There is no end to Baldur’s Gate 3. I’m convinced of it. Trillions of years from now, when the universe has entered its dark age and all trace of light and heat has left it, the last event that will happen is someone making a Reddit post about how, if you repeat some ludicrously precise series of inputs, you can get Astarion to recite the entire John Galt speech or something.
Hey, it might be in there. But if it is, it’s likely hidden behind an “IMPOSSIBLE” flag. Turns out, there are numerous forbidden scenes cut out of BG3—like Karlach’s notorious fourth-wall break—that are dummied out of the final product by a flag in the game’s files that literally marks them as impossible. Never to be seen, only speculated at.
Or not. Actually, it turns out that making the impossible possible is just a matter of flipping that flag to “true.” You can see the revolution in action in a recent video from YouTuber SlimX, showing off various fully voiced scenes that Larian never intended to see the light of day.
It’s a 15-minute video that features all sorts of unseen interactions, including reactions from Shadowheart when you remove her from the party that change depending on your approval, Minthara interrogating you about why you spared her life, and an excised end-scene that plays out in the video as if the entire party is getting together to bully Gale. Everyone speaks up to question why the twerpy wizard is moping about after the big bad has been defeated. It’s about time someone asked.
My favourite are probably a few blissfully context-free lines from Gale in camp that SlimX shows off right at the end of the video. Where every other “impossible” scene features full lines with obvious context, Gale just has the lines “Mystra” and “The Weave,” which he delivers with the stony solemnity of a court agent serving papers. It’s like he’s delivering his own character motivation bullet points.
Anyway, the video’s well worth checking out if, like me, you’re still endlessly amused by just how much of this game there is. With Baldur’s Gate 3 patch 7 well underway, I suspect we’re far from done discovering Larian’s secrets.
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Ask any architect, and they will surely agree with the adage that a thousand words can describe a single picture. When it comes to vivid descriptions and clear architectural communication, nothing can beat the advantage of 3D renders for firms and clients alike in the said field. A 3D render representing an architectural project can be an effective tool that benefits designers and clients. Top-of-the-line 3D architectural renderings allow architects to communicate their design concepts to investors and clients in the most striking and captivating visual format.
They also help them save money and time while exploring other possibilities of potential projects. The unique setting and environment of 3D renders are the closest experience clients can get for residential and commercial spaces. Photorealistic renders make interpreting aspects including colour, texture, scale, massing, and site relation easier.
With their ability to evoke favorable emotions from clients, 3D architectural rendering services can confidently pitch the vision of a designer with higher chances of approval compared to scale models. To make things better, 3D renders ensure minimal use of resources. Here are some of the most notable benefits of 3D renders for architectural companies and clients alike:
The Advantage of 3D Renders for Firms and Clients
Breathe life into architectural designs
One of the most significant advantages of 3D renders is their ability to breathe life into architectural designs. Clients can have this vivid sense of materials, textures, lighting, and spaces. 3D architectural rendering makes it easier for them to imagine what the result will look and feel like.
Save on costs with architectural 3D modeling
With 3D renders and architectural 3D modeling design experts, the need for rework and miscommunication is reduced, and projects can be executed with lower cost overruns. Clients can also have a good idea of the related costs early on in the project.
High-quality 3D renders are an excellent way to show clients you’re using cutting-edge design technology. You can make 3D architectural visualization one of the key strengths that will set your projects apart from your old-school and traditional competitors.
Receive feedback early on
3D renders clearly show what and how the architectural designs will look upon completion so clients can give feedback earlier in the design process. It makes it possible to perform the necessary changes, tweaks, and adjustments before committing to major resources.
Simplified collaboration
3D renders also help 3D architectural visualization professionals, constructors, stockholders, and clients collaborate and work together even if they are not physically present during project meetings. Three-dimensional drawings also provide more comprehensive data while giving a glimpse of the proposed project.
3D renders for architecture make everything clearer
Subtle concepts and details of designs can be communicated more easily with the help of architectural 3D renders than their traditional counterparts. Thanks to this improved level of clarity, clients can make informed decisions faster and easier.
3D renders are more immersive and engaging for clients. Panoramic drawings, 3D flythroughs, and walkthrough architectural presentation services that show various views and angles of the project tend to create more impact than 2D drawings. It helps clients understand the technical aspects of buildings because they can get an instant impression or feeling of the architectural design against the surrounding natural environment.
Grow clientele
A portfolio consisting of stunning 3D renders can attract more new clients by presenting your company’s capabilities and visualizing their vision. It allows them to tap into new markets and grow their client base.
Speedy processing and correction of designs
Since errors can be identified during the earliest phase of the design process, it’s possible to make the necessary corrections without needing to go through all the drawings from scratch again. Presets from the CAD software can also reduce the time that would have been otherwise spent on improving 3D renders with the help of 3D architectural communication.
When the client understands the design language and impactful imagery of the project, they will feel more comfortable investing their resources into the proposal. A commercial or residential project rendered to create artistic or photorealistic imagery often has a more appealing quality while showcasing how the structure will look once it is built.
It’s more than the façade
3D rendering companies make it easier to analyze the base architectural 3D model to assess the influences and constraints in the design, including energy efficiency, structural analysis, material usage, and environmental impact. 3D architectural renders can also simulate environments that can help 3D architectural rendering designers maximize and explore faster and cheaper strategies.
Better communication with clients
3D renders allow clients to comprehend proportions, scale, and spatial relationships easily. This improved 3D architectural visualization guarantees that clients and architects will always be on the same page. It also eliminates the need to conduct several revisions. These 3D renders also offer a visual representation of the project that clients can understand right away while still being comprehensive enough that architects and other professionals can use to study the project.
3D architectural modeling designers can also simulate the actual appearance of a building’s interior and exterior. For example, the layered textures are strikingly accurate with a photorealistic look. It makes it easier to scrutinize and make the necessary changes when and as needed.
Effective tool for architectural presentations and marketing campaigns
3D renders for marketing can also offer firms and clients a significant competitive edge with the help of 3D rendered scenes. With the help of architectural presentation services, cinematic visuals can shed the best possible light on designs and evoke a sense of excitement. 3D renders reproduced on social media, websites, and brochures can also attract more prospective buyers.
The 3D models can also serve as an effective portfolio for construction or design companies that potential clients can easily and quickly access online. 3D architectural visualization and virtual staging for architecture services also allow real estate and architectural design companies to provide interactive and virtual tours to their clients.
Guaranteed project approvals
Realistic 3D renders can help firms secure buy-in and approvals for projects faster. These visuals make stakeholders feel more confident, knowing that the final results will meet or even exceed expectations.
Save more money and time with professional outputs
Architectural firms can outsource 3D renders for their projects to 3D architectural visualization companies that can develop professional renderings. The 3D architectural rendering designers can also look for background images and 3D models to incorporate into their 3D modeling projects.
Faster sharing and distribution of drawings
3D architectural renders allow 3D visualization designers to distribute and share drawings faster and more economically because the electronic file can be used to reprint renderings or share them online.
Significant reduction and elimination of errors
Errors in construction and design can be seen even during the earliest planning stages. 3D renders can help reduce construction costs, and the money saved can be set aside for contingency funds.
Input real-time and accurate information
Compatible or built-in third-party software like Solar Charts or Google Earth can help designers come up with feasible designs that can work on the actual site of the project.
Architects who make the most of 3D renders can create more persuasive project bid proposals. Photorealistic 3D rendering services can set them apart from their competition and secure more project wins.
Competitive edge over competition
The ability to adapt to today’s digital era gives construction companies and designers an edge over their competition. Using available technology can prepare architects and other professionals for the up-and-coming use of artificial intelligence technologies.
Leverage the power of 3D renders for firms and clients
The advantages above show the immense value that 3D renders can deliver for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. To begin reaping these benefits, look for 3D architectural rendering providers based on their expertise, quality, timeliness, and pricing. Ensure you also reach out with initial details of the projects to assess capabilities and obtain quotes. The initial upfront investment in top-of-the-line 3D renders can quickly offer huge dividends.
Firms can breathe life into their architectural designs and watch their client marketing, engagement, and approvals go to the next level by making the most of these indispensable services. While traditional 2D drawing and floor plan design firms have long been used in the industry, they are no longer as effective as they once were. Because of the latest technological advancements, things have started to change and improve. 3D renders have taken 3D architectural visualization to the next level with their proven and tested effectiveness and efficiency.
How Cad Crowd can help
3D renders are undoubtedly an invaluable architectural communication tool that firms and clients should use. Cad Crowd is the best place to search for experienced architectural rendering designers who understand your unique needs and can deliver photorealistic visuals that meet and exceed expectations. Contact us now!
You just gotta love a bright, contrasty, juicy OLED gaming monitor, right? Affirmative, but then there’s the sordid matter of money. The new LG UltraGear 32GS95UE is amazing. But it costs $1,400. Ouch. Which is why a pair of new OLED panels just announced by AOC are particularly good news.
AOC has form when it comes to offering conspicuous value. Enter, therefore, new 27-inch 1440p and 32-inch 4K OLED gaming monitors from the brand. As far as we can see, they don’t break any new ground, technologically. What they do achieve is the lowest price points we’ve ever seen, at least in terms of MSRP or recommend pricing, for such displays.
The 27-inch comes in at £650 in the UK, while the 32 incher is £740. The latter looks like conspicuously good value when you compare it to the LG mentioned above. While we have occasionally seen 27-inch OLEDs lower than those prices, those are sale prices rather than MSRP.
For now, we don’t have US pricing, though we have put the question to AOC. As things stand we’d expect similar figures in dollars. Right now, the cheapest 32-inch 4K OLED is the MSI MAG 321UPX, which typically goes for about $900 and is identical to the MSI MPG 321URX we reviewed earlier in the year, save for lower power output over its USB-C interface.
So, how has AOC pulled this off? Part of the explanation is no doubt maturity in terms of the 4K Samsung QD-OLED panel AOC is using. It’s bound to have come down in price a little.
However, the AOC Agon Pro AG326UD, as the 32-inch 4K model is known, also only runs at 165 Hz compared to the 240 Hz that’s the norm for other 4K 32 inchers running the QD-OLED panel, including the MSI and LG models mentioned above.
Yes, that’s a downgrade. But then how often are you achieving 240 fps in the latest games at 4K? 165 Hz is a decently high frame rate in most contexts. For 4K, we’d argue it’s plenty.
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Elsewhere, you’re also missing out on USB-C connectivity, which is arguably more of a loss. However, if you know you’re not bothered by that, then the proposition of a 4K OLED for less money remains strong.
As for the AOC Agon ProAG276QZD2, that’s also a Samsung QD-OLED based model, but this time at 27 inches and 1440p. The refresh rate comes in at 240 Hz. That’s half the refresh of the very latest 480 Hz 27-inch OLEDs, such as the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP.
But, again, how much do you care? For sure, really serious esports types will appreciate the 480 Hz refresh. For most of us, having the OLED experience at 240 Hz but for less cash will be very appealing.
Of course, neither of these panels are actually cheap. You can get a 32-inch 4K 144 Hz LCD monitor for under $400 on occasion. A 27-inch 1440p 240 Hz LCD panel is likewise now not much more than a $200 affair, typically.
So, you’re still paying handsomely for the OLED experience. But just a bit less handsomely than before, which is welcome. Hopefully, we’ll get our hands on both of these new panels soon and can report back on just how much of a bargain they truly are.
Join us for this week’s Videoguys Live where we with explore the incredible capabilities of the LiveU Solo Pro Connect Kits! Discover how you can stream high-quality video from anywhere with unlimited data and advanced bonding technology. Whether you’re a content creator, event organizer, or just love live streaming, this show will demonstrate how the LiveU can elevate your streaming experience. Don’t miss out on this game-changing technology!
Watch the full webinar below:
A portable bonding encoder for future-proof live coverage
Highlights:
Exceptional Quality: 4K video resolution
Rock-Solid Reliability: 4 external 4G/5G modems
Next-Gen Encoding: HEVC encoding
Limitless Coverage: Capture footage from anywhere
Video and audio protocol developed over the last decade by LiveU
It’s not only a point to point, low latency, high resiliency protocol
Built to accommodate the special properties of cellular and LTE networks
In Visual Studio 2022 version 17.11, you will find brand new productivity enhancements for your game development workflows. From faster conditional breakpoints to a swath of Unreal Engine enhancements, we have added various productivity boosters based on your feedback. Once again, thank you for sharing Developer Community feedback and answering our surveys. Your valuable feedback continues to drive the direction of the Visual Studio gaming team.
General C++ Game Development
Supercharge Your IntelliSense Performance
We have received feedback from AAA developers about IntelliSense performance. While we have improved performance over the past releases, we understand that these performance improvements may be less impactful for large C++ projects.
Here are some helpful tips to further boost the power for Visual Studio’s IntelliSense for developers with powerful hardware:
Ensure 64-bit IntelliSense is activated.
Adjust your memory limits (in MB) to reflect your hardware.
Faster Conditional Breakpoints
In version 17.11, you will see a significant improvement in performance for conditional break points. Our initial assessment found that execution time is almost four times as fast, reducing execution time from 80 seconds to 21 seconds over 80,000 iterations.
Build Insights Quality of Life Improvements
We have added several quality-of-life enhancements to Build Insights. Starting in version 17.11, you can now group your results by project, view the relative path and file name in place of the full path, and see a better grouping of results in the Included Files view.
Unreal Engine Integration
Adding Unreal Engine Classes, Modules, and Plugins
In Visual Studio 2022 version 17.11, you can now add Unreal Engine class templates, modules, and plugins. These new productivity features are available for both vcxproj and uproject.
To get started, right-click on your project in Solution Explorer and select Add > Unreal Engine Item.
In the revamped Add New Item dialog, you can select several new choices.
Unreal Engine Classes
Based on your feedback, we have added additional Unreal Engine class templates. You can now find the common class templates in Visual Studio’s Add New Item dialog just as you would find in the Unreal Engine Editor. The new dialog provides a list of common Unreal Engine class templates that you can add to your project. You can also now add your class to a module of your choice.
Unreal Engine Module
You can now also add an Empty Unreal Engine Module using the Add New Item dialog.
Unreal Engine Plugin
Lastly, you can now add an Unreal Engine Plugin to your project through the Add New Item dialog.
Unreal Engine Toolbar
To further streamline our integration with Unreal Engine, we have added the Unreal Engine toolbar in Visual Studio 2022 version 17.11. The toolbar contains new productivity features and shortcuts to existing integration.
The play icon and the dropdown work in tandem to quickly attach to processes while debugging. With the Unreal Editor running, you will see Unreal Engine related processes. Selecting one of the choices will allow you to easily attach to the process to start a debugging session. Additionally, you can type any process name to quickly attach to that process.
The start and stop button will control the Unreal Engine integration server, used for the Unreal Engine Test Adapter. The server runs as a background process that automatically updates your test information. If you have the Unreal Engine Test Adapter option active, the server will automatically start upon opening your UE project.
The Rescan Blueprints button will refresh your Unreal Engine Blueprint references.
The Unreal Engine Log button is a shortcut to open the Unreal Engine Log window, in case you close it accidentally.
The Configure Tools for Unreal Engine button is a shortcut to launch the Unreal Engine Integration Configuration window. The configuration page gives you an overview of the Unreal Engine Integration status and gives you help if certain integrations were not configured properly.
Blueprints Update
We received feedback asking to improve the process of setting up Blueprint references in Unreal Projects. Starting in Visual Studio v17.10, you will no longer need the Unreal Engine Plugin “Visual Studio Integration Tool” to view Blueprint references. Blueprint references will automatically show up if you have the “Visual Studio Tools for Unreal Engine” component installed.
Send us your feedback
We hope you enjoy this update to Visual Studio, and we look forward to hearing what you think. You can share feedback with us via Developer Community, by reporting issues via report a problem and share your suggestions for new features or improvements to existing ones.
AT&T had a software glitch that disrupted service and 911 calls in several cities.
Downdetector saw a spike in outage reports around 5:00 PM PST, though AT&T said it had fixed the issue.
Details on the exact impact and outage duration weren’t clear, but incidents were dropping by 10:00 PM ET.
Late Tuesday, many AT&T customers faced a service disruption while trying to connect, which also affected 911 services in several cities. AT&T attributed the issue to a software glitch but has since resolved it.
There has been a major 911 outage nationwide, with a huge spike in reports popping up on Downdetector around 5:00 PM PST.
An AT&T spokesperson told CNN that the network carrier had fixed a software glitch that affected some customers’ connections.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, and we appreciate our customers’ patience as we worked to resolve this issue,” the spokesperson added.
The outage didn’t affect everyone, just a portion of AT&T’s user base, according to the spokesperson. On Tuesday evening, police in Pinole, California, warned on social media that some AT&T wireless users might have trouble calling 911, but landlines and other carriers weren’t affected.
In Florida, Seminole County’s X account mentioned a 911 service disruption on Tuesday night. The local government advised residents to use a non-emergency number for urgent issues until things were fixed.
Downdetector’s report showed that Dallas, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and New York City had the most AT&T service disruptions in the last 24 hours, as per CNN’s report.
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Details on how many customers were affected and how long the disruption lasted weren’t available. However, by 10:00 PM ET, Downdetector showed that the number of reported incidents was dropping quickly.
If you chose a freelance writing career with the notion you’d spend your days solo, thoughts uninterrupted, blissfully typing away from a location of your choosing…well, you’re in part correct.
The caveat is—if you plan to make money writing—you’ll need to network effectively with writers and editors alike.
Rather than looking at other writers as competition, think of it like this: Writing is a team sport and your editor is the MVP.
By connecting with like-minded writers, you’ll create a support system to share ideas, combat backlash from low-paying content mills and increase your visibility (seriously, there’s a lot of noise to cut through these days).
Equally as important is the fact that professional networking opens the door to more work. And more work equals more income.
For example, a prospect recently contacted me with a time-sensitive project proposal.
Unfortunately, I was booked out beyond her deadline. Rather than turn the prospect away empty handed, I was able to refer her to another writer in my network whom I trust and have good rapport with.
Alternatively, if a prospect approaches me with a project outside my area of expertise, I’ll turn to my network to find someone who does specialize in the project scope. Both scenarios are a win-win for the client and the writer.
But networking doesn’t stop among writers—writers must also network to sell ideas, services and products.
When it comes to selling, networking is key—as I’m sure any salesperson would agree.
They work tirelessly to field pitches, ensure quality and provide feedback. They sift through the dredges to surface exceptional writing.
As writers, we’re not entitled to publication—we must first prove our capabilities. With the editor as gatekeeper, you can see why it’s important to build amicable relationships with the editors you pitch.
By establishing mutually respectful working relationships, you’ll find good editors challenge and encourage you, ultimately improving your skills and marketability as a writer.
At the end of the day, you’re responsible for selling your ideas and your ability to execute them.
Use a pitching strategy that works for you, not against you—you only get one shot to leave a good impression with the editor. Make it a positive one by being professional, sincere and efficient.
It’s worth noting that rejection comes with the territory of being a professional writer. There are a plethora of reasons your pitches will be rejected, but as it pertains to your relationships with editors, there are a couple guidelines to follow:
Do thank the editor for his or her time, always. You can ask for feedback, should they have bandwidth to provide it—but don’t expect it
Don’t combat or speak ill of the editor. He or she is simply doing their job—don’t take rejection personally
Acceptance is a win all around. Rejection is an opportunity to iterate on your idea and pitch it to another editor.
Rejection by one editor might just be the start of a new working relationship with another.
Through thick and thin, acceptance and rejection, a collaborative attitude is key. Whether you’re working with an editor or client, maintain a helpful mindset: focus on what you can do for the people you work with and how your written words will provide a solution.
Employ these tactics to expand your network
We’re fortunate to have countless resources and networking platforms at our fingertips today. While this does create digital noise, it also cultivates opportunity.
Consider these three tips for networking, collaborating and getting more leads:
1.Assemble your own all-star team
You already know the importance of networking with writers and editors. Now take it one step further by expanding your team to include disciplines related to your writing focus.
For example, if you’re a website copywriter, it’s valuable to have a network of web designers and developers who you can refer your clients to. Likewise, those designers and developers will refer their clients to you for copy. This also creates a streamlined experience for the client, who no longer needs to search for multiple vendors.
2. Join networks and get involved
All you need is an internet connection to find a group of peers in your niche. There’s no shortage of online communities and forums, including the Freelance Writers Den, Writers Cafe and Scribophile to name a few.
You can also find writerly camaraderie through social media groups such as The Write Life Community, Twitter’s #scriptchat and the Scriptmag Community. And of course, there might just be a writer’s group waiting for your down the (literal) street. Check your area for Meetup groups.
3.Participate in webinars (or host your own)
I recently had the chance to attend one of Carol Tice’s webinars about mistakes freelance writers make. During the webinar, I had the opportunity to join a conversation with writers from around the world and share questions, answers and ideas.
Take note: Carol herself—now a major advocate for freelance writers—has built a large community of writers by hosting webinars and providing resources and support. Consider starting your own community or hosting webinars based on your own unique experience.
As a freelance writer, it’s vital to be pleasurable to work with—else, there will be another freelancer who is (and therefore gets the gig).
Strive to be that person. By being an advocate for other freelancers, you’ll soon discover your support network is larger than you imagined.
AT&T was facing a massive outage today, with service being unable for several hours.
The issue appears to have been resolved, and the service is coming back online.
It seems AT&T was experiencing a widespread outage, with customers across the country not getting a signal. As a result, users were unable to make calls, send messages, or access data. We’re seeing reports on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit and a big spike on DownDetector.
From the user reports, the outage seems to have affected those using eSIMs. Since recent iPhones in the US have been eSIM-only, there is a chance that iPhone users are disproportionately affected. The outage also appears to have been nationwide. Users had been affected for as long as six hours.
Many users are also frustrated by AT&T’s lack of communication regarding the outage, as even stores and customer service were allegedly unaware of the issue. AT&T’s social media handle did not immediately acknowledge the outage, which could be one reason for the frustration.
More recently, though, it seems that the service is coming back online. An AT&T spokesperson gave us the following statement:
We’ve resolved a software issue that disrupted the ability of a limited number of our customers to connect to our wireless network. We apologize for the inconvenience and we appreciate our customers’ patience as we worked to resolve this issue.
Were you affected by the AT&T outage? Let us know in the comments below!
Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at news@androidauthority.com. You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it’s your choice.
HMD’s Barbie Phone, the novelty device for Y2K-nostalgic hot pink aficionados, finally has pricing and release info. The Mattel-sanctioned champion of tardy movie tie-ins launches in October — only 15 months after Greta Gerwig’s movie hit theaters! — for $129.
The handset is the creation of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), which currently owns the branding rights to Nokia phones. Rather than a smartphone replacement, the Barbie Phone is a retro-styled flip phone (positively Nokida-esque) with a T9 keyboard and no third-party apps in sight. The company pitches it as “the perfect tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone.”
You won’t find any social media apps, but the phone still makes calls and sends texts. When powering the handset up, you’ll be greeted by a “Hi Barbie” voice before you fire up Malibu Snake for a tribute to OG mobile gaming. Its keypad (in “Barbie pink,” of course) has hidden designs like palm trees, hearts and flamingos that light up in the dark. Because why the hell not?!
HMD
The Barbie Phone has a 5MP camera with a flash that “delivers authentic Y2K style images.” It ships with two alternate covers in addition to the standard one. The two plates include one honoring “the brightly colored swirls of the 1992’s iconic Totally Hair Barbie doll” and another with a shooting-heart design.
Also in the box is a pastel-beaded phone strap that you can adorn with charms like a tiny roller skate or a “Barbie doll-sized ice cream.” You’ll also get sparkly stick-on gems and retro vintage Barbie stickers (including flowers, flamingos and rainbows) to decorate the phone to your heart’s content. It even has a pink USB-C charger.
Naturally, the phone has a Barbie-themed user interface (described as “achingly easy to navigate”), themed wallpapers and app icons. Since HMD is branding the handset as a vacation from smartphone hell, it even includes a digital well-being app.
The Barbie Phone will be available on October 1 for $129. It will ship unlocked and ready to activate on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks. You can pre-order it from HMD’s website beginning on September 23.
