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Homeworld 3 War Games demo available to play until Feb 12th 2024

Homeworld 3 War Games gameplay demonstration

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Homeworld 3 with the “War Games Demo,” a limited-time event that promises to enthrall fans of strategy games. From February 5 to February 12, players can dive into a unique blend of real-time strategy and roguelike gameplay, available on Steam. This sneak peek into the much-anticipated Homeworld 3 universe is designed to challenge even the most seasoned strategists.

The demo introduces the War Games mode, where players face randomized fleet combat scenarios that test their tactical skills. As you engage in these battles, you’ll discover collectible Artifacts that can be used to enhance your ships, giving you an edge over your opponents. The excitement doesn’t stop there; the demo also supports multiplayer gameplay, allowing you to team up with friends and tackle the challenges together.

Homeworld 3 War Games

As you play through the War Games demo, you’ll find yourself progressing through a system that unlocks new fleets and Artifacts. This progression not only enriches your demo experience but also has lasting benefits. The rewards you earn will carry over to the full version of Homeworld 3, ensuring that your time invested in the demo is not lost.

Play until February 12 at 10am PT.

One of the standout features of the demo is the inclusion of four unique maps. Each map offers a different strategic environment, pushing you to adapt your tactics and think on your feet. Whether you prefer to play solo or join forces with others, the demo caters to both styles of play, supporting up to three players in online multiplayer matches.

Features :

– Multiplayer support for up to three players through Quick Match or private lobbies.
– Progression through the demo allows unlocking of new fleets and Artifacts.
– Persistence of unlocked Fleets and Artifacts into the full game, with a transfer process to be detailed later.
– The necessity for players not using Steam Cloud Saves to retain demo files for progress transfer.
– The demo includes four different maps and various unlockables to enhance gameplay.
– The option to play the War Games mode solo or with friends online, with a maximum of three players.

For those who are not Steam users, there’s no need to worry. The Homeworld 3 War Games demo is also accessible through the Epic Games Store, ensuring that a wider audience can participate in this exciting event. As you make your way through the War Games demo, rest assured that your achievements will not be in vain. A process will be put in place to transfer your progress to the full game. For those using Steam Cloud Saves, your progress is automatically stored. If you choose not to use this feature, be sure to keep your demo files safe for a smooth transition to the complete Homeworld 3 experience.

The Homeworld 3 “War Games Demo” is a must-play event for fans of real-time strategy and roguelike games. With its engaging features, multiplayer support, and a progression system that rewards your dedication, the demo offers a glimpse of the strategic depth and excitement that awaits in Homeworld 3. Mark your calendars and get ready for a week of intense strategic battles and cooperative gameplay.

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Lexar ARES DDR5 7200 memory and PLAY 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD

Lexar ARES DDR5 7200 memory

Lexar announced the launch of two new products: the ARES RGB DDR5 7200 Desktop Memory and the PLAY 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD. These additions are set to cater to the needs of avid gamers and PC enthusiasts, offering superior performance, cooling systems, customizable lighting effects, high-speed performance, small form factor, and low power consumption.

The ARES RGB DDR5 7200 Desktop Memory is designed with the hardcore gamer and PC enthusiast in mind. Its next-gen DDR5 technology offers superior performance, making it an attractive choice for those seeking to enhance their gaming experience. The memory module is equipped with a premium aluminum heat spreader, ensuring ultra-fast performance, stability, and reliability. This cooling system is crucial for maintaining optimal operation, especially during intense gaming sessions where overheating can lead to performance degradation.

An added feature of the ARES RGB DDR5 7200 Desktop Memory is the Lexar RGB Sync. This allows users to customize and synchronize lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the gaming rig. This enhancement not only makes the gaming experience more immersive but also gives users the freedom to personalize their setups.

PLAY 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD

PLAY 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD

On the other hand, the PLAY 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD is ideal for handheld gaming consoles and compact M.2 laptops. This SSD offers high read and write speeds, which are essential for handling demanding games and fast file transfers. It features an SLC dynamic cache, enabling quick load times and downloads. This is a significant advantage for gamers as it reduces waiting times and enhances the overall gaming experience.

One of the notable features of the PLAY 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD is its low power consumption. This is particularly beneficial for handheld gaming consoles and laptops, as it extends battery life during gaming sessions, allowing for longer, uninterrupted play.

In terms of compatibility, the ARES RGB DDR5 7200 Desktop Memory supports most motherboards and is compatible with the latest Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO. It is available in a 32 GB kit (2 x 16 GB), making it a cost-effective option at $139.99.

The PLAY 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD, on the other hand, is compatible with Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and M.2 2230-compatible laptops. It is available in a 1 TB capacity, priced at $109.99. This makes it a competitive option for those seeking to upgrade their gaming console or laptop storage.

Lexar’s introduction of the ARES RGB DDR5 7200 Desktop Memory and the PLAY 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD is a strategic move to cater to the evolving needs of the gaming community. With superior performance, cooling systems, customizable lighting effects, high-speed performance, small form factor, and low power consumption, these products offer gamers the options to enhance their gaming rigs or upgrade their Steam Deck or ROG Ally.

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Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally vs Legion Play

Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally vs Legion

If you’re wondering what handheld gaming system you should purchase this holiday season you might be interested to know that awesome ETA Prime has created a great comparison overview video comparing the Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally vs Legion.  If you are in the market for a handheld gaming PC enabling you to enjoy your favorite virtual worlds wherever you go. The handheld gaming PC market is buzzing with options, each promising to deliver the thrills of gaming in a compact form. ETA Prime takes a closer look at three contenders that are making waves among gamers: the Steam Deck OLED, the ROG Flow Z13, and the Lenovo Legion Play.

Steam Deck OLED

  • Display: OLED, HDR support, 90 Hz refresh rate, 1000 nits peak brightness.
  • Processor/GPU: Custom AMD APU, Zen 2 architecture, RDNA 2 integrated GPU.
  • Storage: Options of 512 GB or 1 TB, expandable with Micro SD card.
  • Battery: 50 Wh, designed for extended gaming sessions.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E.
  • Weight: 640 grams.
  • Strengths: Superior screen quality, long battery life.
  • Ideal for: Gamers prioritizing visual quality and battery endurance.

ROG Flow Z13 (ROG Ally)

  • Display: 7-inch IPS, 120 Hz refresh rate, FreeSync technology.
  • Processor/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU (Zen 4), RDNA 3 integrated GPU.
  • Storage: Supports Micro SD card.
  • Battery: 40 Wh with 65W fast charging.
  • Weight: Lightest at 608 grams.
  • Strengths: High performance, smooth gameplay, fast charging.
  • Ideal for: Performance-focused gamers who value portability.

Lenovo Legion Play

  • Display: 8.8-inch IPS, 144 Hz refresh rate.
  • Processor/GPU: Same as ROG Flow Z13.
  • Storage: 512 GB or 1 TB, with SSD upgrade option.
  • Battery: 49.2 Wh with 65W fast charging.
  • Weight: Heaviest at 854 grams.
  • Unique Feature: Detachable controllers.
  • Strengths: Large screen, flexible control options, balanced battery life.
  • Ideal for: Gamers who prefer a larger screen and versatile controls.

In summary, each device has distinct strengths:

  • Steam Deck OLED excels in display quality and battery life.
  • ROG Flow Z13 offers top-tier performance and is highly portable.
  • Lenovo Legion Play stands out with its large screen and controller versatility.

Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally vs Legion

Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of Steam Deck OLED vs ROG Ally vs Legion :

Steam Deck OLED

The Steam Deck OLED is a sight to behold for those who appreciate stunning visuals. It’s powered by a custom AMD APU that blends the efficiency of Zen 2 architecture with the graphical prowess of an RDNA 2 integrated GPU. The highlight is its OLED display, which boasts HDR support, a smooth 90 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness that can reach 1000 nits. This means your games will not only look vibrant but also run smoothly.

You can choose between 512 GB or 1 TB of storage, and if that’s not enough, there’s room for expansion with a Micro SD card. The 50 Wh battery is designed to keep you gaming for longer, and with Wi-Fi 6E, you’ll enjoy fast wireless connectivity. At 640 grams, it’s a solid device that won’t weigh you down.

Rog Ally

For those who are all about performance, the ROG Flow Z13, also known as Rog Ally, might just be the ticket. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU, which is based on the latest Zen 4 architecture, and an RDNA 3 integrated GPU, making it a powerhouse for gaming. The 7-inch IPS display may not be OLED, but it impresses with a 120 Hz refresh rate and FreeSync technology, ensuring your gameplay is as smooth as it gets. The 40 Wh battery might seem small, but thanks to 65W fast charging, you’ll be back in action in no time. It also supports Micro SD cards and is the lightest among the three, weighing just 608 grams, which is perfect for gamers on the move.

Lenovo Legion Play

Then there’s the Lenovo Legion Play, which is a dream for those who love a big screen and flexible control options. It sports an 8.8-inch IPS display with a 144 Hz refresh rate, so you’re in for an immersive gaming session. It shares the same CPU and GPU as the ROG Flow Z13, so you won’t be compromising on performance. You can opt for 512 GB or 1 TB of storage, and there’s even the possibility to upgrade the SSD. The 49.2 Wh battery, along with 65W fast charging, strikes a nice balance between playtime and charging convenience. The detachable controllers are a neat feature, although at 854 grams, it’s the heaviest of the bunch.

CPU and GPU performance

When it comes to the nitty-gritty of CPU and GPU performance, the ROG Flow Z13 and Lenovo Legion Play have a slight edge over the Steam Deck OLED, especially if you’re not too worried about battery life. However, the Steam Deck OLED still delivers efficient performance with less power, which could be a deal-maker for those who prioritize battery life.

Display quality is another battleground. The Steam Deck OLED’s screen is the best of the bunch, with exceptional brightness and viewing angles that make every game look fantastic. The ROG Flow Z13 and Lenovo Legion Play don’t lag far behind, offering high-quality IPS displays with high refresh rates, but they can’t quite reach the OLED’s level of contrast and color depth.

Battery life

Battery life is crucial for gaming on the go. The Steam Deck OLED takes the lead with its larger battery, while the ROG Flow Z13’s fast charging feature helps make up for its smaller battery size. The Lenovo Legion Play sits in the middle, offering a decent battery life that doesn’t quite match the Steam Deck OLED’s endurance.

Conclusions

Choosing the right handheld gaming PC is a personal journey. If a top-notch screen and long battery life are your main concerns, the Steam Deck OLED should be at the top of your list. If you’re drawn to a larger screen and the convenience of detachable controllers, the Lenovo Legion Play will serve you well. And for those who demand high performance and a display that keeps up with the action, the ROG Flow Z13 is the way to go.

Each of these handheld gaming PCs offers a unique set of features that cater to different gaming preferences. Whether you’re captivated by the visual splendor of the Steam Deck OLED, the performance and portability of the ROG Flow Z13, or the expansive display and controller versatility of the Lenovo Legion Play, there’s a device out there that’s perfect for your portable gaming adventures. By considering what matters most to you in your gaming experience, you’ll find the perfect companion to keep you entertained wherever life takes you.

Image Credit : ETA Prime

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Google Play Protect now supports real-time scanning

Google Play Protect

Android’s Play Protect now includes real time scanning which provides extra security against malware when sideloading Android apps onto your device.

Google has announced that it is updating Google Play Protect to support real-time scanning, this new feature is designed to protect users from malware on their devices when they sideload apps onto their Android devices.

Expanding on the capabilities of Google Play Protect, today marks the introduction of an advanced real-time scanning feature that delves into the code-level, aiming to thwart the threats posed by newly crafted malicious applications.

Now, when users attempt to install apps that haven’t previously undergone any scanning, Google Play Protect will suggest a real-time app inspection to identify and counteract emerging digital hazards.

This scanning process is meticulously designed to capture crucial data points from the application, which are then relayed to the Play Protect backend system for a thorough examination at the code tier.

Following this immediate analysis, users will be promptly notified with an assessment, indicating whether the app appears secure for installation or if it’s deemed potentially risky. Such a significant upgrade is poised to bolster defenses against crafty polymorphic apps that employ diverse techniques, including AI-driven alterations, to elude detection.

You can find out more details about the new features available for Android devices with Google Play Protect over at Google’s website at the link below, this new feature is being rolled out to all Android devices.

Source Google

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Honor Play 8T Android smartphone unveiled

Honor Play 8T

Honor has added another new Android smartphone to its range with the launch of the new Honor Play 8T and it looks like the handset is being launched in China, the device comes with a 6.8-inch LCD display that offers a Full HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.

The new Honor Play 8T smartphone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 mobile processor and it also comes with a choice of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of included storage or 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. If you need some extra storage there is also a microSD card slot as well.

The handset comes with a range of cameras, there is a single camera on the front of the device and two cameras on the rear. On the front of the handset, there is an 8-megapixel camera that is designed for selfies and video chat. On the back, there is a 50-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth camera.

The new Play 8T smartphone also comes with Android 13 and MagicOS 7.2 the device features a fingerprint scanner, a 3.5mm audio jack, and dual speakers, it also comes with a choice of three colors, Streaming Silver, Midnight Black, and Jade Green. The handset will retail for CNY 1,099 which is about $150 at the current exchange rate.

Source GSM Arena

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Training AI to play Pokemon Red using reinforcement learning

Training AI to Play Pokemon Red using reinforcement learning

We have covered many uses, productivity hacks, automations, workflows and other  ways to use AI to improve your results, skills and more. However one application we have not covered until now is using AI to play Pokémon Red. This guide provides a chance to learn more about training AI models using reinforcement learning.  As well as the AI’s learning process in the game, the AI’s successes and failures, the technical details of the AI’s development, strategies for running experiments efficiently, and future improvements and how to run the program on your own computer if you’re interested.

The AI was trained to play Pokémon Red using reinforcement learning, a process that began with the AI having no knowledge of the game and only the ability to press random buttons. Over five years of simulated game time, the AI learned to catch Pokémon, evolve them, and even defeat a gym leader. This learning process was guided by a reward system, which incentivized the AI to complete objectives and learn through trial and error.

Training AI to Play Pokemon using reinforcement learning

The AI’s learning process was visualized to understand its behavior and decision-making. This visualization provided valuable insights into the AI’s learning process and helped guide future improvements to the AI’s training. Check out the video below to learn more about the process and see it  in action.

Other articles we have written that you may find of interest on the subject of AI models :

The AI was encouraged to explore the game map and seek out novelty, with rewards given for discovering new screens. However, this learning process was not without challenges. The AI sometimes became fixated on certain areas due to the novelty reward system. To adjust the AI’s behavior, the reward system was modified, such as increasing the threshold for novelty rewards to encourage exploration of new locations. Additional rewards were added to incentivize the AI to engage in battles and level up its Pokémon.

The AI learned to navigate the game map, engage in battles, and even exploit the game’s random number generator. The AI’s behavior was analyzed and visualized to understand its learning process and decision-making. This analysis revealed the AI’s interaction with the game environment and the design of the reward function were key considerations in the training process.

The AI was trained using a reinforcement learning algorithm called proximal policy optimization. This algorithm was chosen for its ability to handle the complex and dynamic environment of Pokémon Red. However, the AI’s training was not without challenges. The need to backtrack in the game, the cost of running the training, and the need to carefully design the reward function were all factors that had to be considered.

Running the AI’s training can be done on a personal computer, with instructions provided in the project’s GitHub repository. However, it’s important to note that by default, the game will terminate after 32K steps, or approximately one hour. This can be increased by adjusting the ep_length variable, but it will also use more memory. By default, this can use up to approximately 100G of RAM. This can be decreased by reducing the num_cpu or ep_length, but it may affect the results. Also, the model behavior may become degenerate for up to the first 50 training iterations or so before starting to improve.

Steps to Train an AI Model using Reinforcement Learning:

1. Problem Formulation:

  • State Space: Define the set of all possible states the agent can encounter.
  • Action Space: Define the set of all possible actions the agent can take.
  • Reward Function: Define a function that provides a scalar reward based on the state-action pair.
  • Policy: A strategy that the agent employs to determine the next action based on the current state.
  • Objective: Usually, the objective is to maximize the expected cumulative reward, often discounted over time.

2. Environment Setup:

  • You can either use a pre-built environment (like OpenAI Gym) or build a custom one that simulates the problem you’re trying to solve.

3. Initialize Parameters:

  • Initialize the policy, and other parameters like the discount factor, learning rate, etc.

4. Training Loop:

  • Observation: Observe the current state of the environment.
  • Action Selection: Use the current policy to select an action to take in the observed state.
  • Execution: Execute the action and observe the new state and reward.
  • Learning: Update the policy or an intermediate function (like value function or action-value function) based on the observed reward and transition.
  • Loop: Continue this process until a termination condition is met, which could be a maximum number of iterations, a satisfactory level of learning as defined by the problem, or other criteria.

5. Policy Improvement:

  • After sufficient training, refine or optimize the policy for better performance, which can be done using techniques like Policy Iteration, Value Iteration, or through more advanced methods like Actor-Critic models.

6. Evaluation:

  • Run the trained agent on test environments or real-world scenarios to evaluate its performance.

Algorithms:

Different algorithms can be employed at the learning stage, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:

  • Value Iteration, Policy Iteration: Basic methods mainly used for educational purposes.
  • Q-Learning, Sarsa: Model-free methods suitable for high-dimensional state spaces.
  • Deep Q-Network (DQN): Combines Q-Learning with Deep Learning.
  • Policy Gradients: Directly optimize the policy function.
  • Actor-Critic: Combines value-based and policy-based methods.

Libraries and Tools:

  • Python libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch for building neural networks if you’re using function approximators.
  • OpenAI Gym for environment simulations.

Through reinforcement learning, the AI has learned to navigate the game world, engage in battles, and even exploit the game’s mechanics. Despite the challenges, the AI’s training has provided valuable insights into the learning process and decision-making of AI, and has paved the way for future improvements and applications of AI in gaming.

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The Hidden World of Playground Learning: A Deep Dive into the Benefits of Outdoor Play Equipment

Ah, playgrounds—a place where children’s laughter fills the air, and parents enjoy a moment of respite on a sunny bench. On the surface, it seems like just another spot for children to expend some pent-up energy. But what if we told you that the simple act of playing on a climbing frame or swinging back and forth is shaping the future adults our children will become? From honing motor skills to nurturing creativity, playgrounds are secret classrooms in disguise. In this discussion, we’ll delve into the multiple dimensions of child development that are unknowingly being nurtured during a day at the park.

A Playground for Physical Development

Gross Motor Skills: The Building Blocks

When we talk about swings, slides, and climbing frames, it’s more than just a fun day at the park. These apparatuses help develop gross motor skills like running, jumping, and climbing. Think of it as a full-body workout geared for kids, activating different muscle groups and boosting their overall physical development.

Fine Motor Skills and Exercise: The Nitty-Gritty

Besides the large muscle groups, the playground also hones in on fine motor skills. The act of gripping ropes, holding onto swing chains, or carefully moving sand around helps refine the smaller muscles in hands and fingers. This eventually aids in tasks requiring dexterity like writing, tying shoelaces, and using utensils.

Cognitive Skills: More than Child’s Play

Creativity: Imagination Unleashed

A sandbox isn’t just a sandbox; it can become a treasure island or a construction site. A slide can serve as an entrance to a secret lair or a way to escape from a make-believe villain. These narratives don’t just keep children entertained; they stimulate imagination and creativity, crucial components of cognitive development.

Language and Rule-based Learning: Laying Foundations

Ever overhear the complex rules children come up with during playtime? It’s not just fun and games; it’s rule-based learning. Whether it’s making up the rules of a new game or following existing ones, this is an early exercise in understanding structures and systems, while simultaneously improving vocabulary and language skills.

Learning the Social Ladder

Navigating social situations is a lifelong skill, one that often starts in the sandbox and on the climbing frames. From waiting for their turn on the slide to the delicate art of sharing a sandbox, children learn crucial social skills in these seemingly simple interactions. Here’s a closer look at how playground activities become life lessons in teamwork, patience, and sharing.

Teamwork: A Lesson in Cooperation

The Basics of Collaboration

It might look like just a couple of kids trying to make a swing fly high, but this simple activity teaches so much more. One pushes while the other swings, creating a rhythm that requires mutual understanding and cooperation. This back-and-forth establishes the basic principles of collaboration—each person has a role to play for the greater good.

Problem-Solving in Groups

Playground activities like building a sandcastle offer kids a natural setting to work out problems collaboratively. Questions like “How do we make the walls sturdy?” or “Who will fetch the water?” are opportunities for children to solve problems as a team. These moments lay the groundwork for future situations in school, work, and personal relationships where teamwork is key.

Patience and Sharing: Social Skills 101

The Art of Waiting

We’ve all been there—the anticipation of finally getting to slide down that bright, winding slide or take a whirl on the merry-go-round. These moments teach children the vital skill of delayed gratification. The wait not only builds excitement but also imparts the understanding that good things come to those who wait.

Sharing is Caring

What happens when two kids want to use the same swing or dig in the same corner of the sandbox? Well, it’s a diplomacy lesson in miniature. Children learn to negotiate, share, and sometimes even compromise. They come to realise that if they give a little, they can also gain a lot—like a new friend or a more enjoyable playtime experience.

Emotional Intelligence: Reading the Room

While observing from the sidelines, children also learn to read social cues and emotions. Is someone sad because they have to wait? Are they happy they got their turn? Recognising these emotions in others is the beginning of empathy, a vital social skill for making and maintaining relationships in the future.

So, when you see children playing on outdoor equipment, remember that they’re doing more than just having fun. They’re learning how to function in a social setting, setting the stage for a lifetime of interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Emotional Well-Being: The Hidden Gem

Stress-Relief: More than Just Fun

Children also face stress, though it may look different than adult stress. The action of swinging, sliding, and running releases endorphins, alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety. What seems like play is actually a form of emotional regulation.

Mindfulness: The Unseen Advantage

Though they may not articulate it, children benefit from the mindfulness aspect of being outdoors. The sensory experience of feeling the wind, hearing the birds, and touching the natural elements contributes to a grounding experience, offering them a break from screens and indoor activities.

There you have it—a more detailed look into why outdoor play equipment is a linchpin for comprehensive child development. It’s not just about burning off energy; it’s about nurturing physical prowess, cognitive abilities, social skills, and emotional well-being in a holistic manner.