or “fluidly responsive,” carry worth in in the present day’s advertising and communications professionals. Nevertheless, some folks use these phrases with out actually realizing their which means. It’s one factor to make use of the jargon in dialog. It’s fairly completely different from realizing tips on how to create most of these experiences for purchasers. That is the place we see manufacturers wrestle probably the most – good phrases, nice intent, inspiring concepts, however referencing an incomplete technique (or no technique in any respect), leading to unhealthy execution, poor outcomes, and little constructive impression on key enterprise outcomes.

The best way customers are accessing content material is regularly altering, and matched with the refined expectations for personalised messaging, manufacturers should work a lot smarter to know tips on how to join with clients. The beginning-up group is a good instance of those that are carving the trail to extra cohesive, tighter, cleaner and extra personalized cell experiences. The chance of a clean slate permits these younger manufacturers to begin contemporary, with the flexibility to leverage the most effective expertise and approaches. It’s not that extra established manufacturers are ignoring the wants of customers, fairly the opposite. The actual fact of the matter is that extra established manufacturers with an present, legacy digital ecosystem have the arduous process of evolving from older expertise. The duties concerned with migrating to modern platforms that allow enhanced cell experiences aren’t solely complicated however might be extraordinarily costly.

The lack for older, extra established manufacturers to evolve at a faster tempo has given method to new firms, and these youthful manufacturers are capitalizing on a slower transferring aggressive panorama. Have a look at the insurance coverage business – newer manufacturers, comparable to Lemonade and Oscar, have included the most recent interactive experiences to have interaction with customers, by the context of smaller gadgets. It’s not that legacy manufacturers don’t present cell experiences; it comes again to my earlier level – execution. Having customers fill out a cell responsive kind, remains to be having customers fill out a kind. Incorporating an automatic conversational-interface to assist customers full duties is the place you see the execution evolution. Whereas each Lemonade and Oscar take a singular method to what they do, they’re extraordinarily user-centric and epitomize what it means to have interaction with customers on the person’s phrases.

There are a lot of manufacturers who present unimaginable cell experiences, however sadly, the brink of tolerability is changing into a lot smaller. Shopper’s expectations will proceed to develop larger. The tech panorama will proceed to turn into extra refined. The standard of designing personalised experiences will proceed to turn into extra particular. Manufacturers must continually remind themselves to problem custom and conference to make sure they’re assembly the wants of their clients in all experiences, no matter gadget.

Opinions expressed on this article are these of the visitor writer and never essentially Advertising and marketing Land. Employees authors are listed right here.

About The Writer

As senior vice chairman of expertise at Scorching Paper Lantern, Caleb Freeman is chargeable for ensuring interactive inventive contains: best-in-class design, environment friendly expertise, the voice of the shopper, model continuity, and is pushed by insightful person information. Along with serving to lead initiatives and accounts, Caleb serves the company by figuring out new approaches, processes and methodologies in how HPL produces inventive options aligned to enterprise outcomes and mission targets. With intensive expertise in crafting user-centric options, Caleb has lead initiatives and initiatives for all kinds of firms, starting from tech startups to Fortune 500s. Caleb’s expertise and previous initiatives span throughout B2B and B2C manufacturers, together with Fb, Nestlé, AIG, MINI, EY, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Avon.

Supply hyperlink

source https://webart-studio.com/right-heres-why-it-is-very-important-have-a-cohesive-cell-buyer-expertise-advertising-and-marketing-land/

#start up #entrepreneurs #new business #online marketing #wordpress websites #productivity #sm

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garynsmith · 6 years

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Why 2018 is the year of the agent

http://ift.tt/2BKFDhh

Why 2018 is the year of the agent

The likes of Realogy, Compass and Redfin are all touting agent-centric models and tools. Now the footsoliders of real estate may finally be getting their due.

Faster. Better. Together. Inman Connect San Francisco, Jul 16-20, 2018

The race is on, and agents are becoming the clear winners. All the companies in real estate -- new tech brokerages, legacy franchises and indie brokers -- are all trying to cozy-up to the solo practitioner and their small teams. At Inman Connect last week, new Realogy CEO Ryan Schneider said his focus is on agents and building technology to support them. Schneider said that leveraging untapped real estate data and enhancing the agent experience across Realogy’s litany of brands will take center stage as the giant battles for market share against Keller Williams and a growing army of tech-enabled competitors The day before, Compass CEO Robert Reffkin made it clear that he is focused on the best agents and building technology to help them do their job. The New York-based tech brokerage has expanded its footprint to all major metro markets and has unrolled a scorched earth agent recruitment strategy. “Tech-savvy agents able to deploy state-of-the-art tools li...

Article image credited to Kaliya Warren/Inman

from Inman http://ift.tt/2nBjXii via IFTTT

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takenews-blog1 · 6 years

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Kodak Joins Cryptocurrency Craze with ‘KODAKCoin’, Inventory Surges

New Post has been published on https://takenews.net/kodak-joins-cryptocurrency-craze-with-kodakcoin-inventory-surges/

Kodak Joins Cryptocurrency Craze with ‘KODAKCoin’, Inventory Surges

We didn’t see this one coming: Kodak simply joined the cryptocurrency craze by asserting a brand new “photo-centric” cryptocurrency known as “KODAKCoin.”

Kodak says KODAKCoin might be “a photo-centric cryptocurrency to empower photographers and businesses to take higher management in picture rights administration.” The foreign money will present photographers with a brand new income stream and safe platform for shielding their work.

The idea sounds just like the service supplied by Binded (previously generally known as Blockai), which makes use of the Bitcoin blockchain create copyright information. As an alternative of constructing upon an current blockchain and use its cryptocurrency, Kodak has determined to create its personal.

The brand new service might be known as KODAKOne, and will probably be an encrypted, digital ledger of rights possession. Photographers will have the ability to register each new and outdated photographs to the service and blockchain, after which subsequently license them utilizing the platform.

Transactions might be completed utilizing KODAKCoin reasonably than US or different types of fiat cash.

“With KODAKCoin, collaborating photographers are invited to participate in a brand new economic system for pictures, obtain cost for licensing their work instantly upon sale, and for each skilled and newbie photographers, promote their work confidently on a safe blockchain platform,” Kodak says.

KODAKOne will even continuously crawl the Internet in the hunt for copyright infringements to guard the work of registered photographers. When infringements are discovered, the system will effectively assist facilitate the post-licensing course of to get the photographers what they deserve.

“For a lot of within the tech business, ‘blockchain’ and ‘cryptocurrency’ are scorching buzzwords, however for photographers who’ve lengthy struggled to claim management over their work and the way it’s used, these buzzwords are the keys to fixing what felt like an unsolvable downside,” says Kodak CEO Jeff Clarke. “Kodak has all the time sought to democratize pictures and make licensing honest to artists. These applied sciences give the pictures group an progressive and simple technique to just do that.”

It appears “conventional” traders have been delighted by this information: Kodak’s inventory surged over 75% on the information, going from its opening value of round $three to a excessive of $5.50.

KODAKOne might be launching this week, and the KODAKCoin preliminary coin providing might be opening on January 31st, 2018. You may go to the KODAKCoin web site if you happen to’re involved in investing within the ICO.

#Bitcoin #Business #crypto #Cryptocurrency #Kodak #kodakcoin #rightsmanagement

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shadowsinseashells · 7 years

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VR reality, one 12 months out: What went proper, what did not

After years of teases, tantalizing guarantees, and Kickstarter campaigns, digital actuality lastly turned precise actuality in 2016, with VR’s mere existence thrusting the whole PC trade into wonderful, great turmoil. Regardless of being round for only a handful of months, digital actuality has already impressed completely new genres of computer systems, wormed its approach deep into Home windows, and despatched the worth of graphics playing cards plummeting.

Not too shabby for VR’s first actual 12 months on the streets, although the implementations may nonetheless use some fine-tuning. Let’s look again at how this wild new frontier blossomed in 2016.

The delivery of client VR Headsets

From the very begin of 2016 it was clear that the daybreak of correct PC-powered VR had arrived. You can see proof of this reality throughout CES 2016 in January, the place EVGA launched a specialised graphics card designed to suit VR headset ergonomics; Nvidia rolled out a VR certification program; and seemingly each sales space boasted some form of virtual-reality hook, from VR treadmills to VR porn and VR Everest climbs (the latter two being mind-blowing in their very own methods).

[ Further reading: Your new PC needs these 15 free, excellent programs ] The PC world was prepared. However digital actuality itself wasn’t, not less than till the Oculus Rift’s large client launch later that spring.

Nicely, large in principle. Whereas PCWorld praised the Oculus Rift in its overview—digital actuality was right here, and it was magical!—the launch was removed from excellent. The rumbling started within the run-up to the headset’s launch, with Rift’s $600 launch value far exceeding the $250 to $500 vary that Oculus higher-ups had teased repeatedly. As soon as it really launched, the headset was stricken byshortages and important cargo delays, which didn’t go over effectively in any respect.

However the largest downside for the Rift was that even at launch its days already felt numbered—not a vibe you need from $600 . The Rift was designed primarily as a seated VR expertise, with a controller in your arms. By the point it launched on March 28, lovers and trade press had already hung out taking part in with the SteamVR-powered HTC Vive, which used made-for-VR controllers and devoted monitoring stations to allow room-scale VR experiences that allow you to wander round and really contact issues. After making an attempt Vive, going again to the Rift’s sedentary expertise felt far much less satisfying.

And the HTC/Valve duo didn’t waste any time capitalizing on its benefit. The HTC Vive launched on April 5, roughly every week after the Oculus Rift, and instantly seized the crown as PCWorld’s most well-liked VR resolution.

Regardless of that, we advocate passing on the Rift and the Vive, and for superb motive. Whereas VR will be nothing in need of awe-inspiring, these first-gen merchandise even have some apparent flaws.

Costs and PCs

Man, VR Headsets are costly.

That’s to be anticipated with bleeding-edge , however $600 for the Oculus Rift or $800 for the HTC Vive places them firmly within the “one %” class. The latest launch of Oculus’s $200 Contact controllers drove the price of a full Rift setup to the Vive’s stage, or much more if you'd like kinda-sorta room-scale experiences and wish an additional sensor. VR experiences are usually high-priced and comparatively short-lived in comparison with conventional PC video games. This isn't an inexpensive pastime.

That priciness was exacerbated by the necessity to join these headsets to a reasonably highly effective PC—that value of which was roughly $1,000 to $1,500 on the time of the headsets' launch. Luckily, whereas the Vive and Rift themselves have stayed on the identical lofty costs, the price of a pc to run them completely plunged because the 12 months carried on.

The plunge started with the launch of AMD’s Radeon RX 480, which revolutionized what’s attainable with a $200 graphics card. Earlier than its launch, VR-capable graphics playing cards value practically twice that quantity. (Nvidia shortly adopted go well with with the $250 GeForce GTX 1060.) Leaping ahead two full technological generations paid main dividends for graphics playing cards.

Software program methods helped democratize VR simply as a lot. On the Oculus Join convention in October, the corporate revealed a brand new function dubbed “Asynchronous Spacewarp” that used technical methods to drive the barrier to entry for Rift VR approach, approach down—all the best way to an AMD AM4 or Intel Core i3-6100 processor, and a GeForce GTX 960 graphics card. In March, a Rift-ready PC value not less than $1,000; after Oculus Join, Rift-ready PCs began at $500, and as I write this there’s a Finest Purchase promotion providing a full PC and the Rift itself for $999.

Scorching rattling, costs plunged quick. And one other pesky PC VR downside is already in all people’s sights.

Wired woes

The HTC Vive and Oculus Rift each drive very high-fidelity gaming experiences, and headsets must be bodily tethered to your PC to be able to work. That form of sucks. It’s all too straightforward to journey over the thick cables when you’re wandering across the room ensconced in a digital world, or to twist and switch a lot that the twine ultimately jerks your head again.

That (typically literal) headache impressed the delivery of an entire new class of gaming PCs—ones that you just put on in your again. You’re nonetheless wired up, certain, however these wires journey with you rather than getting tangled between your ft. Zotac, MSI, Alienware, and HP have all revealed backpack PCs of varied designs, although none have really hit the road but.

As nifty as they're, nonetheless, backpack PCs really feel like a stopgap resolution—a repair to an issue that can disappear when extra sturdy wi-fi show applied sciences or stronger cell graphics arrive. And you may already see that wi-fi future on the horizon, with Oculus testing a completely self-contained cell Rift prototype pictured above and HTC backing a $220 add-on equipment that makes the Vive wi-fi.

Past PCs

Whereas highly effective PC-based VR experiences could also be tethered, the extra modest world of phone-driven cell VR has already left cords far behind.

Samsung’s Gear VR headset (which solely works with Samsung Galaxy telephones) blazed the Android VR path, whereas Google’s low-cost Cardboard introduced it to the plenty. In late 2016 Google stomped into the Gear VR’s turf with Daydream VR, an Android-centric initiative that brings premium cell VR to the whole ecosystem slightly than Samsung’s telephones alone.

Daydream facilities on a trio of pillars: highly effective telephones, Daydream VR headsets, and Android Nougat’s new VR options. Whereas Google’s personal Daydream View headset and Pixel cellphone kicked off this system, Daydream isn’t its alone. HTC, LG, Xiaomi, Huawei, ZTE, Asus, Alcatel, Lenovo, and sure, even Samsung have pledged to create Daydream cell gadgets.

Microsoft’s HoloLens is form of a mixture of PC and cell VR, whereas additionally a unique beast totally. It’s a conveyable, absolutely self-contained system that doesn’t want to connect with a PC, however HoloLens makes use of augmented actuality, not digital actuality. Digital actuality plops you in absolutely realized digital worlds; augmented actuality, because the title implies, augments the actual world with overlaid objects, akin to a Minecraft world sprouting out of your espresso desk or a Skype video chat showing in your wall.

Microsoft nonetheless hasn’t revealed particulars about when (or if) HoloLens will likely be accessible to client customers, or how a lot it will value, however deep-pocketed builders and enterprise customers can already decide up the headset for a cool $three,000.

The longer term

Expensive HoloLens headset aren’t Microsoft’s solely foray into VR. The huge Home windows 10 Creators Replace subsequent spring will bake augmented actuality options a lot, way more deeply into the flagship PC working system, and it’ll be accompanied by a military of latest Home windows 10 VR headsets at launch—headsets that can begin at simply $300 and run on surprisingly modest PCs. In the meantime, Intel and Microsoft’s Challenge Evo partnership goals to vary how computer systems “assume, see, and listen to,” with a particular objective of driving combined actuality ahead.

If 2016 was delivery of a virtual-reality revolution, search for 2017 to be a 12 months of VR refinement. Witness the brand new, Oculus Contact-esque Vive controllers that Valve already started to tease, and bookmark the vacation 2017 launch of Microsoft’s highly effective Xbox Scorpio console—which may very probably leverage the Home windows 10 Creators Replace to run the Oculus Rift or Home windows 10 VR headsets as a counter to Sony’s surprisingly okay PlayStation VR.

Subsequent 12 months, VR video games ought to solely get higher as builders acquire extra expertise... if they'll navigate the difficult world of client expectations and uncover what individuals actually need from the medium, that's. The price of VR-capable PCs will solely maintain taking place. Anticipate augmented actuality to proceed making inroads in automotive tech. The Vive and Rift could even get value cuts! Heck, with sufficient advances, 2017 could be the 12 months PCWorld formally recommends you purchase a VR headset.

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