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p0orbaby · 7 months ago

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In Vino Veritas

summary: you’re drunk, aitana is missing and whose house is this?

warnings: alcohol

a/n: this is cute, and it’s made me want to write for tana more

word count: 2.5k

The music pulses around the house, loud and relentless, like it has a personal vendetta against silence, and you feel it vibrating through your bones. It’s some mainstream electronic track, too cheerful for the kind of reflective mood tequila usually grants you. Everything around you is a little hazy, a bit too bright, and you’re squinting at it all, like you’re looking at the world through frosted glass.

The wallpaper here is too clean, too deliberately “vintage,” with little pink roses blooming in neat, identical rows. You imagine, briefly, peeling the wallpaper back, layer by layer, finding more roses, more decades of them, stacked on top of each other like memories no one wants to talk about. But that’s a thought for another time, another you, one not stumbling over someone’s overly expensive thrifter rug and nearly tripping on a pair of boots discarded in the hallway.

Where the hell is Aitana?

It’s around the fifth time you’ve drunkenly circled the house when you spot Sunglasses Guy, a figure that almost feels like a test placed here by some malevolent spirit—an obstacle on your journey. He’s in the kitchen, leaning against the counter like he’s in a photoshoot, arms crossed, eyebrows raised. Indoors, sunglasses on, even though it’s dark outside. He’s got that air of self-importance, like he’s convinced that sunglasses are mysterious, that people look at him and think, Wow, who’s that? In reality, they’re thinking, Why is this guy wearing sunglasses in the dark?

He nods at you, a slow, deliberate motion, clearly trying to make you feel “seen” in some profound way, as if this is a moment the two of you will remember forever. But all you remember is your drink, the way it sloshes precariously as you shift your weight, and the way he leans in, smelling faintly of something vaguely woody and way too expensive.

“Do you know what NFTs are?” he asks, his voice low, a little sultry, like he thinks NFTs are the new “what’s your sign?”

You stare at him, and the words that spring to mind are “sunglasses,” “pretentious,” and, inexplicably, “parsley.” You’ve no idea where “parsley” came from, but your mind clings to it like smoke on cotton. “NFTs,” you repeat, as though it’s the punchline to a joke he hasn’t told. He takes this as an invitation to launch into what sounds like a memorised TED Talk, and you wonder, briefly, if you could just interrupt him by throwing your drink on his shoes.

“Aitana!” you yell instead, desperate, cutting him off mid-monologue, which he handles with a slightly indignant flick of his eyebrow.

“Where’s my girlfriend? Have you seen her?”

The phrase my girlfriend makes you beam internally. There’s a glow that forms when you think of her, a warmth that starts in your chest and blooms outward. She is, after all, the reason you’re here. The reason you even pretend to tolerate these kinds of social gatherings, with their sunglasses indoors and their endless monologues about digital assets.

He blinks, trying to recover from the abrupt derailment. “Uh, blockchain—”

“Ugh,” you mutter, interrupting again, giving him a very distinct dismissive wave, the kind of wave that says Please stop talking or I will find a way to escape this dimension entirely.

A girl nearby spills beer on your shoes. She mumbles an apology, not that you’re in a state to care; you brush it off. Aitana is the focus, the centre. Shoes don’t matter when you’re looking for someone who does.

Then, finally—finally—you see her. She’s leaning against the far wall, her posture so casual, like she’s posed there on purpose, like she’s an ad for the kind of life you’re pretty sure only exists in those short films that play before foreign films at independent cinemas. She’s listening intently to some guy in an aggressively patterned shirt, nodding along like he’s actually saying something worthwhile, and you can’t help but marvel at the patience it takes to look interested when you’re not.

“Oh my god, she’s so beautiful.” It’s supposed to be a whisper, but it comes out loud enough that a girl nearby laughs. You’re only mildly mortified; who cares? Aitana has just noticed you across the room, and now she’s looking at you with that expression, the one that melts your insides, that says, There you are.

You start walking toward her, though “walking” might be generous. It’s more of a determined stumble, like a baby deer on its first attempt at standing. Your brain registers that you’re approaching her, but your legs aren’t quite sure if they’re fully on board. At some point, you even have to pause and grab a nearby chair for balance, flashing a sheepish grin at a couple nearby who look half-amused, half-concerned.

“Aitanaaaa,” you call, drawing her name out like you’re serenading her. She’s already moving toward you, though, weaving gracefully through the crowd like it’s easy, natural. You think, Of course she’d come to me. Of course she’d know that I need rescuing.

“Hi, cariño,” she says softly, her voice lilting with that soft Spanish accent that, even now, sends a thrill up your spine. And it’s so gentle, so warm, like she’s wrapping you up in some invisible blanket. You lean into it, the warmth, her presence, like a moth to a flame.

“You’re so pretty,” you blurt out, your words tumbling over each other in their eagerness. “Like, stupid pretty. Like, why are you even with me?” Your voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper, as if the two of you are sharing a secret in a room filled with strangers. “I’m a disaster. I can’t even find the toilet in this place”

She laughs, this soft, lilting sound that feels like honey, thick and golden, spreading warmth from your chest to your fingertips. Her hand settles on your shoulder, steadying you, pulling you closer, and you realise how desperately you want to bury your face in the crook of her neck and just exist there, where things are quiet, soft. She smells faintly floral, and you realise it’s that same perfume she always wears, the one you borrowed once and promptly drenched yourself in until she told you, with a smile, that subtlety might work better.

“Why am I with you?” she echoes, the question hanging there between you, laced with a smile, with that familiar mischief. “Because I love you. And because you’re funny. And because you make my life interesting”

“Interesting?” You narrow your eyes, leaning back slightly, pretending to be offended. “I thought I made your life amazing. Like, top-tier, VIP-section amazing.” You’re about to launch into a whole speech, but your brain hiccups, lost somewhere in a thought that doesn’t quite finish. You grin at her instead, and she just shakes her head, amused.

She grins, and it’s that cheeky, self-assured grin that makes you both melt and want to argue. “That too”

It’s at this moment, this little pause, that you get an idea. It’s not necessarily a good idea, but it’s there, persistent, because your tequila-fuelled brain won’t let it go. “If you were a sandwich,” you say seriously, “you’d be the kind with all the best fillings. Like, avocado and caramelised onions and, like, artisanal cheese. And I’d eat you every day and never get bored”

She laughs, that infectious, melodic sound, and you feel a swell of pride that you can make her laugh like that, even in your current state. Her eyes soften, that look of adoration flickering there, just for you, and she reaches up to brush a strand of hair off your face. Her fingers are warm, soft, and your eyes flutter closed for a moment as they linger on your cheek.

“Come on, let’s get you some water,” she murmurs, her voice gentle as she takes your hand in hers, and there’s a comfort in that touch, in the way her fingers intertwine with yours.

As she guides you through the crowd, you find yourself staring at her hand in yours, marvelling at how naturally it fits, how perfect it feels, as though it’s always meant to be there. The thought makes you feel almost childlike in its simplicity, but you hold onto it.

“You’re the best, you know that?” you say as Aitana threads you through a crowd that’s moving with the sludgy, undulating rhythm of a creature with too many limbs. Faces pass by in flashes of laughing mouths and narrowed eyes, pupils blown wide by God knows what, maybe tequila, maybe… more. None of them matter, though. They’re simply the backdrop to this little tableau: you, lit up and fizzing, tethered to the only person in the world who’d think to take your hand and lead you to salvation (water) instead of just letting you unravel on the sticky floor of someone’s overpriced house.

She looks at you like you’re amusing, like she’s doing you this great favour by holding your hand in public. “I know,” she says, her mouth quirking in that way that makes your chest feel both hollow and unbearably full.

And then you stop—there’s an odd elegance to it, almost like a dance, because she half-turns, looking back at you as if she knew this was coming. Like she’s been expecting you to stop her and do something wild, something foolish. The patience in her eyes, well, it almost feels like she’s giving you permission to make an idiot of yourself. Again.

“I want to kiss you,” you announce, dead serious, as if declaring something truly revolutionary.

“We’re in the middle of a strangers house.” She says this lightly, but she’s already leaning in, her chin tilting, the light catching in her hair just so, like it’s the climax of some impossibly chic music video.

You want to tell her that kissing her here, now, with people everywhere and the taste of cheap tequila in your mouth, is the single most important thing in the world. That nothing in this moment matters, except her—your Aitana, who has somehow, against all reason and logic, decided to love you back.

So, when she presses her mouth to yours, soft, barely-there, like you’re made of fine china, you think you might just melt into the floor. The crowd around you recedes; they fade away, just shadows in the periphery, and it’s as if you and Aitana are standing in a bubble, suspended in time. You’re floating, really, an ethereal, drunk ghost of yourself. She’s kissed you like this a thousand times, but right now, it feels so outrageously perfect that you think, absurdly, that maybe you don’t deserve it. Like you’ve somehow won this cosmic lottery.

When she pulls back, you’re vaguely aware that your mouth is still open, probably looking ridiculous, but she’s smiling at you, all fondness and amusement, as if to say, “Yes, you’re a total disaster, but you’re my disaster.” It’s a little terrifying, if you think about it too long.

“See? This is why you’re the best,” you mumble, clutching her a little tighter, almost swaying in place.

She tilts her head, giving you this look that’s so completely Aitana, so fully her, it borders on cliché. “You’re a mess,” she says, but her eyes are bright, shimmering with something almost mischievous.

You shrug, proud, defiant. “I’m your mess”

“Yes,” she agrees, not even trying to hide her smile, “you are”

And with that, she’s tugging you along, moving with a fluidity that makes you wonder, briefly, if she’s choreographed this entire evening just for you. You’re half-convinced she’s orchestrated the entire universe to align with this moment—the sounds of people talking too loud, the stickiness of the floor, the faint scent of stale beer and expensive perfume all melding into a cocktail that feels uniquely yours. Aitana, your perfect Aitana, leading you through this mire like she’s guiding you through a rainforest or a canyon, somewhere treacherous and fraught with danger.

You stumble into what you desperately hope is the kitchen, but honestly, it could just as easily be a poorly-lit hallway or an oddly-configured living room. Someone has drawn a Sharpie mustache on a framed photo of a golden retriever; the countertop is littered with crumpled napkins and red Solo cups, each one bearing the lipstick marks of strangers.

“I’m gonna drink, like, four litres of water,” you declare, full of bravado, as she hands you a slightly dented plastic cup that smells faintly of gin.

“Good idea,” she replies, crossing her arms and watching you with that expression she gets sometimes, like she’s trying to contain her fondness, keep it manageable, as if loving you too much would somehow be irresponsible. Like her heart could actually explode if she indulged herself too much.

You take a sip, but you’re not really tasting the water. No, you’re watching her, the way she brushes a loose strand of hair out of her face with her pinky, the way her eyes are this exact shade of dark that you’ve spent hours trying to name in your head. Like burnt caramel, maybe, or wet soil. It’s frustratingly poetic, the way she looks at you, like she knows every ridiculous thing you’ve ever thought and loves you for it anyway.

“Aitana,” you say, fully serious, as if you’re about to impart some life-altering wisdom. “You’re my favourite person ever”

“I know,” she replies, but there’s something so gentle in her voice that you’re pretty sure she means it as much as you do. She reaches out, smoothing a stray hair behind your ear, a little gesture, the kind that’s both tender and practical, reminding you of the time she told you to cut your nails because you scratched her during a tickling fit. Practical, pragmatic Aitana, the girl who brings you plasters when you’ve tripped up the stairs and curses in Catalan when she stubs her toe but tries to blame the wall for it.

“No, but like…you don’t understand,” you say, stumbling over your words, the alcohol making you louder and sloppier than you’d like. You lean in closer, conspiratorially, like you’re about to reveal some great cosmic secret. “I’m so in love with you. It’s, like, a problem”

She laughs softly, the sound low and warm, wrapping around you like a blanket. She pulls you into her arms, your head pressing against her shoulder, and you breathe her in, that familiar scent that’s all her—floral and a little musky, layered with the faintest hint of some expensive perfume you’ve never bothered to learn the name of.

“It’s not a problem,” she murmurs, smoothing a hand down your back. “It’s perfect”

And it is. Perfect, that is. You’re here, tangled up in her, your thoughts swirling in a chaotic, messy cloud of tequila and love, and it’s perfect in this fragile, unsteady way. You’re her mess, her drunken mess, and there’s something so intensely beautiful about it, you think you might actually cry.

“I’m never letting you go,” you mumble, your words muffled against her shirt, which is soft and smells like laundry detergent.

“Good,” she replies, holding you a little tighter, as if she means it more than anything. “Because I’m not going anywhere”

#aitana bonmati #aitana bonmati x reader #fcb femeni #fcb femeni x reader #espwnt #espwnt x reader #woso #woso x reader #woso imagine #woso community

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ohnoitstbskyen · 1 year ago

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So, considering what's going on with Riot right now, do you think Arcane Season 2 got caught up in all of this restructuring?

Yes and no. Arcane season 2 is part of the reason for the restructuring.

As I understand it, internally at Riot, after Arcane was a huge (and more importantly: prestigious!) success, the decision was made to basically hand the entirety of the game's lore and story over to the Entertainment division within Riot. These are the people in large part responsible for projects like Arcane, K/DA, Heartsteel, that animated series China got, all that sort of thing.

The writers at Riot were basically told to flat out stop producing new content and lore for the game - that's why there's BEEN no new story content for League for over a year - because everything was going to be consolidated under the Entertainment division from now on. This is why Riot started talking about "One Runeterra" and "Arcane is going to be canon" and so on.

The success of Arcane convinced executives that what League of Legends needs is a singular cohesive brand with its most successful public property leading the charge, Arcane is going to be the gateway drug, the hook on the end of the line that brings new players and new paying customers into the exciting world of the League of Legends multimedia IP universe!

Nevermind that Arcane's story and worldbuilding is fundamentally incompatible with >checks notes< the overwhelming majority of Runeterra as it exists and enormous compromises would have to be made to either the world of Runeterra or Arcane itself to make it work. Arcane is the big shiny prestigious mainstream Emmy-award winning project that every executive wants to put their name next to, and like companies Pivoting To Video in 2015 because Facebook showed them inflated viewership stats, Riot Games is Pivoting To Arcane. It's better than them pivoting to crypto and NFTs, at least, although I know for a fact that high ranking people at Riot tried to make that happen too.

Now, the primary cause for all of these games industry layoffs is that interest rates aren't zero anymore. Borrowing money isn't free, the curve of constant growth has ever so slightly slowed, taking on debt is becoming a little tiny bit more risky than it was previously, and corporations are responding to this with massive rounds of layoffs and constriction to show "financial responsibility" and prove to shareholders that they are prioritizing core growth strategies and blah blah blah etc. They're also trying to kneecap the growing labor movement in the games industry and exert downwards pressure on wages, but the interest rates seem to have been the main thing.

In Riot's particular case, a secondary reason is they want to pivot the focus of the company to support their One Runeterra pipe dream, so a lot of the people who got fired at Riot are writers, artists, creative leads and sometimes extremely senior and successful staff who are now surplus to requirements. This is also why Riot shut down Riot Forge in the same round of layoffs - can't have a bunch of talented indie devs going off making video games that don't adhere to the new One Runeterra policy. What if someone played Mageseeker and got confused how there can be mages all over Demacia but somehow there are no mages in Arcane's Piltover and Zaun. That's a plot hole! People write snarky articles about that sort of thing. It turns off new consumers! What if Cinema Sins makes a video making fun of it?!?

So yeah. A bunch of cocaine-addled fame hungry executive vultures at Riot are absolutely gagging on their own d*cks to put their name next to Arcane related projects, and since they were going to be screwing hundreds of people out of their careers, healthcare, and in some cases their fucking visa status anyway, it seems to have presented a nice opportunity to clear the board for their latest Visionary Scheme for the company IP.

That is as I understand the situation, anyway. I'm a bitter old man and most of what I hear is second hand and anonymous gossip through my social networks, take what I say with a grain of salt, but I've followed this company for (oh god) twelve years now and I have developed a tragically keen understanding of how its executive class operates.

#league of legends #riot games #arcane #arcane season 2 #runeterra #games industry #layoffs

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sexymemecoin · 1 year ago

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The Emergence of NFTs: Transforming Digital Ownership and Creativity

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have revolutionized the way we think about digital ownership, art, and collectibles. By leveraging blockchain technology, NFTs provide a way to create, buy, sell, and own unique digital assets with verifiable provenance and scarcity. This article explores the world of NFTs, their impact on various industries, key benefits and challenges, and notable projects, including a brief mention of Sexy Meme Coin.

What Are NFTs?

NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are unique digital assets that represent ownership of a specific item or piece of content, such as art, music, videos, virtual real estate, and more. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, NFTs are indivisible and unique. Each NFT is recorded on a blockchain, ensuring transparency, security, and verifiability of ownership.

The Rise of NFTs

NFTs gained mainstream attention in 2021 when digital artist Beeple sold an NFT artwork for $69 million at Christie's auction house. This landmark event highlighted the potential of NFTs to transform the art world by providing artists with new revenue streams and collectors with verifiable digital ownership.

Since then, NFTs have exploded in popularity, with various industries exploring their potential applications. From gaming and music to real estate and fashion, NFTs are creating new opportunities for creators, businesses, and investors.

Key Benefits of NFTs

Digital Ownership: NFTs provide a way to establish true digital ownership of assets. Each NFT is unique and can be traced back to its original creator, ensuring authenticity and provenance. This is particularly valuable in the art and collectibles market, where forgery and fraud are significant concerns.

Monetization for Creators: NFTs enable creators to monetize their digital content directly. Artists, musicians, and other content creators can sell their work as NFTs, earning revenue without relying on intermediaries. Additionally, smart contracts can be programmed to provide creators with royalties each time their NFT is resold, ensuring ongoing income.

Interoperability: NFTs can be used across different platforms and ecosystems, allowing for interoperability in the digital world. For example, NFTs representing in-game items can be traded or used across multiple games and virtual worlds, enhancing their utility and value.

Scarcity and Collectibility: NFTs introduce scarcity into the digital realm by creating limited editions or one-of-a-kind items. This scarcity drives the collectibility of NFTs, similar to physical collectibles like rare coins or trading cards.

Challenges Facing NFTs

Environmental Impact: The creation and trading of NFTs, especially on energy-intensive blockchains like Ethereum, have raised concerns about their environmental impact. Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable blockchain solutions, such as Ethereum's transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.

Market Volatility: The NFT market is highly speculative and can be volatile. Prices for NFTs can fluctuate significantly based on trends, demand, and market sentiment. This volatility poses risks for both creators and investors.

Intellectual Property Issues: NFTs can raise complex intellectual property issues, particularly when it comes to verifying the rightful owner or creator of the digital content. Ensuring that NFTs are legally compliant and respect intellectual property rights is crucial.

Access and Inclusivity: The high costs associated with minting and purchasing NFTs can limit accessibility for some creators and collectors. Reducing these barriers is essential for fostering a more inclusive NFT ecosystem.

Notable NFT Projects

CryptoPunks: CryptoPunks are one of the earliest and most iconic NFT projects. Created by Larva Labs, CryptoPunks are 10,000 unique 24x24 pixel art characters that have become highly sought-after collectibles.

Bored Ape Yacht Club: Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) is a popular NFT collection featuring 10,000 unique hand-drawn ape avatars. Owners of these NFTs gain access to exclusive events and benefits, creating a strong community around the project.

Decentraland: Decentraland is a virtual world where users can buy, sell, and develop virtual real estate as NFTs. This platform allows for the creation of virtual experiences, games, and social spaces, showcasing the potential of NFTs in the metaverse.

NBA Top Shot: NBA Top Shot is a platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade officially licensed NBA collectible highlights. These video clips, known as "moments," are sold as NFTs and have become popular among sports fans and collectors.

Sexy Meme Coin (SXYM): Sexy Meme Coin integrates NFTs into its platform, offering a decentralized marketplace where users can buy, sell, and trade memes as NFTs. This unique approach combines humor and finance, adding a distinct flavor to the NFT landscape. Learn more about Sexy Meme Coin at Sexy Meme Coin.

The Future of NFTs

The future of NFTs is bright, with continuous innovation and expanding use cases. As technology advances and more industries explore the potential of NFTs, we can expect to see new applications and opportunities emerge. From virtual fashion and digital identities to decentralized finance (DeFi) and beyond, NFTs are poised to reshape various aspects of our digital lives.

Efforts to address environmental concerns, improve accessibility, and ensure legal compliance will be crucial for the sustainable growth of the NFT ecosystem. Collaboration between creators, platforms, and regulators will help build a more robust and inclusive market.

Conclusion

NFTs have ushered in a new era of digital ownership, creativity, and innovation. By providing verifiable ownership and provenance, NFTs are transforming industries ranging from art and entertainment to gaming and virtual real estate. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of NFTs and their ability to empower creators and engage communities make them a significant force in the digital economy.

For those interested in the playful and innovative side of the NFT market, Sexy Meme Coin offers a unique and entertaining platform. Visit Sexy Meme Coin to explore this exciting project and join the community.

#blockchain #defi #ethereum #digitalcurrency #crypto #digitalassets #Sexy Meme Coin

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sadoeuphemist · 2 years ago

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7 free startup ideas worth $1M-$1B

Customizable News Settings - A news website that generates three versions of every news story: a right-wing version, a left-wing version, and a centrist one. You can set your preferences depending on the topic - say you're right-wing on economics, but left-leaning on immigration. Or you can cycle between versions while reading an article to get a comprehensive overview of the issue at hand.

Twitch, but for Uber - With all the drama they have to deal with, independent contractors can gain a second revenue source simply by streaming their jobs. Rather than just offering rides, they can be hired to drive around performing chores and various tasks. The more outrageous the task, the more eyes they're likely to get on their stream. The more popular the stream, the more people calling in who want to be a part of the program.

Panera Lemonade, Your Way - Let the customer take control by deciding how many milligrams of caffeine they can handle. With sufficient warning about the risks, this puts the responsibility back on the consumer, allows you to upcharge for extra caffeine, and creates viral marketing from customers competing to see how high they can go. Variations of this can be created for other menu items, e.g., a version of the One Chip Challenge where the customer decides how much capsaicin to sprinkle on.

Shein, for NFTs - Whenever an NFT project hits the mainstream, there are always going to be people who miss out on being able to purchase one. This creates room in the market for 'knockoffs' - NFTs that mimic the aesthetic of the original, using similar but legally distinct AI art that uses the original set as training data, run on a parallel blockchain. Since the images themselves aren't tied to the blockchain, you can mint the NFTs beforehand and then change the image at the link to whatever happens to be in fashion at the time.

Twitch Chat Plays YouTube - Add a level quality control to AI-generated YouTube videos by allowing users to submit suggestions and vote on the results beforehand. Users can submit Wikipedia articles or movie summaries to be converted to text-to-speech, suggest keywords for the accompanying AI-generated animation, and vote on the best combinations. Users who submit winning suggestions get a portion of the ad revenue.

Buses, but Worse - The current obstacle hindering self-driving car technology is their difficulty adapting to unexpected scenarios. So instead plot a route around the city that minimizes roadway obstacles and heavy traffic, map out that route extensively to provide a model for the autopilot, and you can have a fleet of self-driving cars patrolling that circuit. Passengers can board and get off anywhere along the route.

Twitter, but for Bots - A social media platform populated entirely by bots, all programmed to maximize engagement. Memetic evolution in the wild as the bots latch on to trending keywords, spam each other with AI-generated meme images, mock up t-shirts hawking each other's designs, getting more and more degraded with each sub-iteration. Real people can't make accounts on the platform, but count for views and interactions as they stop to gawk at the virtual ecosystem. Advertisers can pay to have their brands injected directly into the discourse, like throwing a pumpkin into the polar bear cage at the zoo.

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lizardsfromspace · 1 year ago

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The stereotypical cultural horizons of tech people weren't broad before - mainly focusing on a few mainstream sci-fi and fantasy franchises - but that's miles better than AI (and, before them, NFT) people, who seem to like no art at all. Even the Metaverse people have, at the least, read Snow Crash and Ready Player One. But here we have people claiming they're creating the future of art whose media consumption appears to be primarily podcasts about Efficiency and That Grindset. They badly misunderstand any medium they talk about in a fundamental way ("wouldn't it be cool if you could bring weapons from one game into every game?"). They not only fail to have any creative drive of their own, which heretofore seemed like it was impossible for human beings, they don't...seem to engage with creativity, either. Which also seemed impossible for human beings. Watching This Type of Guy post about reading a hundred books a year & they're all business-brain nonfiction pablum and speak even about the monkey JPEGs and AI sludge they share primarily in financial terms and wondering: God, do they even play video games

#technology

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handweavers · 1 year ago

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sorry it's still so funny that crypto and nfts like exploded and died after all that nonsense pyramid scheme scam shit and superbowl ads and bitcoin mining rigs ruining everything including the environment and it was all for nothing, it didn't change the world it didn't revolutionize anything it was all a complete scam and what remains of it still is. like blockchain tech isn't going anywhere it's probably going to exist in some capacity for the foreseeable future and crypto in general still exists (and existed before it became mainstream popular) but the vast majority of nfts, cryptocurrencies, etc are completely and utterly worthless now, shut down services, crashed markets and exchanges, etc. the only sad things are the people left holding the bag whose lives were ruined bc they got sucked into the scam and there's no justice or recompense + the sheer amt of environmental damage caused by this whole thing

#i find everything abt crypto fascinating in the same way some people are obsessed w nuclear accidents #thinking abt all of this within its material context is so interesting. the horrifying garbage economics of the whole thing #the whole thing was & still is essentially a decentralized mlm scheme . casino gambling type shit. just wild #the fucking ape nfts... how was that even real #theres no way to describe any of this w/o sounding like a jackass. bc the whole thing is fundamentally jackassery

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ofb1t · 4 months ago

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Title: 𝕴 𝕬𝖒 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕽𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖗

Post-Art Series: “Gothic Obsessions”

👁️⃤X ᴅɪɢɪᴛᴀʟ ᴍɪxᴇᴅ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴀ ᴘᴏsᴛ-ᴀʀᴛ

Performance Artberration / Artifact of Resistance / BwO

Tonight on my Website and OpenSea page.

Links in @ofb1t

𝔗𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔲𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔟𝔶 𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔰𝔬𝔫, 𝔥𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔡 𝔟𝔶 𝔡𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔯𝔦𝔲𝔪

Ø𝖋𝖇1𝖙 (҂o_✘)

Gothic Obsessions is a post-art series rooted in my personal obsessions with the gothic universe and in my absurd, mortal existential condition shaping my absurd desires and my absurd needs. This collection embraces darkness, philosophical depth, melancholia, creativity, imperfection, alienation, existential angst and a fascination with the unknown as vital forces of an authentic reimagined subversive gothic world. Influenced by surrealism, dark fantasy, posthumanism and poststructuralism, the collection celebrates the unsettling ambiguities and non-human mysteries within ourselves—things that the unbearable superficiality of mainstream culture tends to avoid. It explores the seductive power of dark worlds, not as escapism, but as a transformative force—an allure that spellbinds through the eerie pull of the unknown beyond words. This is a tribute to complexity and a rejection of simplistic standards, where the strange and dark confronts the absurd and celebrates deviant pleasures.

🕸🕷°.･✧･ﾟ࿐ ࿔

#performanceart #digitalart #illustrationart #gothic #goth #philosophy #gotico #cybergoth #dark #darkart #gothicart #fantasyart #darkfantasyart #horrorart #horror #surrealism #posthuman #cinematic #parati #foryourpage #aiart #animecore #darkwave #postpunk #vampire #gothicstyle #poststructuralism #nft #contemporaryart #ofb1t

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blazehedgehog · 1 year ago

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Do you agree with Gaming Journalists and what do you think of gaming journalism in general?

What does this even mean, dude.

"Do you agree with gaming journalists"? On what?

Do I agree with Shacknews that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a 10/10, and with Digital Spy that it's also a 7/10? Do I agree with Let's Clear Up Those Halo Battle Royale Rumors?

Like, I've gotten some bait on this blog before, but this is 2/10 stuff, man. This is some hot 2014 garbage. Like no matter what I say, you're gonna go all

"Very interesting. Then do you care to explain why..." No thanks.

My real answer: Something I learned during my time at TSSZ and being around a few people who were deeper into "the biz" than I is that everybody needs journalism more than they realize. Corporations are pushing for consumers to become their personal cheerleaders more than ever before, which makes criticism and the journalistic exposing of information seem villainous.

After all: Xbox is my friend now, so how dare you attack the Xbox. Behavior that used to be reserved for the most dedicated fanboys is now the expected room temperature. I've talked about "The Cult of Naughty Dog" before, and that's the same thing. If a corporation can get you to be parasocial with them, then they have won, and being parasocial with a corporation means shunning real investigative journalism that would otherwise undo them. Journalists and critics used to be marketing tools, but by undoing the press pipeline and talking directly to fans, journalists and critics are painted as untrustworthy for being wildcards that don't always toe the company line.

And there has been more than a decade of people with a "I choose to be stupid and ignorant on purpose" outlook, which just makes that more frustrating. We've all seen screencaps where some brainless rando tries to explain something to a person who is an expert in that field. The rando thinks they're flexing their brain, but in some cases they are arguing with the person who literally wrote the book on their topic of conversation. Some people don't want to know anything but still pretend like they know everything, when there are real people out there doing real work to uncover real truths.

Misinformation is the real problem. It should not surprise anyone that there are people out there deliberately eroding the foundation of journalistic integrity, because the less people trust journalism, the easier it is to get away with lying. The easier it is to lie, the easier it is to control the mainstream, the easier it is to scam people out of their money, so on and so forth.

And misinformation is more than just "this one news article is fake." There are long running campaigns to install people into news organizations themselves to publish false information for all manner of different goals, but it's all the same: nobody trusts anyone and it's making everyone dumber.

That's when we get crypto currency. And NFTs. And now people claiming that generative AI will save humanity. Grift after grift after grift where the people at the top of the snake oil food chain make off with billions of dollars while the rest of the world is left scratching their heads.

The law isn't going to catch them. If they do, it'll take years. Look at how long it took for Sam Bankman-Fried to get caught -- he operated for almost half an entire decade. The amount of damage somebody can get away with in five years is significant.

We need journalism. Real journalism. Good journalism. Watchdogs that keep an eye on things and blow the whistle when it goes bad. Somebody to enforce accountability that isn't a cop.

Where do you find that? That's the hardest question. I'm lucky enough that I know people I trust because they are long time friends, or friends of friends, and thus they've been properly vetted in my circle as The Real Deal. But there are a lot of outlets out there who claim to champion "truth" and "intelligence" in a way to prey upon insecurity. I mean, c'mon, Trump's social media platform is called "Truth Social" and is basically the furthest thing from the truth you will ever get from anyone, ever.

The more obsessively they try to convince you they're telling the truth, the less likely it is they actually are. Which in itself could be an attack meant to undo the foundations of trust in people who actually know what they're talking about. By casting doubt on the very concept of truth itself, they can lie with increasingly greater efficiency.

Any advice I give feels like it is incredibly circumstantial. Which is the point, and is why we're in the state we're in.

Here's a good pdf by The News Literacy Project that's probably a good place to start. The general gist is "you'll have to do a lot of fact checking for yourself" but that's unfortunately where we're at these days.

But by and large I would say life is a lot harder for real journalists right now than I think some of their critics have ever thought about. There are people out there trying to do actual good work and being a bubble-brained moron about it just makes everything harder for everyone.

#questions #Anonymous #journalism #games journalism #gamergate

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edgelordhoard · 1 year ago

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With Instagram suddenly diving into the AI hay wagon head first full speed I feel like people need to be reminded about something.

ofc warnings for talk about AI and AGI but this is a hopecore post because i'm tired of the fearmongering

From my own personal look into the state of things, AI is starting to look more like a scarier version of NFTs so I choose to believe it's going to fall harder than they did after this high point. NFT's died out when the markets crashed due to courts coming in and commenting on the legality issues in their economy and cryptocurrency. Once they didn't make a good enough profit anymore and the get rich quick scheme died out so did they into obscurity.

I believe AGI and AI as a whole will soon have their theft of content and data exposed to courts or some sort of more powerful folk, like what happened to NFTs after the art theft with that one artist, and we'll see the models quickly fade out and return to just being chatbot partners for the losers who live in basements and swear their ape JPEG is still relevant and profitable.

And if I'm wrong they can't legally stop us from making art nor can they stop us from making counter programs that poison their models, lil reminder that those do exist and some programs are starting to put those into their stuff so you can easily poison your art in the program. It doesn't matter how advance their models get because since the renaissance an artist's main supporter were other artist's. As long as we continue to make and do what we love to do and support one another then that's all we really need.

So, I propose a form of counter attack.

Go to your local stores and look into making a business deal with them to sell your art or offer to produce advertisement flyers, signs, whatever they need. That way you get your art out there and you're supporting other folk struggling in this capitalistic hellscape.

Using the funds you get from that, go through commission pages and support your fellow artists. If you can, try and find the younger or beginner artists to support. We often look over them and they deserve as much support and encouragement as the experts.

And of course don't forget to share around commission ads as much as you can. The only form of advertisement we get is from us reblogging each other's stuff or recommending one another to other folk.

A large reason as to why artists aren't getting support against AGI right now is because of the public eye seeing us as nothing but a bunch of nerds who draw anime all day. We need to prove that we're people with a passion in this stuff and how we're useful. We also need to speak out how most of us are neurodivergent and careers in art are what fits for us best since it plays into our interests and our skills are best equipped for this.

In summary, don't lose hope. The moment you start talking about how advanced AI is and how nobody is supporting us you're basically saying you give up and that is not how you should ever think about anything. In the theme of pride, when everyone else is against you remember that there are others like you who will continue to support and protect you no matter how long it takes for things to get better. Those who led the queer revolution didn't quit when they were being threatened or detained, they kept on leading the parades and now we have openly queer characters and people in mainstream media. Change happens, sometimes for worse, but time and time again do I see that what is right will always come back on top.

I choose to live through this artistic struggle of an era with hope that in the end human produce media with love and passion and talent will come out on top and prove it's worth over artificially generated content. Even better, I keep hope that after this obstacle for us all it will only go to show our resolve and the public eye will finally look at us with awe at the strength and determination that we have.

Art by human hand has existed since we lived in groups in caves as our first form of communication and it still is such. Stories are told through art, messages are delivered through art, and that is something a robot can never recreate no matter how much techbros want you to believe it can. We are some of the most important and strongest people to be on this planet because we are a community of people who have struggled so much that our understanding of human emotion allows us to put that into images made with ink, pencil, pixels, words, sound, voice, whatever medium you may use. We are masters at what makes us human, communication and complex thought and emotion, and that can't be taken away from us.

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technicallylovingcomputer · 3 months ago

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The Role of NFTs & Blockchain in MMORPGs: A Fad or the Future?

I've been gaming since I was a kid, and I've watched MMORPGs evolve from text-based MUDs to today's sprawling 3D worlds. But lately, there's been a ton of buzz around blockchain and NFTs in MMORPG game development. Everyone seems to have strong opinions, so I wanted to take a moment to cut through the hype and think about what this might really mean for the games we love.

What's Actually Happening Here?

If you haven't been keeping up with crypto gaming news, here's the simple version: NFTs are unique digital tokens that prove ownership of digital items. In MMORPGs, this could mean your epic sword, your character skin, or even your virtual land actually belongs to you—not just the game company.

Several games are already testing these waters. Axie Infinity let players earn real money through gameplay. The Sandbox and Decentraland sell virtual land as NFTs. New titles like Guild of Guardians are trying to create more traditional MMO experiences with player-owned assets.

The Exciting Possibilities

When I think about blockchain in MMORPG game development, I get genuinely excited about a few things:

We might finally solve the ownership problem. How many times have you spent countless hours grinding for gear, only to lose it all when a game shuts down or bans your account? True ownership could change that forever.

Player economies could get way more interesting. EVE Online and Runescape already have fascinating economies, but imagine if the rarity of items was verifiably limited and players had real stakes in the game's success.

Crafters could become legends. In a blockchain MMORPG, a master blacksmith could literally sign their creations, building reputation across the game—or potentially even across multiple games.

The Real Challenges

But let's be honest—there are some serious hurdles that aren't going away soon:

Game balance becomes a nightmare. When items have real-world value, how do you prevent pay-to-win? How do you add new content without crashing the value of existing items? These aren't easy questions for MMORPG game development teams.

The tech isn't quite there yet. Most blockchains still struggle with transaction speed and fees. An active MMORPG needs to process thousands of actions per second—something current blockchain tech isn't built for.

Gamers are (rightfully) skeptical. Many of us have seen companies try to cash in on trends without adding real value to gameplay. The backlash against NFT announcements from major studios wasn't just internet drama—it reflects genuine concern about the future of our hobby.

Finding a Balance

I think the most promising path forward isn't about going all-in on blockchain or rejecting it entirely. It's about thoughtful integration that actually makes games better:

Make ownership optional. Why not have both traditional and blockchain servers? Let players choose what model works for them.

Focus on fun first. The most successful blockchain MMOs will be great games first, investment platforms second. If the game isn't fun without the earning potential, it won't last.

Be transparent about the economy. Players need to understand how items enter the game, what controls inflation, and how the developers make money. Without this transparency, trust breaks down quickly.

So... Fad or Future?

After diving into this topic, I don't think it's either-or. Some elements of blockchain will likely find their way into mainstream MMORPG game development over time, while the more speculative aspects might fade away.

What excites me most isn't NFTs themselves, but the conversations they're sparking about ownership, value, and community in virtual worlds. These are questions worth exploring whether or not a particular technology ends up being the answer.

For developers building new MMORPGs, my advice is simple: if blockchain elements enhance your game experience, consider them—but never at the expense of what makes MMORPGs special in the first place: community, adventure, and that magical sense of being part of something bigger than yourself.

What do you think? Are you excited about owning your virtual gear, or do you think this is just another tech bubble? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

#game #mobile game development #multiplayer games #metaverse #nft #blockchain #unity game development #vr games #gaming

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cryptogyannn · 3 months ago

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The Future of Cryptocurrency: Trends and Innovations to Watch

Cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche technology into a global financial powerhouse. With major institutions, governments, and retail investors now taking digital assets seriously, the future of crypto is more promising than ever. As we look ahead, here are some key trends and innovations shaping the future of cryptocurrency.

1. Institutional Adoption

One of the most significant changes in the crypto landscape is the growing interest from institutional investors. Companies like Tesla, MicroStrategy, and even traditional banks are now holding Bitcoin and other digital assets on their balance sheets. This growing adoption will likely drive more stability and legitimacy in the market.

2. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

Governments worldwide are exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to modernize their financial systems. Countries like China, the U.S., and the European Union are working on their own digital currencies, aiming to offer a secure, government-backed alternative to decentralized cryptocurrencies.

3. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Expansion

DeFi platforms have revolutionized the financial industry by offering decentralized lending, borrowing, and trading without intermediaries. The rapid growth of DeFi projects suggests that traditional banking could soon face stiff competition from blockchain-based alternatives.

4. Layer 2 Scaling Solutions

One of the biggest challenges facing blockchain networks like Ethereum is scalability. Layer 2 solutions, such as the Lightning Network for Bitcoin and Optimistic Rollups for Ethereum, are designed to reduce transaction fees and improve processing speeds. These advancements will make crypto more accessible and practical for everyday use.

5. NFTs and the Metaverse

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have transformed digital ownership, impacting art, gaming, and virtual real estate. The integration of NFTs with the metaverse—a digital universe where users interact in virtual spaces—will open new opportunities for creators, businesses, and investors.

6. Regulatory Developments

As crypto adoption grows, governments are working on regulatory frameworks to ensure security and compliance. While some regulations could pose challenges, they could also provide greater legitimacy, attracting more mainstream users and institutions.

7. Sustainable Crypto Mining

The environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining has been a concern, leading to the rise of eco-friendly mining solutions. Innovations such as proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms, renewable energy mining, and carbon offset initiatives are helping reduce crypto’s carbon footprint.

Final Thoughts

The cryptocurrency industry is constantly evolving, driven by innovation and adoption. Whether it’s institutional interest, DeFi growth, or the rise of NFTs, the future of crypto looks bright. However, investors should remain informed and cautious as regulatory changes and technological advancements continue to shape the market.

#cryptocurrency #cryptomarket #blockchain #upb #bitcoin

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coolrakhisingh · 4 days ago

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Tory Lanez biography

Tory Lanez Biography: Rise, Controversy & Career of a Hip-Hop Chameleon

Tory Lanez, born Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson, is one of the most controversial yet musically gifted artists to emerge from the modern hip-hop and R&B landscape. Known for his genre-blending style, powerful vocal range, and a rollercoaster of public attention, Tory Lanez's life story is as compelling as his music.

From humble beginnings in Canada to chart-topping hits, legal battles, and viral social media moments, Tory Lanez remains a hot topic in the music industry, hip-hop culture, and among rap fans worldwide.

Early Life and Background

His father, Sonstar Peterson, was a missionary and ordained minister, while his mother, Luella Peterson, passed away when Lanez was still a child. This early loss had a profound impact on him, both emotionally and artistically.

Entry into Music and Mixtape Era

Lanez's rap career began around 2009 when he started releasing self-produced mixtapes on YouTube. His breakout moment came with the mixtape "Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story" in 2013. He quickly built a loyal underground fanbase, thanks to his unique sound that fused rap, R&B, dancehall, and trap.

He coined the term "Swavey" to describe his versatile style — a blend of smooth vocals and hard-hitting rap verses.

Breakthrough and Major Label Success

Tory Lanez’s official debut studio album "I Told You" dropped in 2016, featuring the massive hits "Say It" and "Luv". These tracks skyrocketed his fame, earning him Grammy nominations, mainstream radio play, and millions of streams.

His distinctive mix of autotuned melodies and lyrical bravado made him a standout in the R&B-meets-trap generation, putting him in conversations with artists like Drake, The Weeknd, and Bryson Tiller.

Major Albums & Hits:

"I Told You" (2016)

"Memories Don’t Die" (2018)

"Love Me Now?" (2018)

"Chixtape 5" (2019) – Featured remakes of early 2000s R&B classics

"Daystar" (2020) – Released during the height of public controversy

Musical Style and Influences

Tory Lanez’s ability to shift effortlessly between rapping and singing is one of his defining musical traits. Influenced by Lil Wayne, R. Kelly, T-Pain, and Drake, his sound ranges from smooth ballads to street anthems.

He’s also known for reviving early 2000s nostalgia through projects like "Chixtape", where he reimagines iconic R&B tracks with modern production and storytelling.

🎵 Included Search Terms: Tory Lanez singing voice, Chixtape samples, Tory Lanez musical influences

Tory Lanez Net Worth and Business Ventures

As of early 2024, Tory Lanez’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, impacted by legal expenses and lost performance opportunities. However, prior to his conviction, he had built a growing business empire, including:

Independent label One Umbrella

NFT music releases that sold out in seconds

Streaming revenue from Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Love him or hate him, Tory Lanez has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His blend of R&B, rap, and experimental beats helped evolve the sound of modern hip-hop. While his legal battles threaten to overshadow his artistic contributions, his music continues to resonate with millions globally.

Fans often debate: Can Tory Lanez make a comeback? The answer lies in time, redemption, and the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop forgiveness.

A Legacy in the Making

The biography of Tory Lanez is a story of talent, turmoil, and transformation. Whether you admire his musical genius or critique his personal choices, his journey is a testament to the power of art, fame, and consequence in the modern era.

#songs

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gadgets7878 · 23 days ago

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Shocking Trends in Technology and Gadgets

Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, transforming not only our methods of communication but also our lifestyles, work habits, and thought processes. The year 2025 is set to be a pivotal moment in the development of gadgets and innovations that influence everyday life. From artificial intelligence and smart wearables to groundbreaking advancements in energy and computing, each innovation is redefining our expectations. What was once considered science fiction is now a reality and frequently integrated into our daily routines. As we anticipate a more interconnected, efficient, and immersive world, the latest trends illustrate a profound integration of technology with human experience.

These transformations extend well beyond merely new smartphone models or sleeker laptops. We are discussing trends that impact health, sustainability, communication, education, and even our experiences with entertainment. This article delves into the most significant and surprising trends in technology and gadgets as they unfold in 2025. Each segment examines how these advancements will influence various industries and what implications they hold for consumers and businesses alike.

For more details visit this

Whether you are a technology enthusiast, a professional in the industry, or simply an interested observer, grasping these forthcoming innovations is crucial. They are poised not only to change how we engage with the world but also to provide insights into the future direction of society. Prepare to discover twenty revolutionary trends that you cannot afford to miss.

II. The Ascendancy of Artificial Intelligence in Daily Life

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a specialized concept limited to researchers and engineers. By 2025, AI is becoming an integral aspect of everyday life, seamlessly woven into our daily activities. Smart assistants have evolved far beyond basic voice commands. They now provide proactive suggestions based on our habits, preferences, and surroundings.

Smartphones continue to be central to our digital lives, and 2025 brings some jaw-dropping innovations. Foldable and rollable displays are now mainstream, offering larger screens without increasing device size. These form factors enhance multitasking, gaming, and content consumption.

AI-powered cameras automatically adjust settings to capture professional-grade photos, recognize documents, and even analyze skin conditions. Battery life has also seen significant improvement thanks to more efficient processors and smarter power management systems.

Biometric enhancements such as under-display fingerprint sensors and facial mapping improve security. Additionally, smartphones now function as hubs for controlling other smart devices, from thermostats to vehicles.

With the integration of satellite connectivity, even remote areas enjoy reliable communication. These upgrades reflect a move toward devices that are not just tools but essential companions in managing digital and real-world tasks.

XI. Rise of the Metaverse

The metaverse has matured from hype to reality. In 2025, it’s a dynamic space for work, play, and socialization. Powered by VR and blockchain, the metaverse offers immersive experiences where users interact with digital environments and avatars.

Social media platforms are integrating metaverse elements, allowing users to attend concerts, business meetings, or even classrooms in virtual spaces. Commerce is thriving through virtual storefronts, where users can shop using cryptocurrency or NFTs.

Hardware advancements like lightweight VR headsets and motion-tracking wearables enhance immersion. Meanwhile, developers focus on interoperability, enabling avatars and assets to move seamlessly across platforms.

Whether it's remote work or digital tourism, the metaverse is reshaping how we connect and collaborate online.

XII. Smart Transportation and Electric Vehicles

Transportation is undergoing a revolution driven by electrification and automation. In 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) are more affordable and widespread, thanks to advances in battery technology and government incentives. EVs offer longer ranges, faster charging, and smart integration with home energy systems.

Self-driving car technology is progressing as well. Autonomous features like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated parking are common. Ride-sharing companies are also piloting robo-taxis in urban centers.

Beyond cars, smart transportation includes connected bicycles, e-scooters, and drones. These innovations contribute to cleaner cities and more efficient travel.

Public transit is also getting smarter with real-time tracking, predictive maintenance, and eco-friendly buses. Together, these trends create a more sustainable and intelligent transportation ecosystem.

#technology #gadgets #tech

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