To better understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted differently by nations around the world, we sat down with Virtusa's Executive Vice President of Global Digital Solutions, Frank Palermo.
1. Is there much disparity between different global regions’ approaches to robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles or, indeed, their policies on these technologies?
As AI takes a more prevalent role in our society, the issue of ethics and governance has become critical, and policymakers around the globe have a collective responsibility to be forward thinking when deciding how best to regulate it. It is imperative that AI is managed in a way that allows the technology to reach its full potential, while ensuring it doesn’t have a negative impact on humans and society.
The US has historically left technology companies relatively unimpeded by government oversight or stringent regulation, with the market dominance of the FAANG companies (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Alphabet's Google) serving as a perfect example of this. While China has taken almost the opposite approach, with the Chinese government having a more ‘hands-on’ role, specifically mentioning AI in their ‘grand vision’ for the country, this has somehow still resulted in a similar ecosystem of tech giants, namely the BAT companies (Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent). Like America’s FAANGs, China’s BATs have established their own AI-dedicated labs, with Baidu in particular investing 15% of its revenue in R&D in AI related research.
Elsewhere, Europe has a growing AI industry presence, inviting considerable attention from European regulators, though there is currently no overarching legislative approach towards AI in the region. Additionally, in the Middle East, attitudes towards AI are fairly liberal. For example, Saudi Arabia grabbed international headlines for granting citizenshipto Sophia (the AI robot) and the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launched the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 – aiming to enhance sectors like education, transportation, energy and space to achieve 100% reliance on AI for government services and data analysis by 2031.
2. Can you comment on the investment environments in these different regions?
With the global business value derived from AI projected to total $1.2 trillion in 2018, it stands to reason that global investments in the technology continue to skyrocket.
China is aggressively investing in AI, with the country’s AI startups benefitting from government support as state agencies are directing capital to these companies. One such beneficiary, facial recognition startup Megvii, received a $460 million investment from a Chinese government-backed venture capital fund.
3. What is your view on mature and emerging technologies within the AI sphere?
The field of AI is rapidly maturing due to the availability of data, data storage and compute power that is now readily available through cloud and API services. The technology has moved from simple back-office automation, revolutionising the way businesses interact with their customers.
Voice-enabled digital assistants are a great example of this, having quickly become a staple in the consumer and home market. Expect to see more companies adopt virtual assistants to support people in their use of technology in the workplace, with the assistants developing more human characteristics in the future, and better interpreting context and meaning.
The world of robotics is also changing, with robots becoming more sophisticated, mobile, collaborative and human friendly. This improved level of maturity has caused rapid expansion of robots into industries beyond manufacturing, including healthcare, service industries and transportation. Robotics were initially focused on improving efficiency and enabling greater productivity but now, the technology is beginning to address other global concerns such as skills shortages, workplace safety, and keeping up with the accelerating pace of business.
4. What are some of the areas causing uncertainty within AI? Anything, perhaps, controversial?
There are many areas of uncertainty and controversy with regard to AI, with some even proving to be deadly.
For example, if AI accidentally kills a human being, who is responsible? Last year, Tesla reported its first Autopilot fatality when its sensors did not detect the white side of a tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky. A controversial debate immediately surfaced on whether Tesla had to be held responsible for this. Similarly, there are concerns on how we can control the weaponising of AI. The United Nations recently discussed the use of autonomous weapons and the possibility to institute an international ban on “killer robots.”
There are also many questions surrounding how can we control AI from being unleashed in cyber-attacks. Last year, two data scientists from security firm ZeroFOX conducted an experiment to see who was better at getting Twitter users to click on malicious links: humans or artificial intelligence. The researchers taught an AI to study the behaviour of social network users, and then design and implement its own phishing bait. In tests, the artificial hacker was substantially better than its human competitors, composing and distributing more phishing tweets than humans, and with a substantially better conversion rate.
These uses of AI and many others need to be carefully considered and regulated to protect humans and society from harm. To accomplish this, organisations must come together to discuss the proper governance and ethics mechanisms that must be implemented to minimise the risks of AI, while harnessing the full potential of this technology.
5. Finally, what will be the ultimate effect of AI?
AI-powered technology such as robotics and machine learning has already improved productivity and enhanced the economies of many nations, and will continue to do so. Future advancements will certainly have an even greater effect on some classes of jobs, though it is important to bear in mind that apocalyptic predictions of robot overlords are hyperbolic, and AI will also create jobs and roles we have not yet fully envisioned. Ultimately, AI is about improving human performance and intelligence, not replacing it.
AI will be the battlefield of the future, with the successful deployment of the tech influencing how countries compete, shifting the balance of power in both the global economy and international relations. Countries that master AI first will have a crucial strategic advantage in writing the rules for the next global order. That’s why investing in AI is becoming a major initiative for both emerging and well-established economies.
Frank Palermo is Executive Vice President – Global Digital Solutions at Virtusa
Last week, over 300 leading figures from sports, technology and esports attended the biggest esports business conference in Europe: ESI London. During the two-day conference, the esports industry’s best and brightest took part in discussions and debates surrounding the most pressing issues facing their field.
The primary focus: what does the future hold for the thriving esports industry? An economy which, according to Newszoo’s 2018 Global Esports Market Report, is expected to be worth almost one billion dollars in the coming year. That’s a year-on-year increase of a whopping 38%.
We caught up with Intel’s UK gaming & esports lead Scott Gillingham, ESL COO Rob Black and ESL’s UK managing director James Dean at EGX 2018 to chat about where they see esports heading in the next few years and why the UK has fallen behind the rest of the world.
A brief history of esports
Esports (or electronic sports) are professional, organized video games competitions. In other words, people play videogames against one another competitively, often for large sums of money and prestige.
While the assumption is that esports are only a recent phenomenon, in reality the first esports competition was held back in 1972, when Stamford University students competed in a Spacewar tournament. But, while the quiet rumbling of future craze were present, the 80s focused more on beating high scores and enjoying videogames as entertainment rather than something you could make a career out of.
However, as gaming became more popular, the '90s became the first decade when esports (which wasn’t a well-known term then) began to really take off, with companies such as Nintendo and Sega holding professional gaming tournaments. This is also when we began to see the money becoming a factor in professional gaming - people were no longer merely playing for kudos but for $15,000 jackpots.
It was from the noughties that we began seeing what we now know to be modern-day esports. As streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube took off, people began to show interest in not only playing videogames but watching them too. In addition, prize pools got eye-wateringly large. The Dota 2 tournament earlier this year had a prize pool of over $25 million, making it the largest in esports history, and the total prize pool for esports tournaments in 2017 was $112 million.
And this is only the start, as Newzoo predicts that global esports revenue will reach $906 million in 2018, with North America account for $345 million of the total and China for $164 million.
In addition, Newszoo’s report suggests this figure will grow to $1.4 billion by 2021. But how does the esports industry expect to achieve this growth and where does the UK fit in?
Gathering the Intel
Two of the UK’s major driving forces behind esports are Intel and ESL, who partnered up 12 years ago to create the Intel Extreme Masters, which is the longest running global pro gaming tour in the world.
The Intel Extreme Masters originally started with an attendance of 500 people in 2006, but by 2017 that attendance had grown to 173,000 people - a staggering 53% increase from the previous year. In addition, this year’s IEM had a viewership of 1.8 million in the UK.
“One of key things is supporting esports and helping esports grow and I think our partnership does that very well,” Intel’s UK gaming and esports lead Scott Gillingham told TechRadar. “It's our way of giving back to the community - by putting on big esports tournaments.”
"Being able to sponsor these big events and creating those events with ESL is something the community love, appreciate and get behind.”
However, Gillingham acknowledges the UK esports industry has a way to go to catch up with its US and Chinese cousins despite being the fifth largest gaming market in the world.
"You look at some of the top four - the US, Asia etc - they have very big game business but they have big esports leagues,” Gillingham explains. “I think a lot of that has been the investments into those leagues and maybe in the UK we've had that stigma about esports and it's kind of been a little bit behind because of that. But it's now growing.
“This year has been a big growth in esports. We've had ESL one - again partnered with Intel we brought that tournament with ESL to the UK. I think people are a bit dubious whether it was going to be a big tournament and the whole tournament sold out in 24 hours. It was the fastest selling tournament for ESL globally and over 24,000 people attended that event. So yes, it's a little bit behind compared to other countries but it is growing and we are seeing that develop.”
It’s all well and good to appeal to appeal to those who are already gamers and who understand the industry however, as esports grows, the gap between those who ‘get it’ and those who don’t arguably grows increasingly wider. That’s where influencers, or gaming personalities, play a major role.
“We have Sacriel, JackFrags and the TechChamp [among others],” Gillingham explains. “That's another route of getting a message out there and also showing people that gaming is fun.”
Growth spurt
So how do you bridge the gap and encourage young people to pursue a career in esports? “There's a lot of perception to it,” ESL COO Rob Black explains. “I think actually this year is probably a tipping point for us.”
ESL has been trying to do just that, working with Intel on a campaign called Memories which showcases videos on how the biggest names in esports got to be where they are now.
“Sujoy is on there and he was like the first pro gamer from the UK - that was in 2000,” Black tells TechRadar. “People don't really know that we've got a heritage in esports and I think it's important for us to acknowledge the fact that we have history there, and that we have a lot more talent and a lot more people in esports globally than is obvious.”
The Memories campaign is part of ESL and Intel’s goal to get more young people involved in esports and to understand the industry involves more roles than being a gamer. Alongside this, ESL UK ran a Future Generations competition at EGX 2018, which seen the company searching for the best young talent in esports commentating.
“The only way they can [progress] is if they're being given a platform,” ESL’s UK managing director James Dean explains. “You can't go from playing in a bedroom to playing on a stage. You have to progress so that's where the importance of grassroots is.”
“We've been working with universities in the UK to help students to understand that working in esports is way more than just being a player,” Black continues. “We have 40 people in ESL UK at the moment and we've got accountants who like gaming, a paralegal who likes gaming, so there's a lot there that's not just your standard run-of-the-mill 'I could be a player or a manager’.”
Grassroots is at the heart of sustaining a skyrocketing industry such as esports, especially given the industry is so new that it’s difficult to estimate where exactly it will go in the future. So how do you evaluate which steps to take?
“The community dictates that,” Black tells us. “In that regard, we will always follow what people want.”
The kids may be heading back to school, but that doesn't mean your home wouldn't benefit from a great Nintendo Switch bundle deal especially as the weather slowly starts to sour. You might find yourself shooing the kids outside so you can have a go instead though!
We're listing all of the best Switch deals right here and we'll be on the lookout for the best bundles with extra games, controllers and other accessories. We've just added a whole new batch with updated games like Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu/Eevee and Super Smash Bros. Keep scrolling past the bundles on this page and we'll show you prices on extra controllers and memory cards too. If you want to play online multiplayer and get other benefits like free games you'll want to pick up a Nintendo Switch Online subscription deal too.
In the UK you can find plenty with the best Nintendo Switch games like Super Mario Odyssey, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe and more all with a decent discount too.
You'll find all the best Nintendo Switch bundles from reliable retailers below. We've also rounded up the best prices for extra Joy-Con controllers, Pro controllers and even some cheap Nintendo Switch memory cards.
If you're waiting for more games to arrive first, get your Ninty dose fixed with a cheap 3DS deal. We have a dedicated page of Switch deals for our Australian readers too.
The latest Nintendo Switch deals
Want to know where to buy a Nintendo Switch? Check out our comparison chart below for the latest Nintendo Switch prices. Below that you'll find the best value Nintendo Switch bundles with games/accessories. Don't forget, if you're buying the console on its own, the RRP is $299/£279, so you don't want to pay more than that unless you're getting some extras.
Note: US stock can be a bit hit and miss, but if you're struggling and don't want to wait, there are lots ofNintendo Switch deals on eBay.
Nintendo Switch bundles (USA)
We've highlighted our picks of the best Nintendo Switch bundles below. Just be aware that the game bundles don't really offer much of a discount over buying the items separately. We'll steer you clear of console bundles that actively charge you more than the regular combined RRP (not cool, guys!). There seems to be a genuine shortage of US Switch bundles at the moment, so you might be better off picking up a console on its own for now.
Nintendo Switch bundles (UK)
The UK scene for discounted Nintendo Switch deals is quite competitive thanks to the large number of retailers trying to get your business. We usually find a strong selection of bundles every week nowadays, even in those quieter times of year not particularly known for sales. So take a look below for discounts on packages with games, hardware and accessories.
Nintendo Switch Q&A
As with any new console we imagine you're wanting to know a bit more about the console before you put any money down. So in addition to finding the best Nintendo Switch deals, we're going to help bring in answers to the burning questions.
What are the Joy-Con controllers?
The Joy-Con controller is actually a pair of controllers that attach to the sides the the Nintendo Switch when not in use or when playing in tablet form away from the TV. When playing the Nintendo Switch on the TV, you can remove them and play with one in each hand. The left hand gets a controller with an analogue stick and d-pad, the right hand handles the one with a second analogue and the usual A, B, X and Y face buttons. Or you and a friend can use one each in multiplayer games with the d-pad doubling up as impromptu face buttons.
You get a pair with the console, but you might want to buy more to allow extra players to get involved in games like Mario Kart 8, FIFA 18 and many more. Or maybe you just fancy some different colors for your own use.
Extra Joy-Con deals
What's the Joy-Con Grip controller?
The Joy-Con Grip is an additional accessory that joins the two Joy-Con controllers together, forming something something a bit more solid for you to hold thanks to the extended handles and plastic block between the two sides. The square dimension form-factor may remind older gamers of the Dreamcast controller, while everyone else will mainly be thinking how it resembles an odd-looking dog face. Nintendo is providing one in the box with the Nintendo Switch, so you won't have to buy one separately. This won't charge your controller though and doesn't have a battery pack.
Nintendo Switch Pro controller deals
Yes and it doesn't come with the console. But you won't actually need one to play any games, so don't feel pressured in to buying one. The Nintendo Switch Pro controller is a more traditional-style pad and launched alongside the Nintendo Switch. Prices aren't cheap though, starting around $69.99/£64.99. There's currently no sign of a Nintendo Switch Premium Edition console with one included.
Do I need to buy extra controllers for multiplayer on Nintendo Switch?
Possibly not! Remember how the Joy-Con controller splits in two? Turn them sideways and you get two basic controllers, each with their own analogue stick and face buttons - the d-pad acts as face functions on the left controller. So far we've seen 2K's NBA series, Snipper Clips and Mario Kart being used this way for local multiplayer in both docked and tablet modes. So you get multiplayer functionality straight out of the box with no additional purchase required.
However, if you want to play four-player games, then you're going to need to invest in an extra pair of Joy-Con controllers or some Pro controllers. We'd buy the Joy-Cons as a pair (see our comparison chart above) as you'll save a bit of cash over buying them separately. Better yet, if your friends own a Switch, ask them to bring their controllers to the party!
Super Mario Odyssey deals
This has been one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch so far and an absolute must for Mario and platforming fans. Like Zelda below though, this being a first-party Nintendo title, it's taking forever to go down in price. It's slowly happening though, so we've rounded up the cheapest Super Mario Odyssey prices for you below. If you're not getting this game in a bundle, we'd strongly advise picking it up separately as soon as possible.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild deals
The reviews have heaped huge praise upon this eagerly awaited launch title, making it an essential purchase for any Nintendo Switch buyer. As with any new console, the prices of the big games can be more expensive than usual. We've shopped around for you though and have found the best prices for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch. Take a look below.
Nintendo Switch Micro SD memory card deals
With only 32GB of internal storage, you'll be wanting to pick up a cheap memory card or two for your new Nintendo Switch for any digital purchases or the inevitable game-fixing patches. Don't fret though, they're actually surprisingly cheap, with even 64GB ones coming in at under £20/$25.
What memory cards does the Nintendo Switch need? Those will be Micro SD cards also known as, depending on their size, as MicroSDHC (up to 32GB) or MicroSDXC (up to a huge 2TB soon). Nintendo will be releasing their own branded cards, but you'll be paying more, just for a label. So for now, we'd take a look at this range of cheap MicroSDXC Nintendo Switch-friendly cards.
A fresh leak claims that Google has named its 2-in-1 Chromebook device – previously referred to as ‘Nocturne’ – and it will apparently be christened the Pixel Slate.
This is according to David Ruddock, managing editor of Android Police, who tweeted that he heard the news from a trustworthy source (and it’s a potential name which has been kicking around for a little while now).
So, the Google Pixel Slate? The immediate reaction to the name in the TechRadar office was dubious, it has to be said, and it’s perhaps too closely adhering to the philosophy of ‘does what it says on the tin’, and lacking somewhat in imagination.
Pixels aplenty
The name has a ring of truth to it, though, as far as we’re concerned, and obviously fits in with Google’s other Pixel-named products.
This hybrid Chromebook is expected to be revealed at Google’s big Pixel 3 phone launch on October 9, alongside another Chrome OS device (possibly the Pixelbook 2, which is rumored to be available before the year is out).
As we’ve reported previously, the Pixel Slate/Nocturne will be a 2-in-1 tablet with a detachable keyboard, allegedly with third-party keyboards on offer – we’ve seen a leaked product image of the device with a keyboard made by Brydge.
Another spilled image also points to the fact that the tablet has a depression at the top-left, which is likely to be a fingerprint sensor. All this, as ever, remains in the domain of speculation.
At least the Google Pixel 3 event is coming soon on October 9th and we expect to see official announcements for all of the search company's new products including the Google Pixel Slate.
Update:Bandai Namco have now announced a closed beta for Jump Force. You can sign up on their website until October 7, with beta sessions kicking off in the following week, October 12-14. For gameplay trailers, revealed characters, and everything else, read on in the article below.
Bandai Namco's manga-inspired fighting game, Jump Force, made quite a splash when it was unveiled at E3 2018. But what is Jump Force, who's actually on the roster, and when is it going to be released?
In a nutshell, Jump Force is PvP fighting game featuring manga and anime characters, in which players put together a trio of fighters to thrash out their differences with bombastic, gravity-defying punches and energy beams.
The game is part of a host of celebratory tie-ins from the legendary manga publisher Shonen Jump, which turned 50 this year.
Few things are more satisfying than letting your favourite characters duke it out, and Shonen Jump has them in plentiful supply: over the past few decades it's brought us Dragon Ball, One Piece, Death Note and Hunter X Hunter, to name but a few.
Gaming publisher Bandai Namco (Tekken 7, Soul Calibur VI) were behind a similar effort in 2012 called J-Stars Victory VS, which also saw a roster of Shonen Jump characters battle it out in a 3D arena.
Having played an early build of the upcoming game, it looks like Jump Force should offer even bigger battles, better graphics and more focused gameplay than its predecessor.
Cut to the chase
What is it? A crossover fighting game featuring characters from Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto and others from Shonen Jump manga
What can I play it on? Coming to PC, Xbox One, and PS4 – though we're not ruling out a Switch port down the line
When can I play it? Sometime in 2019
Jump Force release date
Jump Force should be jumping into stores sometime in 2019, though the month would be anyone's guess.
Bandai Namco's other manga-inspired fighter, Dragon Ball FighterZ, launched in the January after its own E3 reveal, so it's not-unlikely that Jump Force will be working to a similar window. But with the game still in development and only a handful of playable characters confirmed, we're probably a while off hearing more.
Jump Force trailers
"These worlds were never meant to meet..."
Explosive, flashy and heavy on the gravitas, Jump Force's E3 trailer immediately caught our attention. Have a look below for a first look at the game's bombastic combat, super-moves and eclectic roster of characters.
There's also an extended 'supercut' trailer showing off a seemingly endless string of fighting moves from the confirmed roster, which gives a clear impression of the chaotic gameplay on offer.
Jump Force news and rumors
We ain’t seen nothing yet
As the world’s biggest publisher of manga, Shonen Jump has an extensive catalog to draw on, stretching back decades.
Bandai Namco is remaining tight-lipped on the roster, though the inclusion of Ichigo, Rukia and Aizen – from the popular paranormal manga Bleach – has now been confirmed.
They’re joining the initial mash-up of the Saiyan superhero Goku and galactic villain Frieza from Dragon Ball, the eponymous teenage ninja from Naruto and his teammate Sasuke, as well as the rubber-limbed Luffy and the sword-wielding Zoro from One Piece.
Given that developer Spike Chunsoft’s previous manga fighting game, J-Stars Victory Vs, had 52 characters on its roster, we’re pretty sure there are a lot of well-known (and lesser-known) names to come. But bringing in more recent entries like My Hero Academia, or even 2015’s Black Clover, could really help Jump Force stand out from previous games and attract a wider audience.
Death Note is in there, sort of
Death Note’s Light Yagami and the death-god Ryuk also appeared at the tail-end of the trailer, though we were slightly heartbroken when Bandai Namco confirmed they wouldn't be playable ("They're more involved with the story").
We expect the iconic pair masterminded whatever event brought all these characters together. But given that Light's Death Note is able to kill anyone on command, we see how he might not have suited a traditional moveset in the arena.
You’ll be fighting in real-world locations
As if mashing up countless universes from across the Shonen Jump manga wasn’t enough, it seems our own is also getting an appearance.
All the fighting stages showcased so far are based on real-world locations. So far we've seen Times Square in New York, the Matterhorn in the Alps, and an arena in Hong Kong. Could we see a ravaged Tokyo city, or Goku and Frieza duking it out in the shadow of Big Ben?
Jump Force is going for a wider appeal
It's clear that Jump Force wants to be a more accessible – and well-known – game than some of its predecessors.
Bandai Namco was careful to showcase more familiar faces for its first trailer, and sharp-eyed fans will have noticed that Bleach's Ichigo and Rukia are styled after Bleach's globally-popular anime adaptation, rather than the original Japanese manga.
The game also runs on the widely-used Unreal Engine 4, and is explicitly optimised for upgraded performance on Xbox One X and PS4 Pro. Given that Bandai Namco's Dragon Ball FighterZ also came to Nintendo Switch a few months after its initial release, we expect we could see a similar schedule happen here.
Nintendo has dropped the blue shell of the law on a Mario Kart-style go-kart attraction in Tokyo, Japan.
The basic experience costs $9,000 yen per customer (around £60 / $90) and puts you in a fleet of go-karts, dressed in onesies modelled after the racing game's iconic cast of characters: Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and the like.
Nintendo is seeking damages to the tune of 10 million yen (£6,000 / $9,000) for the infringement on their intellectual property. Tokyo District Court ruled this week in Nintendo's favor, though the exact amount that the small-scale MariCar is expected to pay is still unconfirmed.
MariCar's website has yet to acknowledge the ruling, though you can see the sort of experience on offer in the video below.
Race to the finish
Mario Kart is one of Nintendo's most iconic franchises, having first appeared on the SNES in 1992 with Super Mario Kart, and enjoyed bestselling success all the way up to 2018, with the arrival of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch. That's been alongside growth in the arcade space and even in Mario Kart VR.
Nintendo is famously protective of its IP, which are often prone to infringement because of their cultural prominence and highly active fan culture.
We saw a number of ROM and emulator sites for old Nintendo games run into trouble earlier this year, in the run up to the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service, which came with its own retro classics bundled in with the subscription.
FIFA 19 is a brilliant football sim, and one that makes meaningful strides forward from EA’s offering last year. It has plenty of new mechanics as well as refinements to old ones, which means you’ll need to reprogram your FIFA brain to get back to winning ways.
With that in mind, here are 10 tips that will help you become a top player, whether you’re battling online in Ultimate Team or squaring up to the CPU in Career mode. Let’s play some football.
1. Timed finishing
Timed finishing is one of FIFA notable new mechanics, and it’ll let you score some sublime goals. You can shoot as you would in every other FIFA game – but if you tap the shoot button again just before you make contact, you’ll hit it with extra power and accuracy.
To get the timing right, all you have to do is spend some time practising in the arena. But arguably more important than how to use it is when to do it. It doesn’t work well when the ball is in close to your feet, or if it’s rebounding to you quickly, because the window to double tap is so small. In these situations, don’t even try a timed finish, because it’ll likely throw your shot off. And besides, you never really need a timed shot: normal shooting is just as good as ever.
Instead, keep it for shots where you have time between when you press shoot and when your player makes contact, so that you can reliably predict when to double tap – like when taking shots from distance where you’ve got lots of space in front of you.
2. Don’t mash the shoot button near the goal
When the ball is loose in the six-yard box, most players’ natural reaction is to mash the shoot button and hope one of their strikers connects. Don’t do it this year.
Because of timed finishing, hitting shoot repeatedly will just make you slice your shot, and can lead to some embarrassing open goal misses. Just press shoot once – your player will be just as eager to get to the ball as they would if you pressed it 50 times. It takes some getting used to, but showing restraint will pay off.
3. Driven cross
If you’re on the wing and you’ve got a striker all alone in the box, the low cross (double tap the cross button) works best. But if you want to bend the ball around a defender, or fire it in from an unusual angle – further away from the byline, for example – the driven cross is your best bet.
It’s remarkable how often a driven cross will pick your striker out perfectly. If you’ve got a direct line of site to your teammate, or you see them peeling away from a defender, then hold R1/RB and hit the cross button. The advantage over the low cross is that you can change the power, allowing you to reach teammates that are further away.
4. Don’t neglect Quick Tactics
FIFA’s fancy new tactics system, which lets you set individual strategies for the five mentalities (from ultra-defensive to ultra-attacking) is useful to turn the tide of a match. Make sure you customise each one so that going defensive will help you hold onto a lead, while going offensive will pile your players forward.
However, you shouldn’t neglect FIFA’s quick tactics, which you can activate by using the D-Pad. Pressing up and then right will force your fullbacks to push forward, while up then left will make your wingers hug the touchline. Go to Basic Controls > Tactics to see all your options. You can also press either up or down in-game to see your attacking and defensive options respectively.
5. Tap shooting
FIFA 18’s driven shot was a reliable way to score: you powered up your shot and tapped the shoot button again just before contact. Naturally, that won’t work in FIFA 19 because of the new timed finishing system, so instead, you have to hold R1, L1 and shoot to drive the ball low.
They’re still fairly reliable, but we’ve found that simply using a low-powered normal shot – around one bar of power – is a consistent way of scoring one-on-ones. Just make sure you get to the penalty spot or closer, because any farther away than that and the keeper will have more than enough time to make the save, and aim for the corners.
6. Master the first touch and volley move
FIFA 19 overhauls first touches, and you can now flick the ball in any direction you want using the right stick. Usually, if you’re set in position and the ball is coming straight for you, flicking the right stick will bring the ball off the ground, which is good for putting it around a defender or, more usefully, setting yourself up for a volley.
I wouldn’t recommend it if a defender is sticking close to you, because they’ll usually just battle for the ball. But if you have space, then flick the stick towards the goal. It’ll pop up perfectly for a volley, and you’ll reliably test the keeper. Hold L2/LT for an acrobatic attempt.
Alternatively, you can simply click in the right stick before you receive the ball, which will still flick it straight up, but it won’t go as high, and the ball will stay closer to you. Use the left stick to choose the direction you want to flick it up. It works well if a defender is right at your back, or if you’ve found a small pocket of space in the box.
7. In career mode, play your youngsters
There’s nothing more satisfying than finding a young gem in career mode and seeing them blossom into a superstar. There are plenty of websites out there that will tell you the potential rating of every player in the game (just use your scouts if you feel they give you an unfair advantage), but remember: a player won’t reach their potential if they rot in the reserves.
Putting young players in training sessions will boost their stats, but the best way to develop them is to give them game time. For best results, stick them in the starting 11 from time to time. And if you’re squad’s too big to reliably give them a chance, then send them out on loan to a team that will give them playing time.
8. Use L2/LT to keep first touches close
A fancy first touch isn’t always the best option, especially if you’ve got a couple of defenders nearby. To keep the ball close to you, hold L2/LT as you receive the ball, and press the left stick away from the nearest defender. It’ll practically stick to your foot, and if you carry on holding L2/LT, your player will use their body to keep the defender at bay.
9. Tackle the sliders
FIFA 19 is fast and furious, and it’s on the arcade-y end of the football sim spectrum. But if you feel like chances are too easy to come by, or you just want games to unfold at a slower pace, then you can easily tweak every aspect of the game, and it’s all readily available in the main menu.
The first place to start is knocking Game Speed down to Slow in the Game Settings, which will generally make it harder to craft openings. You might want to turn the half length up to 8-10 minutes to begin with, just to see how you get on.
But you can do so much more with gameplay sliders (in Game Settings > User Gameplay Customisation), which will let you change everything from player sprint speed to the margin of passing error, or let you decide just how high and wide defensive lines should be by default.
You should probably only change them when you’ve got a good handle on how the game plays, or alternatively copy the ready-made sliders settings you can find online. The Operation Sports sliders are usually a good bet.
10. Put players’ names above their head
This might seem simple, but it’s very useful for scoring goals. If you’re using a zoomed out camera – we’d recommend Tele Broadcast with a zoom of three – players tend to all look the same. You need to know which player you’re controlling so that you know which is their dominant foot, as well as what skill moves they can pull off.
To get their name above their head, just go to Game Settings > vVsual, and change the HUD options to ‘player name & indicator’.
Are you ready to saddle up and ride out on Rockstar's latest western adventure? The Red Dead Redemption 2 release date is fast approaching, promising a gigantic, gun-toting open-world romp to explore. It's lining itself up to be the most-hotly anticipated game of the year, and, given Rockstar's pedigree, for good reason. Here's what you need to know.
Revelead with perfect pacing on the part of Rockstar, the game will be the developer's third set in the Wild West and its first release since Grand Theft Auto 5 in 2013. To say Rockstar fans are waiting with bated breath is an understatement.
Though the game isn't due to be released until October 2018 news and rumors are circulating and we've gathered everything you need to know right here.
[Update:The Red Dead Redemption 2 PS4 Pro bundle has given us a few previously unknown details about the game. The first is that, when it comes out, RDR2 is going to be one of thelargest games in terms file sizeon the PlayStation 4, coming in at a whopping 105GB. The second is that, according to the packaging, the game supports up to 32 players, which likely refers to the clandestine multiplayer mode that Rockstar has kept relatively quiet about so far.]
Cut to the chase
What is it? The sequel to the Wild West Rockstar hit, Red Dead Redemption
When can I play it? October 26 2018
What can I play it on? PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have been confirmed so far, with a PC version now highly likely too
Red Dead Redemption 2 trailers
The first trailer for Red Dead Redemption 2 which was released shortly after the game's announcement. It doesn't reveal much other than that we're going to be returning to the Wild West. The game locations in the trailer are diverse and beautiful and it looks highly likely that the game will be open world.
The game's second trailer came on September 28, after Rockstar teased some new information would be coming in a tweet earlier that week. This time around we got to see a bit more about the game, including a glimpse of its new protagonist Arthur Morgan.
Watch the trailer for yourself below and take a gander at all the screenshots we've collected as well as see some of the new theories this trailer has dragged up:
The third trailer rode into town on May 2, all guns blazing. We thought we were ready for it thanks to a tip-off from Rockstar's twitter feed, but it still hit us right in the feels.
This trailer puts us right in the middle of the action and confirms (spoiler) that John Marston, the hero of Red Dead Redemption will feature in the game. There's only a fleeting glimpse of him, the wounds that will become his distinctive scars still fresh on his face.
We'll stop now, you just check it out for yourself below:
Rockstar released the first gameplay trailer on August 9 (well, the first part), giving us a closer look at the highly-anticipated sequel in action.
The trailer gives us a look at the new richly-detailed world which Arthur Morgan inhabits, complete with sprawling deserts, mucky swaps, winding mountain road, and bustling cities. We also get to see some of the wildlife which live in these areas, and that you will no doubt hunt down for a bit of money.
As part of the notorious Van Der Linde gang, Arthur is an outlaw. The gang are constantly forced to leave areas, setting up a new camp somewhere. This camp is your base, it's where gang members eat, sleep, play, games, and do chores. And you'll have to pull your weight to keep morale high and your your comrades friendly.
It's not just your camp mates who are effected by your actions. All your interactions have consequences, allowing you to interact with citizens on a deeper level. But if your moral compass isn't pointing straight, you could pick up some enemies along the way.
You can check out the gameplay trailer below:
Red Dead Redemption 2 release date
We thought we'd have Red Dead Redemption 2 in our stockings come Holiday 2017, but it turns out that may have been a bit preemptive on our part.
Initially a blog post on the publisher's website from May 2017 said that we'll have to wait until Spring of 2018 to saddle up for Rockstar Games' next epic western:
"Red Dead Redemption 2 is now set to launch Spring 2018 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This outlaw epic set across the vast and unforgiving American heartland will be the first Rockstar game created from the ground up for the latest generation of console hardware, and some extra time is necessary to ensure that we can deliver the best experience possible for our fans ... We are very sorry for any disappointment this delay causes, but we are firm believers in delivering a game only when it is ready."
However, Rockstar Games later tweeted to say that the game would instead be released on October 26 2018, which is a few months later than the June 8 release date that leaked earlier this year.
If you're thinking "we've heard all that before" don't worry too much: Take Two's CEO, Straus Zelnick, has promised that the game won't be delayed again. Talking to Mad Money Host, Jim Cramer, Zelnick promised "hand on heart" that the release date is October 26, adding that the entire team is on track.
But what about a PC version? So far, there's been no official word from Rockstar on a Red Dead Redemption 2 PC outing, with only the console versions so far announced.
However, we saw a similar story with the release of Grand Theft Auto V. A roaring success on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, it was several years before it made the jump to the PC, and eventually even crossed console generations with a remastered version of the game turning up on PS4 and Xbox One.
Could it be a similar story for Red Dead 2? It's looking likely – the LinkedIn profile of a programmer with previous experience at RockStar shows that the employee has been working on the game from a PC standpoint, with the profile verified by several sources. We'd say a PC version is incredibly likely at some point.
What we do know, however, is that the game will launch alongside a companion game guide book. The Red Dead Redemption 2 Complete Official Guide book will also release on October 26, and is published by Piggyback.
Two versions will release (with pre-orders available now from the Rockstar Warehouse) . The standard cheaper, standard version offers a mission and character guide, with walkthroughs, detailed maps and an index among other features. The Collector's Edition is more expensive, is on "art quality" paper, and includes all of the above plus an exclusive character art gallery.
Red Dead Redemption 2 rumors
PlayStation exclusivity
It seems that there will be some PlayStation exclusive content when Red Dead Redemption 2 is released on the PS4 later this year. After Rockstar announced some of its pre-order bonuses for the game, the PlayStation Store listing stated that players will be able to "play select content first on PlayStation 4" with "details to follow."
Now, we don't know what kind of content is under this timed exclusivity - it could be something completely inconsequential – but it could also mean blocking other platforms from accessing maps or weapons for a long time. We'll be updating as soon as we find out more.
Online mode
The game's online portion (called Red Dead Online) will, apparently, have three different modes: 'Revive and Survive' 'Battle Royale' and 'Money Grab.' Given the wild popularity of games such as PUBG and Fortnite, it doesn't seem unlikely that Rockstar would be interested in turning its hand to this kind of gameplay and seizing on the popularity.
'Revive and Survive' will set two teams against one another in an all out battle where teams will have to fight to stay alive, risking their own necks to revive team members and keep the game going.
Finally, 'Money Grab' will be a heist-style mode where two teams will go head-to-head in order to collect money from a central location and return it safely to their hideout.
The report also says that, like Grand Theft Auto's online mode, Red Dead Redemption 2 will allow players to explore the game's open world, with rewards for completing tasks, activities to take part in, and upgradeable tents instead of apartments. It even suggests that there'll be a companion app launched with social features and a poker minigame (a great way for players to increase their in-game funds without having to sit down and play the game).
New mechanics
The report also states that the game will have new mechanics. There'll be locations dedicated to procuring new items and gambling, as well as a slum market where it'll apparently be possible to pick up these items on a discount. All stores will operate according to the game's day-night cycle – so no going to purchase a new pistol and midnight.
Vehicles will range from minecarts to horse-drawn carriages. It may even be possible to use full-explorable trains to traverse the map.
It's also being said that the main campaign and online mode will be playable in first-person and the Eagle Eye function will make a return, allowing players to track bounties and detect fish for catching.
Mission branches
According to the report, player actions in main campaign missions will affect the direction in which the story moves. Interacting with certain characters over others or interacting with them in different ways, for example, may result in a different outcome or objectives.
Red Dead Redemption 2 news and features
We have very little in the way of solid facts when it comes to Red Dead Redemption 2 but what has been confirmed by Rockstar can be found below.
Interactions are deeper
You'll now be able to react with citizens in a way you couldn't before. From calling out to fellow riders to talking your way out of trouble with the sheriff, your actions have consequences. It's up to you whether you choose to escalate or diffuse volatile situations, but negative actions could result in making enemies.
Camp life is important
Due to the Van Der Linde gang not being the friendliest neighbours, you'll often be forced out of an area and have to set up camp somewhere new. Camp serves as your gang's base, it's where you eat, sleep, play games, and perform chores. You need to pull your weight, fetching food and supplies to keep morale high. You'll also be able to take part in activities for fellow gang members which improve your relationship with them.
Variety of terrain
With the open world deeper than ever before, there are plenty of different regions for you to explore including sprawling forests, scorching deserts, bustling cities, sheer mountains and mucky swamps. These areas will be inhabited by appropriate wildlife, with alligators roaming the swamps and eagles circling mountain tops.
Weapons are more realistic and unique
Each weapon has a unique characteristic. But we won't know much about that until part two of the gameplay trailer. However, we did learn weapons now have realistic reload and recoil actions.
Befriending your horse is beneficial
As you progress, your relationship with your valiant steed will blossom. The stronger the bond, the easier the horse is to control. There are also a wider variety of horses than before, with each horse having a specific purpose (such as racing).
There's a new protagonist
John Marston is no more. Red Dead Redemption 2 brings players a brand new protagonist called Arthur Morgan and the game will follow this outlaw and the Van der Linde gang as they rob and fight their way across America.
That doesn't mean that John is entirely absent. From trailer number three we've learnt that John is in the game, although how major a player he's going to be we're yet to see.
Dutch is back
The main antagonist from Red Dead Redemption showed his face in this game's second trailer which confirms he'll be back. Whether or not he'll be the same antagonistic force is unclear but we think it's highly unlikely he's going to be a force for good.
There's mention of "the sons of Dutch" in the third trailer, and while this is more than likely a reference to the familial nature of the Van Der Linde gang, is there a possibility Arthur Morgan could be Dutch's progeny?
It'll have an open world
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a sequel to an open world game and it's being developed by Rockstar so this isn't exactly surprising information. Though Red Dead Revolver was a more linear affair, it was apparent that Rockstar was moving away from this with its spiritual successor Red Dead Redemption and we imagine this trend will continue.
On the game's site, Rockstar has called the game world "vast and atmospheric" and the trailer certainly backs up this claim.
The environments shown in the trailer are diverse and stunning and we imagine that as before you'll be able to traverse them on foot, horseback and perhaps even by rail at your own pace.
It'll have single and multiplayer
As you'd expect of a Rockstar game, Red Dead Redemption 2's vast open game world will be the backdrop to a thrilling single-player campaign.
Though the first game followed the story of one man, we're not sure whether that will be the case with Red Dead Redemption 2. The game's trailer shows 7 figures on horseback which does suggest there could be multiple stories weaving together here like Rockstar did with Grand Theft Auto 5. We'll just have to wait to find out if this is the case.
One similarity we do know Red Dead Redemption 2 will have to Grand Theft Auto 5 is its huge online multiplayer world and it could be this element of the game that the 7 cowboys on horseback imagery is referring to.
On the game's website, Rockstar has stated that the world of the single player campaign will "also provide the foundation for a brand new online multiplayer experience."
Considering Grand Theft Auto 5's online world is still growing and thriving 4 years after the game's initial release this is an exciting prospect. We imagine the cooperative missions that involve heists, races, gangs and money making will transfer neatly over to the Wild West world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
PlayStation 4 players will get early access to some online content
Thanks to a partnership between PlayStation and Rockstar, PlayStation 4 owners will get early access to some of the game's online content. In a post on the official PlayStation Blog where the announcement was made it wasn't clear what the online content would be, however it was promised that more details would be revealed soon.
Unlockable weapons in Grand Theft Auto Online
Grand theft Auto Online players are getting some interesting Red Dead Redemption 2 treats in the form of unlockable weapons. An in-game email went out in December with a clue for hunting down the Double Action Revolver.
Once the revolver is acquired, a Headshot Challenge will launch in Freemode which, if completed, will give players a $250,000 in-game prize and the opportunity to unlock the revolver for use in Red Dead Redemption 2 when it's released in 2018.
Two redditors also found evidence of a new Stone Hatchet weapon in the patch code from GTA Online's recent nightclub update, as a reward for capturing or killing five chosen in-game targets. Getting 25 kills with the weapon also then unlocks it in Red Dead Redemption 2 – and while the mission isn't officially live, there is a way of triggering it early, as shown in this video.
Art book
There's a listing for a book called The Art of Red Dead Redemption 2 that has popped up on Amazon (and has been swiftly deleted). The book is being published by Random House and had a slated release of October so looks likely to be an official product and in the listing claimed to be "a peek behind the curtain of Rockstar Games and its intensely guarded approach to the creation of the lush, Old West open-world gameplay”.
Characters
In September 2018, Rockstar revealed character cards which introduced us to a selection of gang members we will be encountering in Red Dead Redemption 2. While there were some familiar faces, such as Dutch Van Der Linde, there were also some brand new characters we haven't met previously.
We've rounded up the posse so you can take a look:
What we want to see from Red Dead Redemption 2
Considering solid facts on the game are pretty thin on the ground, speculation and rumors are understandably rife, with most of the basis for guessing at possible features coming from the game's two trailers.
It could be a prequel or sequel
Red Dead Redemption 2 will have a brand new protagonist called Arthur Morgan which puts John Marston out of the picture.
It was the appearance of Red Dead Redemption antagonist, Dutch Van der Linde, in the second trailer for this game, however, that made fans think it could very well be a prequel. Dutch looks much younger and more fresh in the trailer which gives this pre-Red Dead Redemption theory credence.
That said, others have pointed out some anachronistic background details from the trailer which throw the prequel nature of the story into question. First up is a telephone which appears in an office scene of the trailer. This phone has a design which would have been in use long after 1890. However, a train which appears later in the trailer is being pointed out as being from a much earlier time than this.
Red Dead Redemption is largely set in 1911, so all of these details taken together suggest that Red Dead Redemption 2 could actually have a very long timeline which begins before John Marston's Red Dead Redemption and then runs concurrent to it, perhaps starring multiple characters.
However, it could also be a prequel that just doesn't stretch too far back in time – it's also being rumored that the game is set only 5 years before the previous game around 1906 which would make a great deal of sense.
Bows and arrows and dual wielding weapons
In the game's second trailer we see protagonist Morgan wielding a bow and arrow as well as simultaneously firing two revolvers. This suggests combat mechanics have advanced significantly from the previous game.
Bow and arrows were actually a weapon option in Red Dead Revolver before being nixed in Red Dead Redemption. Since then, fans have been crying out for their return and the trailer certainly seems to show that's happening.
Out on the water
You couldn't even swim in Red Dead Redemption but a glimpse of a character out on the open water in a kayak in the trailer for the sequel has people wondering if you'll be able to travel across water or maybe even swim this time around. It'd certainly make an already sure to be large game world even larger.
More animals than ever
The game's second trailers shows in no uncertain terms that bears are back. But this time they're being joined by crocodiles. This makes the surrounding game world significantly more dangerous and although we like to see as much wildlife as possible, we're not looking forward to being taken by surprise by a crocodile in a swamp.
Sharing the load
A scene of a character walking alongside a mule loaded up with equipment also has fans wondering if it'll be possible to share your inventory with your steed. We imagine this would work in a similar manner to sharing your inventory with your companion in games like Skyrim.
The biggest takeaways from the tentative topography was a slight move eastward from the arid plains of Red Dead Redemption, showing more marshy locations, islands, and even a mention of a bayou city called New Bordeaux - possibly a tie-in with the recently released, 2K-published Mafia III?
A source with insider knowledge did confirm to us that the map was legit, adding that the game plans to take place before the events of Red Dead Redemption.
However, it is still a leaked map from the internet, so checked expectations are always a smart move.
Rockstar has revealed that the map of the game will be used as the foundation for building an online multiplayer world similar to that of Grand Theft Auto 5 so the incredible scale and diverse landscape suggested by this map would be suited to an online world.
Keep checking back here for more Red Dead Redemption 2 news and rumors! We'll report everything as and when it's revealed.
More excited about Rockstar's other franchise? Here's everything we know about GTA 6
September 28, 2018 at 07:00AM
Emma Boyle,Henry St Leger,Vic Hood
Razer has pulled the curtain back on yet another line of PC gaming headsets, the Nari series. All three of these new gaming headsets come packing THX Spatial Audio, however, the ‘Ultimate’ version does something completely new: hyper-realistic haptic feedback.
The feature, co-developed with German engineering firm Lofelt, uses haptic motion drivers to generate haptic feedback from all angles and dimensions. The goal of this is to drive deeper immersion in games and better in-game positional awareness.
Better yet, this feature works across all audio formats and sources, from (obviously) video games to movies and music, converting audio signals into haptic ones automatically.
In addition to simulated surround sound through THX, the three new, over-ear gaming headsets – the Nari Essential ($99/€99), the Nari ($149/ €149) and the Nari Ultimate ($199/€199) – all share ear cushions with cooling gel inside, an automatically adjusting headband and ‘lag-free’ 2.4GHz wireless connectivity.
The convenient chart above breaks down all of these product differences, and clearly Razer hopes you’ll gravitate toward the Nari Ultimate. Stay tuned for a full review of Razer Nari Ultimate to see whether it’s truly worth the relatively steep cost.
Razer has pulled the curtain back on yet another line of PC gaming headsets, the Nari series. All three of these new gaming headsets come packing THX Spatial Audio, however, the ‘Ultimate’ version does something completely new: hyper-realistic haptic feedback.
The feature, co-developed with German engineering firm Lofelt, uses haptic motion drivers to generate haptic feedback from all angles and dimensions. The goal of this is to drive deeper immersion in games and better in-game positional awareness.
Better yet, this feature works across all audio formats and sources, from (obviously) video games to movies and music, converting audio signals into haptic ones automatically.
In addition to simulated surround sound through THX, the three new, over-ear gaming headsets – the Nari Essential ($99/€99), the Nari ($149/ €149) and the Nari Ultimate ($199/€199) – all share ear cushions with cooling gel inside, an automatically adjusting headband and ‘lag-free’ 2.4GHz wireless connectivity.
The convenient chart above breaks down all of these product differences, and clearly Razer hopes you’ll gravitate toward the Nari Ultimate. Stay tuned for a full review of Razer Nari Ultimate to see whether it’s truly worth the relatively steep cost.
UK businesses are highly dependent on data and new research from Dell Boomi has revealed that 81 per cent believe they could be out of business within five years without further investment in technology.
The company surveyed 250 IT decision makers from large UK businesses to better understand the level of connectivity as well as the extent to which data and organisational silos exist across their organisations. The aim of the research was to help companies understand how they can become a truly connected business and ensure their digital transformation journeys are successful.
UK organisations as a whole have made digital transformation a priority and are focused on dealing with issues such as cloud solutions with 33 per cent seeking to implement hybrid cloud solutions, 41 per cent dealing with cyber security challenges and 33 per cent experiencing budget worries. IT leaders widely acknowledge the fact that their businesses would not survive without continued investment in IT.
Of the organisations surveyed, more than half (57%) highlighted legacy software as one of the biggest challenges they face.
Vice President of EMEA at Dell Boomi, Derek Thompson provided further insight on how businesses are struggling to deal with legacy software, saying:
“Most large organisations are living with hybrid IT landscapes as they move applications to the cloud while maintaining legacy on premise applications. Ensuring connectivity and a single pane of glass across this landscape is critical to the three quarters of companies that admit to being highly data driven - as yet only one in four (26%) see themselves as ‘very connected’.”
Improvements to IT infrastructure
The challenge of connectivity is also addressed in Dell Boomi's study with 37 per cent of participants listing connectivity as part of their current IT infrastructure that they wish to improve. Additionally, a third (34%) of businesses want increased integration between their applications and almost a quarter (24%) are facing issues with data siloes.
When questioned as to what they would change about their current IT infrastructure, two of the top considerations for IT leaders were having complete transparency over data (38%) and communication between applications and data (38%). Nearly half (41%) of participants cited cyber security as their top concern.
While we’re seeing rapid investment in intelligent interfaces, organisational and technical challenges during deployment can see many companies struggling to transform themselves into AI-driven enterprises. Martin Linstrom, Managing Director, UK&I at IPsoft, whose human-like digital AI colleague, Amelia has the ability to learn and improve over time, explores his 5 best practices for successful AI deployments.
Where do you start when introducing an AI system into a business?
The most important thing to remember when beginning an AI deployment is what the business outcome should be. This should remain at the heart of the decision making throughout the journey. The best and most effective way to achieve this is to ask your workforce how AI can make their everyday work easier and more interesting, ultimately resulting in the best possible user experience for the employees.
How much money should companies invest initially?
Companies should calculate the anticipated cost savings that would be gained with a successful AI deployment, using that as a starting point for investment so that costs of errors or short falls on expectations are minimised if they occur. The cost savings should be based on efficiency gains, as well as the increased productivity that can be harnessed in other areas of the business by freeing up staff from administration tasks. This ensures companies do not over-invest at the beginning before seeing initial results and if changes are necessary they do not cannibalise potential ROI and companies can still potentially switch to other viable alternative use cases.
Why should companies invest in an AI-powered digital colleague rather than a chatbot?
Before advising companies on what solution they should invest in, it's important to first establish what they want to achieve. Digital colleagues can provide a far superior level of customer service however, they require greater resource to set up.
Most chatbots are not scalable, once deployed they cannot be integrated into other business areas as they are designed to answer FAQs based on a static set of rules. Unlike digital colleagues, they cannot understand complex questions or perform several tasks at once.
But, the biggest benefit of a cognitive AI solution is that it improves its delivery of tasks over time through machine learning, driving continuous improvement without increased investment. This, and the fact that it is scalable across a wider range of business areas, means it will bring much higher value to a company over the long term.
How can you ensure employees will use the new AI system?
Employee engagement is critical when it comes to digital transformation. We recommend that a new AI deployment is tested within a small group of enthusiastic employees or super users who will give honest feedback on the system’s language and interface to help define the most effective user experience for the business.
What’s great about starting with a group of super users is that if the test is successful, they can help engender a positive outlook towards the new technology amongst their colleagues.
And companies that do not involve employees in the early stages of an AI deployment risk making employees feel like the AI system was forced upon them, preventing widespread adoption amongst the workforce.
How should companies scale up an AI deployment?
My advice to companies looking to implement a new AI use case is to keep testing it in short 60 to 90-day cycles. It’s important that the solution is continuously developed and perfected before reproducing it elsewhere in the business.
Once the technology is proven we suggest experimenting in two directions. Firstly by scaling the proof of concept – doing more of the same activity at a greater scale with marginal iterations. Secondly by increasing the scope of AI implementation. You can achieve this by experimenting in new areas of the business, with new technologies and brand new initiatives. The second direction is a little more risky but is crucial in becoming a digital enterprise. You should aim to create the right blend of both that fits the culture of your business.
Nintendo’s newest mobile game, Dragalia Lost, is now available on Android and iOS in the US, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. The JRPG is free-to-play and, like other mobile games, relies on loot box-style in-game purchases for randomized items.
Nintendo first announced the game in April and filled in story details with a few lore trailers and a Nintendo Direct. Players lead a young prince and a ragtag band of allies against his perfidious royal siblings and several powerful dragons.
Players swipe their device’s screen to battle enemies in real-time and switch between party members on the fly. In addition to an elemental rock-paper-scissors mechanic and charge-up skills, characters will also be able to transform into dragons for a short time. Players can join up to three other players for limited time raid-style battles, according to MacRumors
The chibi art style looks a bit like the Final Fantasy XV mobile game crossed with the roaming adventure of Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. But Dragalia Lost isn’t following in that franchise’s footsteps: its creator, Cygames, made the wildly popular Granblue Fantasy, which reached 21 million players back in June according to DualShockers.
Dragalia Lost is inheriting some of Granblue Fantasy’s features, like its rewards system that randomly doles out items, characters and upgrades in packs costing in-game currency. And like other gacha-style games, they all come in varying rarities.
Dragalia Lost was initially slated for release in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau before an eventual release elsewhere, but the US was later looped in to that initial launch date. It’s still unclear when the game will come out in the other regions, including the UK and Australia.
Nintendo Poised To Continue Its Mobile Sweep
Nintendo’s previous mobile games Super Mario Run, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, and Fire Emblem Heroes have all been pretty successful. Dragalia Lost, on the other hand, is a brand-new IP, so it will be interesting to see if the Fire Emblem mobile game’s wild success (players spent over $60 million on the game in just July and August of this year, according to Sensor Tower) rubs off on Nintendo’s newest mobile title.
Even if it doesn’t take off, Nintendo is pretty stable thanks to the perpetual good sales of the Nintendo Switch and games on the console. Its first financial quarter profit rose 44% year on year to ¥31 billion (around $273 million, £208 million, AU$378 million), as the Japan Times reported.
A final note: iPhone XS and XS Max users are reporting issues of unresponsive screens while playing Dragalia Lost. The game's official website suggested users should try restarting their device if this happens, but a hard fix might not come until a future update.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to be a key element in creating the new digital labour force; what analyst firm Gartner is describing as DigitalOps.
AI is integrating a long list of some of the most innovative and disruptive technologies available: machine learning; cognitive and computer vision; conversational capabilities; human-to-machine user interfaces; predictive data analytics; cybersecurity; IoT and intelligent monitoring.
It is a huge range of applications that will take considerable skill to implement if they are to be optimised in work environments around the world. Despite all the advances in management software and techniques, the most effective path to extracting the maximum value from these technologies is through convergence with robotic process automation (RPA).
This proven technology is already bringing together AI and cognitive tools to achieve productivity gains of several orders of magnitude whilst simultaneously slashing costs. While RPA streamlines workflows and performs routine administrative tasks at high volume in a fraction of the time it takes humans and to far higher standards of accuracy, the addition of AI and cognitive capabilities promises smarter business decisions and the potential for much more far-reaching positive change.
The ability to learn is the distinctive characteristic of AI and it means that computers are no longer limited to simply carrying out instructions written by humans. Instead, they can continuously learn from new data and perform better than their human programmers. It is what is described as moving from rules-based to experience-based operations.
AI will take over countless tasks such as driving cars, diagnosing diseases or providing customer support. AI's superhuman performance will generate massive increases in productivity. A June 2017 study by consulting firm PwC, predicts AI will stimulate $15.7 trillion in additional wealth for the world by 2030.
While AI can be considered the “thinking” component of the digital workforce, RPA embodies the component that “acts”. Computer vision and the crunching of all types of data (structured or unstructured) embodies the “sensing” component. All of this data will be then fed into the AI solution, completing the circle to provide the power to RPA software automation which can work attended under the direction of a human worker or unattended and completely autonomous.
Building trust in AI may take time
Trust, however, becomes a factor here because within every organisation there is likely to develop a conflict between retaining control of the AI and trusting its autonomy. An employee can be trusted to perform as expected through training and personal performance controls. But how do humans trust a robot or any automated process, for that matter, to perform as expected?
It is important to recognise the difference between an RPA robot, and a robot as an AI solution. While the RPA robot is programmed to perform certain tasks, the AI solution is trained by observation.
Trusting AI machines will take time and requires transparency and analytics from the point of implementation. Finding a transparent way of helping humans see how the machines learn and use this knowledge in the correct way and take the right decisions will not be easy.
Fear of change and lack of personal employee engagement can also have negative impact on the successful adoption of AI-powered automation. It is important for all organisations implementing RPA with AI capabilities to educate their workforces. Artificial Intelligence should be viewed as a technology that makes each employee more productive and opens up access to new capabilities. Training is necessary but should not take too long or become intimidatingly complex.
The wider effects of automation
There are limits to the abilities of today's AI which have other ramifications for the relationship between society and automation.
Repetitive tasks, such as auditing or insurance and credit administration are likely to disappear and many of the basic information-accessing and processing aspects of the professions such as medicine and the law are likely to be performed by AI and cognitive applications. Yet any role that definitely requires complex human interaction or the management of people is likely to be retained and indeed increased. These jobs are beyond AI's capabilities in terms of creativity, strategy-formulation, sociability and care. Although the technology goes way beyond human capabilities in the digital sphere it lacks social skills or empathy.
The concern here is that AI will radically alter many middle-ranking jobs that involve a degree of administration and information analysis. Roles that will remain relatively insulated will be at opposite ends of the income spectrum – from CEOs to carers, podiatrists and hairstylists.
As a result, there has been much discussion about providing a universal basic income to citizens who have lost their jobs to technology. This is to miss the opportunity presented by this transformative technology.
Such a revolution in how we relate to work will require a rethink from all corners of society. In the private sector, instead of simply viewing AI as a means for cost-cutting through automation, businesses will create new jobs by seeking out symbiosis between AI and the human touch. This will be especially effective in areas such as healthcare and education, where AI can produce crucial insights but only humans can deliver them with care and compassion.
We are already seeing that in many organisations where AI-powered ‘Smart’ RPA is implemented, there are very low levels of job losses as the humans are freed from the mundane to move up the value chain; i.e., employees have more time to devote to profitable, creative tasks which increases their engagement.
A rethink may be required
There is no denying that some roles will disappear and that will require fresh thinking about how to use the wealth generated by AI to reorient our economies.
Some of this wealth could be used to support socially useful work such as care or charity work, parenting or home schooling of young children, assisting aging parents or helping a friend with mental or physical disabilities live life to the full.
By requiring some social contribution, we would foster a public ethos that focuses on our usefulness to one another and wider humanity. Many difficult questions remain to be answered, of course, before we could consider implementing such a sweeping and idealistic policy.
But in the meantime, it is important that business concentrates on obtaining the huge gains in productivity and efficiency from the most effective implementation of RPA and AI. This is the one certain way of harnessing the combined potential of thinking machines and humans.
One thing that Facebook and Oculus somehow forgot to mention regarding the new Oculus Quest standalone headset at its Oculus Connect 5 event was which processor is driving the whole thing. Only after questioning by Gizmodo did Facebook spill the beans: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 system on a chip (SoC).
As Gizmodo points out, this chipset is of course more powerful than the Snapdragon 821 that’s within the entry-level Oculus Go, and the same chip that was used in the Lenovo Mirage Solo from earlier this year.
However, it’s important to note that this chipset is a dated – and will seem even older when the Oculus Quest headset actually comes out. The Snapdragon 835 most notably powered last year’s Samsung Galaxy S8. The latest available flagship mobile processor from Qualcomm is the Snapdragon 845, which drives the early 2018 Samsung Galaxy S9 as well as the even more recent Galaxy Note 9.
Nigh PC-grade VR from a dated mobile processor?
This is particularly interesting, as Facebook claims that the Oculus Quest delivers nearly the same level of visual fidelity found in today’s Oculus Rift, which is powered by a connected PC with a dedicated graphics card.
In our hands-on review, we found the Oculus Quest to produce surprisingly vibrant and crisp visuals – all while providing audio and tracking your every move. How is this possible with a processor that’s not only more than a year old, but was designed for smartphones? Not to mention that we’ve seen how well the Snapdragon 835 performs on other device form factors.
Only Facebook and Oculus’s crack engineering teams know the answer to that, and we still don’t know long the device’s battery will last on a charge.
Even though we now know what’s powering this exciting development in virtual reality tech, there are clearly still plenty of questions to ask of Oculus Quest. Questions we hope are answered before the headset’s mid-2019 release window.
