The developers of team-based shooter Marvel Rivals have apologized for a contract clause that made creators promise not to provide "subjective negative reviews of the game" in exchange for early access to a closed alpha test.
The controversial early access contract gained widespread attention over the weekend when streamer Brandon Larned shared a portion on social media. In the "non-disparagement" clause shared by Larned, creators who are provided with an early download code are asked not to "make any public statements or engage in discussions that are detrimental to the reputation of the game." In addition to the "subjective negative review" example above, the clause also specifically prohibits "making disparaging or satirical comments about any game-related material" and "engaging in malicious comparisons with competitors or belittling the gameplay or differences of Marvel Rivals."
In a Discord post noticed by PCGamesN over the weekend, Chinese developer NetEase apologized for what it called "inappropriate and misleading terms" in the contract. "Our stand is absolutely open for both suggestions and criticisms to improve our games, and... our mission is to make Marvel Rivals better [and] satisfy players by those constructive suggestions."
It's high time Aston Martin had a winner on its hands. Last year it updated the DB12 with a smart new face, plenty of power, and the sort of infotainment you'd hope for from a luxury GT. The Vantage, the firm's 'entry-level' car, has been given similar treatment in the hopes that it can peel a few more people away from Porsche dealerships.
Aston is looking not only to make better cars, but also to shift its image—it's aiming to be seen as more luxurious than before, and is throwing as much power at the cars as possible. At first glance, it looks like Aston has cooked up something truly delightful.
The new car is more than 150 hp (112 kW) more powerful than the one it replaces, with 656 hp (490 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) from a wonderfully appointed turbocharged 4.0 L V8. Its 0 to 60 time is quoted at 3.4 seconds, and Aston reckons that if you have enough space (and no speed limits) you'll see the far side of 200 mph (321 km/h). It is not slow.
The unwritten context here is that Huberman Lab episode 114 discussed this study's conclusions at length, without noting its obvious shortcomings, before its retraction.
The RSA conference 2024 , the world's largest cybersecurity gathering, commenced in San Francisco from May 6 to 9, 2024. With over 45,000 attendees expected, the event promises to be a hub for industry discussion, product launches, and critical talks on emerging threats. This article explores some of the key themes likely to dominate RSA 2024.
Quantifying Cyber Risk: A Business Imperative
One of the most pressing issues for businesses today is understanding cyber risk in financial terms. While data breaches often headline the news, accurately calculating the potential cost of such an attack remains elusive. This lack of clarity hinders informed decision-making around cybersecurity investments.
However, a potential solution may be emerging. Companies like CDW are developing tools that leverage cybersecurity insurance data and best-practice protocols to quantify cyber risk. By translating risk into dollar figures, businesses can prioritize security investments and make data-driven decisions about mitigation strategies.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity landscape. While AI-powered tools hold immense potential for automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency, security professionals are concerned about the technology's potential misuse by attackers.
The fear lies in the possibility of AI exposing sensitive data through large language models, especially in the absence of robust data governance and access control measures. Companies considering AI implementation will need to prioritize these aspects to ensure their data remains secure.
Securing Operational Technology (OT): A Growing Challenge
Critical infrastructure facilities, like power plants and water treatment centers, are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. These facilities often rely on aging OT systems, not designed for today's internet-connected world, making them vulnerable.
The potential consequences of a successful attack on such facilities are far-reaching, potentially disrupting entire regions. To address this growing threat, a holistic approach is needed. One such approach, the 5D security model, focuses on identifying vulnerabilities, deploying solutions, and fostering a culture of shared accountability between IT and OT teams.
RSA 2024 Beyond Technology: Collaboration and Community
The RSA Conference is more than just a showcase of new technology. This year's RSA Conference theme, "The Art of Possible," reflects a focus on innovation and community collaboration. Keynote speakers such as Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will discuss the government's efforts to integrate cybersecurity into emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.
The conference will also feature a diverse roster of speakers from the cybersecurity industry, including technologist Bruce Schneier and former CISA Director Chris Krebs.
Hugh Thompson, RSAC's executive chairman, emphasizes the conference's role in fostering collaboration within the cybersecurity community. This "community problem-solving" approach is crucial in combating evolving threats.
The event will feature a diverse range of speakers, including government officials, technologists, security experts, and even representatives from the arts and entertainment world. This cross-disciplinary approach underscores the importance of collaboration in building a more secure future.
Innovation and Learning Opportunities
With over 500 sessions, RSA 2024 promises to be a hub of knowledge sharing and networking opportunities. Attendees can participate in hands-on cybersecurity labs, networking sessions, and keynote presentations. The Innovation Sandbox will showcase startups competing for the title of "Most Innovative Startup," highlighting the latest advancements in cybersecurity technology.
Cyble's Participation
Cyble, a leading provider of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, is showcasing its Cyble Vision Platform at RSA 2024. Attendees can visit Cyble's booth to learn how the platform enhances network resilience and proactively tackles cybersecurity threats. Cyble's leadership team will be available to discuss the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity.
The RSA 2024 remains a cornerstone event for the cybersecurity industry. By addressing critical issues like quantifying cyber risk, securing OT systems, and fostering collaboration, the event aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the ever-evolving threat landscape.
Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.
You could call them "sky flowers," but that doesn't really make sense either—after all, the faded blue behind each squiggle is water, not sky, and the squiggles themselves don't represent solid objects in any tangible, meaningful way. But they look right. The reds and greens and yellows add life and color in a way that a flat blue might not. Those odd shapes, suspended motionless with no clear reason or value, establish a tone.
There are a lot of things that don't make sense on SpongeBob SquarePants. But there's a clear and coherent vision that runs through the entire show, from the design of SpongeBob's kitchen-sponge body down to the squeaky-balloon sound of his footsteps. It's a perspective, and a warm, specific, crazy little world. Of course it has sky flowers in it. What else would be up there?
Like all postmodern "texts", Spongebob Squarepants doesn't deny the absurdity of existence. The show is filled with absurd and surreal moments, far too many to describe here. And as a postmodern show, Spongebob has its nihilistic moments as well. One in particular that stands out is from season three's episode "Doing Time", when Spongebob and Patrick attempt to break Mrs. Puff out of jail. After she refuses to leave, Spongebob wonders to Patrick if maybe she'd forgotten what it's like to "live in the outside world". The scene then cuts to a montage of typical postmodern malaise — a man (fish, rather) going to work, sitting in rush hour traffic, then gazing dejectedly out of his window as a woman asks if he's coming to bed. Depressing, hopeless, and completely nihilistic, this moment reminds viewers of their own mortality and the dangers of routine... or, if you're just a kid, you'll realize that being an adult can suck.
On Monday, SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg died after a recent diagnosis with ALS. Nickelodeon confirmed the news on Twitter Tuesday afternoon. What followed was an outpouring of grief for the man behind one of the most recognizable and beloved cartoon characters of all time. [...] Through his show, Hilleburg was an evangelist of sorts for the unstoppable power of positive thinking, which he usually dramatized with absurd scenarios. Think of the time SpongeBob sculpts a perfect marble sculpture with a crack of the chisel, or when he wins a fast foodery face-off against the Flying Dutchman—the undead daddy of burger grilling—with the special ingredient of love. SpongeBob tackles everything in life—work, driving school, friendship, pain, lifeguarding, climate change—with a level of zealous breeziness usually reserved zen monks and six-year-old kids.
It's hard to overstate just how popular SpongeBob SquarePants memes are. On Reddit, r/BikiniBottomTwitter — which exists mainly so that people can screencap the memes from Twitter and share them on Reddit — has more than 1.7 million subscribers, making it one of the site's most popular meme subreddits. (By comparison, the more general r/Spongebob subreddit only has 74,000 subscribers.) And SpongeBob memes don't just appear and then die; as Digg's editors noted in the site's 2018 SpongeBob retrospective, the biggest SpongeBob memes "are all pretty much meme superhits. There are no deep cuts here."
What exactly is it about SpongeBob memes that make them so enduring and enjoyable?
Are you looking for a new graphic design tool? Would you like to read a detailed review of Canva? As it's one of the tools I love using. I am also writing my first ebook using canva and publish it soon on my site you can download it is free. Let's start the review.
Canva is a free graphic design web application that allows you to create invitations, business cards, flyers, lesson plans, banners, and more using professionally designed templates. You can upload your own photos from your computer or from Google Drive, and add them to Canva's templates using a simple drag-and-drop interface. It's like having a basic version of Photoshop that doesn't require Graphic designing knowledge to use. It’s best for nongraphic designers.
Who is Canva best suited for?
Canva is a great tool for small business owners, online entrepreneurs, and marketers who don’t have the time and want to edit quickly.
To create sophisticated graphics, a tool such as Photoshop can is ideal. To use it, you’ll need to learn its hundreds of features, get familiar with the software, and it’s best to have a good background in design, too.
Also running the latest version of Photoshop you need a high-end computer.
So here Canva takes place, with Canva you can do all that with drag-and-drop feature. It’s also easier to use and free. Also an even-more-affordable paid version is available for $12.95 per month.
Free vs Pro vs Enterprise Pricing plan
The product is available in three plans: Free, Pro ($12.99/month per user or $119.99/year for up to 5 people), and Enterprise ($30 per user per month, minimum 25 people).
Free plan Features
250,000+ free templates
100+ design types (social media posts, presentations, letters, and more)
100+ million premium and stock photos, videos, audio, and graphics
610,000+ premium and free templates with new designs daily
Access to Background Remover and Magic Resize
Create a library of your brand or campaign's colors, logos, and fonts with up to 100 Brand Kits
Remove image backgrounds instantly with background remover
Resize designs infinitely with Magic Resize
Save designs as templates for your team to use
100GB of cloud storage
Schedule social media content to 8 platforms
Enterprise Plan Features
Everything Pro has plus:
Establish your brand's visual identity with logos, colors and fonts across multiple Brand Kits
Control your team's access to apps, graphics, logos, colors and fonts with brand controls
Built-in workflows to get approval on your designs
Set which elements your team can edit and stay on brand with template locking
Unlimited Storage
Log in with single-sign on (SSO) and have access to 24/7 Enterprise-level support.
How to Use Canva?
To get started on Canva, you will need to create an account by providing your email address, Google, Facebook or Apple credentials. You will then choose your account type between student, teacher, small business, large company, non-profit, or personal. Based on your choice of account type, templates will be recommended to you.
You can sign up for a free trial of Canva Pro, or you can start with the free version to get a sense of whether it’s the right graphic design tool for your needs.
When you sign up for an account, Canva will suggest different post types to choose from. Based on the type of account you set up you'll be able to see templates categorized by the following categories: social media posts, documents, presentations, marketing, events, ads, launch your business, build your online brand, etc.
Start by choosing a template for your post or searching for something more specific. Search by social network name to see a list of post types on each network.
Templates
Next, you can choose a template. Choose from hundreds of templates that are ready to go, with customizable photos, text, and other elements.
You can start your design by choosing from a variety of ready-made templates, searching for a template matching your needs, or working with a blank template.
Canva has a lot to choose from, so start with a specific search.if you want to create business card just search for it and you will see alot of templates to choose from
Elements
Inside the Canva designer, the Elements tab gives you access to lines and shapes, graphics, photos, videos, audio, charts, photo frames, and photo grids.The search box on the Elements tab lets you search everything on Canva.
To begin with, Canva has a large library of elements to choose from. To find them, be specific in your search query. You may also want to search in the following tabs to see various elements separately:
Photos
The Photos tab lets you search for and choose from millions of professional stock photos for your templates.
You can replace the photos in our templates to create a new look. This can also make the template more suited to your industry.
You can find photos on other stock photography sites like pexel, pixabay and many more or simply upload your own photos.
When you choose an image, Canva’s photo editing features let you adjust the photo’s settings (brightness, contrast, saturation, etc.), crop, or animate it.
When you subscribe to Canva Pro, you get access to a number of premium features, including the Background Remover. This feature allows you to remove the background from any stock photo in library or any image you upload.
Text
The Text tab lets you add headings, normal text, and graphical text to your design.
When you click on text, you'll see options to adjust the font, font size, color, format, spacing, and text effects (like shadows).
Canva Pro subscribers can choose from a large library of fonts on the Brand Kit or the Styles tab. Enterprise-level controls ensure that visual content remains on-brand, no matter how many people are working on it.
Audio
Create an animated image or video by adding audio to capture user’s attention in social news feeds.
If you want to use audio from another stock site or your own audio tracks, you can upload them in the Uploads tab or from the more option.
Video
Want to create your own videos? Choose from thousands of stock video clips. You’ll find videos that range upto 2 minutes
You can upload your own videos as well as videos from other stock sites in the Uploads tab.
Once you have chosen a video, you can use the editing features in Canva to trim the video, flip it, and adjust its transparency.
Backgrounds
On the Background tab, you’ll find free stock photos to serve as backgrounds on your designs. Change out the background on a template to give it a more personal touch.
Styles
The Styles tab lets you quickly change the look and feel of your template with just a click. And if you have a Canva Pro subscription, you can upload your brand’s custom colors and fonts to ensure designs stay on brand.
Logos
If you have a Canva Pro subscription, you’ll have a Logos tab. Here, you can upload variations of your brand logo to use throughout your designs.
With Canva, you can also create your own logos. Note that you cannot trademark a logo with stock content in it.
Publishing with Canva
With Canva, free users can download and share designs to multiple platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Slack and Tumblr.
Canva Pro subscribers can create multiple post formats from one design. For example, you can start by designing an Instagram post, and Canva's Magic Resizer can resize it for other networks, Stories, Reels, and other formats.
Canva Pro subscribers can also use Canva’s Content Planner to post content on eight different accounts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Slack, and Tumblr.
Canva Team
Canva Pro allows you to work with your team on visual content. Designs can be created inside Canva, and then sent to your team members for approval. Everyone can make comments, edits, revisions, and keep track via the version history.
Canva Print
When it comes to printing your designs, Canva has you covered. With an extensive selection of printing options, they can turn your designs into anything from banners and wall art to mugs and t-shirts.
Canva Print is perfect for any business seeking to make a lasting impression. Create inspiring designs people will want to wear, keep, and share. Hand out custom business cards that leave a lasting impression on customers' minds.
Canva Apps
The Canva app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The Canva app has earned a 4.9 out of five star rating from over 946.3K Apple users and a 4.5 out of five star rating from over 6,996,708 Google users.
In addition to mobile apps, you can use Canva’s integration with other Internet services to add images and text from sources like Google Maps, Emojis, photos from Google Drive and Dropbox, YouTube videos, Flickr photos, Bitmojis, and other popular visual content elements.
Canva Pros and Cons
Pros:
A user-friendly interface
Canva is a great tool for people who want to create professional graphics but don’t have graphic design skills.
Hundreds of templates, so you'll never have to start from scratch.
Wide variety of templates to fit multiple uses
Branding kits to keep your team consistent with the brand colors and fonts
Creating visual content on the go
You can find royalty free images, audio, and video without having to subscribe to another service.
Cons:
Some professional templates are available for Pro user only
Advanced photo editing features like blurring or erasing a specific area are missing.
Some elements that fall outside of a design are tricky to retrieve.
Features (like Canva presentations) could use some improvement.
If you are a regular user of Adobe products, you might find Canva's features limited.
Prefers to work with vectors. Especially logos.
Expensive enterprise pricing
Conclusion
In general, Canva is an excellent tool for those who need simple images for projects. If you are a graphic designer with experience, you will find Canva’s platform lacking in customization and advanced features – particularly vectors. But if you have little design experience, you will find Canva easier to use than advanced graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator for most projects. If you have any queries let me know in the comments section.