#iOS Video Creation

[ai-innova7ions]

Unlocking the Future of AI Video Innovations

AI is revolutionizing how we create, consume, and interact with video content, ushering in a new era filled with endless possibilities. This transformation is not just about better pixels or smoother frame rates; it's about fundamentally changing the relationship between humans and machines.

With AI, we can now do things with video that were previously unimaginable. The convergence of AI and video has been years in the making, driven by advancements in computing power, access to massive data sets, and breakthroughs in machine learning algorithms. In this video, we delve into how AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of video data to extract meaningful insights and patterns. This enables the creation of personalized video experiences tailored to individual preferences. Additionally, AI automates tedious tasks involved in video production, freeing up human creators to focus on higher-level creative endeavors. The impact of AI on the world of entertainment is already evident as streaming services leverage AI for personalized recommendations so viewers can discover content they'll love. Furthermore, AI enhances video quality by upscaling resolution and even creating realistic deep fakes – synthetic videos convincingly replacing one person's face with another. Join us as we explore these fascinating applications of AI in various industries beyond entertainment such as healthcare and finance. Don't miss out on this insightful journey into the future of intelligent automation and personalization in videos!

Generative AI Links:

DeepBrain AI (Realistic AI Avatars):

Fliki AI (Audio and Video Generator):

Krater AI SuperApp (Digital Content Creation):

Leonardo AI (Image Generator):

Neural Text AI (Content creation, SEO optimization, and Copywriting):

PodCastle AI: (Pocast Tools for Audio and Video Content Creation)

Rask AI (Language Translator):

Restream AI (Live Stream Digital Content Solution):

Riverside AI (Digital Content Creation - Record Anyone, Anywhere):

SciSpace/Typset AI (Advanced Intuitive Research Tool):

StealthGPT (Digital Content Creator that mimics human writing):

Synthesia AI (Video Generator & Realistic Avatars):

VidIQ (YouTube Tool for Video Marketing, SEO Optimization):

Zebracat AI (Video Generator):

#aicontentgeneration #artificialintelligencerevolution

[neturbizenterprises]

Welcome to our YouTube video where we explore the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on video technology.

AI is revolutionizing how we create, consume, and interact with video content, ushering in a new era filled with endless possibilities.

This transformation is not just about better pixels or smoother frame rates; it's about fundamentally changing the relationship between humans and machines.

With AI, we can now do things with video that were previously unimaginable. The convergence of AI and video has been years in the making, driven by advancements in computing power, access to massive data sets, and breakthroughs in machine learning algorithms. In this video, we delve into how AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of video data to extract meaningful insights and patterns. This enables the creation of personalized video experiences tailored to individual preferences.

Additionally, AI automates tedious tasks involved in video production, freeing up human creators to focus on higher-level creative endeavors. The impact of AI on the world of entertainment is already evident as streaming services leverage AI for personalized recommendations so viewers can discover content they'll love. Furthermore, AI enhances video quality by upscaling resolution and even creating realistic deep fakes – synthetic videos convincingly replacing one person's face with another. Join us as we explore these fascinating applications of AI in various industries beyond entertainment such as healthcare and finance. Don't miss out on this insightful journey into the future of intelligent automation and personalization in videos!

Generative AI Links:

DeepBrain AI (Video Generator):

Fliki AI (Video Generator):

Krater AI (Content Generator):

Leonardo AI (Image Generator):

Murf AI: (Text to Speech):

Podcastle AI(Content Generator):

Rask AI (Language Translator):

Restream AI (Live Streaming):

Riverside AI (Podcast Generator):

SciSpace AI (Research Assistance):

StealthGPT (Undetectable AI):

Synthesia AI (Video Generator):

TubeMagic (Content Optimization):

VidIQ (Content Optimization):

Zebracat AI (Video Generator):

#aicontentgeneration #artificialintelligencerevolution

[doink]

Mastering Person Masking Videos with Green Screen by Do Ink

Unlocking the full potential of video creation has never been easier than with Green Screen by Do Ink. This app takes green screen technology to new heights, allowing you to seamlessly blend visual elements and effortlessly create captivating person masking videos. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to master the art of person masking using Green Screen by Do Ink.

Green Screen by Do Ink empowers you to effortlessly create person masking videos that leave a lasting impression. Whether you're an educator looking to engage your students or a content creator aiming to produce visually stunning content, this app offers the tools you need. Unleash your creativity, experiment with different ideas, and watch your person masking videos come to life. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!

[getvalentined]

The Big Patreon Breakdown

Okay, Patreon's Discord Q&A ended on the 16th, and I've been waiting to see if anything else happened—like maybe a a public announcement from Patreon instead of emails sent exclusively to creators and a video hidden on the CEO's personal YT page—but nothing has happened, so I'm gonna do a breakdown of what we're looking at.

This is an EXTREMELY long post. I am not putting it behind a cut. I'm not sorry.

Short attention span version here.

—

I. The iOS processing fees are a smokescreen covering up the actual devastating changes that Patreon is forcing creators into.

The iOS fees are trash, 30 percent is extortion and we all know it—but that's not the biggest issue at hand here. Patreon is using this event as an excuse to change the entire structure of the creator side of their platform, and blaming Apple to avoid getting backlash.

They tripled their platform and processing fees in 2017, passing it on to patrons without notice, and the subsequent hemorrhage of paying users forced them to walk it back. They tried to force everyone onto their rolling billing model in 2021, and the entire community pushed back so hard they were forced again to walk it back.

This time, they're doing both and insisting it's Apple's fault, and everyone is taking that at face value because Apple sucks. And Apple does suck, but Patreon is getting what they've wanted for years by catering to Apple.

Oh, also, they're forcing creators to notify their patrons of the billing model changes (with a suggested template that explicitly refers to it as a decision made by the creator, even though nobody is making any decisions here except Jack Conte) rather than doing it themselves.

II. Patreon is not going to change course for any reason. This is set in stone.

There are multiple proofs for this, including but not limited to:

One-on-one calls between the platform's top earners and the CEO, Jack Conte, wherein the vibe was apparently not "What can we do to support your business in order to retain your place on our platform?" but rather "We know that the only way this works is if we don't do it, but how can we keep you from complaining about it any more than you already have?" One creator explained in granular detail how they run their business through this platform and why changing their billing model would ruin literally everything, and Conte responded with "Is this an essential part of your offering?"

The Patreon Team on Discord has continued to shut down all discussion of alternative options with assertions that Apple won't allow it, even if those alternatives were suggested based on legal precedent set by lawsuits against Apple, and the declaration that they will not be allowing the app to be removed from the App Store no matter what because it's the single most important and integral avenue of creator growth on the platform. (Put a pin in that.)

The platform's top earner is on the pay-per-creation billing model, the one that is going to be hit the hardest; creators on this model stand to lose literally 90 percent of their income overnight. This creator and his team were as blindsided as the rest of us, and they've been offered no assistance except for a complex math equation to try to calculate how much they should be charging people on fixed-price tiers, and no assurance except "the iOS app is the platform's highest source of engagement and is necessary to help you continue to grow."

Pay-upfront (PUF) and pay-per-creation (PPC) billing is going away for new accounts and anyone who doesn't opt out via Patreon's convoluted backend before November 1 of this year, and anyone who doesn't manually switch over to their rolling billing cycle will be automatically pushed into it on November 1, 2025. This means that PUF creators no longer have the promise of a steady paycheck when they need it, early enough in the month to pay rent and bills, while PPC creators are losing their entire business model all at once, which has resulted in a loss of 75 to 90 percent of income for multiple PPC creators who have tried to switch to the rolling billing structure in the past. They are killing these people's livelihoods and they know it, they have seen the data to prove it, but they will not be swayed.

III. Patreon claims the iOS app is the highest source of engagement on the platform at 40 percent—but will not define what "engagement" means, and staff refuse to share detailed analytics or data on the revenue share coming from the app.

Several creators, some with a couple dozen patrons and some with thousands, polled their audience to get a feel for how many of them used the app. Consistently across every creative industry, genre, and form of media, the answer was 2 percent or less. The average across a dozen-plus polls of actual active patrons, numbering into the thousands, is that around 85 percent of patrons access the platform exclusively via the web, whether on desktop or mobile. The majority didn't even know there was an app.

Further, Patreon would not explain what "engagement" means, but did not deny the possibility that dismissing an app notification on your phone counts as an "engagement."

When Patreon was asked for data on how often people pledged to support a creator via the iOS app, the only response was the claim that information is "sensitive to [Patreon's] business" and can't be shared. In a creator-exclusive server. With the people who bring that revenue onto the platform in the first place. And have our own analytics that we can look at individually, which show an average of 0 to 0.5 percent revenue from the iOS app.

IV. Patreon does not have a refund policy in place to work with Apple, and has given no implications of intention to work with Apple to shorten the time it takes for funds from iOS purchases to be paid out to creators, which is currently 75 days.

Yes, you read that correctly: at the moment, it takes 75 days before creators can cash out funds processed via iOS. On top of that, Apple's refund policy is 60 days, and the creator is not involved in the process whatsoever—if a malicious actor pledges to your page, downloads all your work over the course of a month, and then pings Apple for a refund? Apple gets to decide whether or not they get that refund.

Patreon's general refund policy is that it's up to the creator 99.9 percent of the time, with very rare cases of fraud requiring Patreon's intervention. In the case of pledges and Commerce sales via iOS, the creator has no say, and Patreon currently has no policy to protect them. They've stated that they're working on a refund policy that will work with Apple's guidelines to keep everyone happy, but at this point we all know what that means—they're just going to use Apple's refund policy.

They also wouldn't say whether or not creators would be on the hook for Apple's added processing fees, as is usually the case with other big payment processors, but it sounds like we are! So if someone pays $14.50 on the iOS app, the creator gets $10, can't pay it out, and then the malicious actor can call for a refund weeks later and the creator will owe $14.50—in spite of only ever having seen $10 and never being able to pay it out because the 75 hold hadn't passed. Sounds great!

V. Patreon's own graphics meant to explain why this is necessary and how the new fees work are not correct.

I'm gonna let these mostly speak for themselves:

The sale price listed on this graphic is $10, but adding together the three fees listed gives a total of $11.35. This is likely a copying error, as 4.35 is clearly not 30% of 10, but the lack of attention to detail on one of the only two pieces of official material that we have which refer directly to the numbers on which Patreon is signing away our livelihoods is slightly concerning.

This one totals up to 103 percent! (Actually closer to 104, since I rounded Android and Mobile down by about a quarter percent each.) The 40 percent figure on the iOS bar is based on the figure given to us by Patreon staff, and was used to place the markers to denote individual percentages on the other three.

Patreon made these and gave them to us with the assertion that they were proof that the iOS app is indispensable—why should we trust anything they say about numbers if the charts they gave us are literally impossible?

VI. Patreon refuses to offer any promises to 18+ creators that they will not be removed from the app in order to adhere to Apple's content guidelines.

Instead, Patreon staff's response to this request for reassurance is "We have no plans to remove 18+ creators from the Patreon app." You may note that's phrased very specifically, and leaves a hole big enough to drive a freight train full of iPhones straight through. They have no plans to remove 18+ creators from the app. When asked for clarification on this, confirmation that they would not be removing us from the platform if Apple pushed them to do so regardless of whether or not they have plans, this sentiment was simply repeated in more words and with more apologies, along with a reminder that Patreon has had to change their terms for 18+ creators several times already in order to keep up with laws and competition.

VII. All the features Patreon is insisting are integral for creator growth are inaccessible to 18+ creators, and questions about this were either dismissed, redirected, or ignored.

Remember how the iOS app is the single most important and integral avenue for character growth on the platform? Well, 18+ creators are not discoverable on the platform, regardless of the avenue of access. We are not visible on the app unless you have it installed, are logged in, are already following us on the platform, and click an external link to be directed to our pages from somewhere else via a mobile web browser. There is no way to find us on the platform itself.

Other features that staff insist are necessary for growth to which 18+ creators do not have access:

Patreon creator search (on web, Android and iOS apps)

Mass post editing (now called the "Library," which reads as "Something Went Wrong" for me and other 18+ creators who tried to get to it)

On-platform video hosting

Built-in cross-creator recommendations

All on-platform "commerce" features (both digital and physical goods)

The ability to market ourselves by linking to Patreon from our social media and vice-versa (we're basically not allowed to do this or risk being banned)

Yeah, about that first and that last point. We're hidden from searches on the platform, and we can't link to our pages from social media or risk permanent suspension. We cannot grow in this fashion at all, and in fact 18+ creators are getting all the downsides of this switch (except maybe for the app fee, since you can't fucking find us to pledge on the app) with none of the benefits. Nothing they are doing here will help us grow, because they've kneecapped us already. Now they're going after our capacity to obtain a steady paycheck at the beginning of the month, too.

VIII. Patreon's iOS app is currently (as of August 18, 2024) in violation of Apple's guidelines for app ratings; staff did not state any intention to become compliant by raising the app's rating as needed to maintain their 18+ creator community.

The App Store guidelines on creator apps state that they must be rated equal to the highest rated creator content on their platform. In spite of hosting 18+ content, which requires a 17+ rating per Apple, Patreon is rated 12+ in the App Store. Increasing the rating to 17+ would cut out the entire market of wealthy teenagers with iPhones, and since everything else being done here is intended to please Apple, it's unlikely this will be the point that Patreon finally gives an inch for its creators. The exact response from staff on this was "We hear and acknowledge your inputs on the app rating and are exploring our options there." Their "options" on this are to increase the rating, or to remove all 18+ content from the platform. That's it. Those are their options. Why do those need exploring, if they really give a shit about the 18+ community?

I know a lot of people out there are going to say that it would be nice if Patreon would "get rid of the porn," but you need to understand something: 18+ content is not all sexual.

18+ content can and does also include:

Horror (particularly body horror, which is explicitly or implicitly banned on all current adult-specific creator platforms, leaving me nowhere to go when Patreon kicks me)

True crime (murder, violence, theft, etc., is all 18+)

Health (blood/discussion of blood is 18+ regardless of context)

Education (what if you learn about war? that's 18+)

Trauma recovery (the word "r#pe" makes everything around it 18+)

Profanity (ko-fi marks creators 18+ for saying "fuck")

Languages (because you might learn profanity)

Weaponsmithing (because weapons are dangerous)

Leatherworking (because leather can be a fetish)

Shoemaking (feet can also be a fetish)

...even more I'm not bothering to list here.

Implying that they somehow didn't know about this extremely important part of the guidelines—which are being used as an excuse to force the top earner on the platform to ruin his entire business model—is absolute nonsense. Patreon knows about this requirement, they haven't taken any steps to comply based on their current creator population, and I will be shocked if they do. Much easier to just kick us all off, since we can barely use the damn platform as it is.

—

The entire thing makes no sense. Patreon is losing out on so much money by doing this—they're crippling all their highest-earning creators to keep the iOS app running, and it's going to hurt everyone except for Apple. The only reason I can think that they would refuse to budge on this is that there's something else going on behind the scenes between Patreon and Apple. That, or the company is intentionally throwing itself into an extremely drawn out death spiral. But we all know which of those is the more likely scenario here.

[casualya]

My BG3 Modlist

I made my modlist for BG3. It's mostly mods for visual character changes and adding different armor and clothing. I hope this information will be useful to someone. Please don't forget to read the descriptions to the modifications and download additional required mods ⬇️

APPEARANCE MODS

Heads | Face | Eyes | Makeup & Tattoo

Unique Tav Custom Appearance (You must also download and install this mod to work correctly) Vemperen's Other Heads Repaired Tasha's Cauldron of Faces New Character Creation Presets WIP Themia's Sister Preset Mari's tattoo Mari's makeup Astralities' Skintone Expansion - Natural Tones Astralities' Fantasy Skintone Expansion Eyes of the Beholder Aether's Half-Illithid Begone Gale's Wizardly Updo

Hair | Horns | Hair Collections & Colors

Tav's Hair Salon Icon and Race Patches for Tav's Hair Salon Tav's Hair Mixer Astralities' Hair Color Supplement Astralities' Hair Color Collection Vanilla (and NPCs) Hair Mixer Vessnelle's Hair Collection Tasha's Cauldron of Hairstyles Tasha's Cauldron of Hairstyles Pack 2 Horns of Faerun Alternate Horns for Tieflings De-Accessorized NPC Hairstyles Yves Hair Gallery Angel Wings And Halos __ By Ren Angel Wings and Halos _ Solar Race Patch P4 Bangs Bangs Everywhere (a Fringes and Extra Hair mod) Shibariwaluigi's NPC Hair Edits Ghouls Customization Compendium - Custom Heads Horns and Beards Ghouls Simple Braid and Ponytail Hairstyle Long Hairs Silver's Hair Pack Silver's Hair Pack 2 Silver's Hair Mixer REN'S DIVINE HAIR GALLERY Tepkunset Hair Collection Shadowheart Alternate Hair - Updated for Launch Fire Keeper's Hair and Mask

Body (Scars)

Bhaal Scars for All Darker Bhaal Scars for All Vampire Bite Scar

ARMOR AND CLOTHING MODS

Basket Full of Equipment. NSFW version Basket Equipment to Camp Clothing Basket Underwear to Underwear Slot Modular Equipment Citizen Outfits as Camp Clothes Professor's Suit Fancy Camp Clothes Fancy Dresses Epilogue Camp Clothes More Mage Gear Rose Bard Outfit Cambion and Gith Armor Extra Gear Extra Gear as Camp Clothing Druu's Clothes and Armours lokelani's lavish livery Ascendant Astarion Epilogue Clothes Witcher 3 Armor (Keira Ciri Yennefer Margarita) Yennefer's wardrobe Triss' wardrobe Astarion's Wardrobe Astromancer robes Custom Item Pack IO's Outfit Collection Slutty Menswear

Astarion's Gear Nox Male Outfit from Elden Ring Mythral accessories

EARRINGS | ACCESSORIES | GLASS

Mythral accessories Ghouls Custom Piercings Piercing Improvement - Physics Piercing Edits Astarion's Earrings Kylin's Piercings Ellian's trinkets Weeviljester's Accessories Trips' Accessory Collection P4 Blooming Circlets and Piercings - a Valentine Inspired Mod

Dyes

TC Dyes

OTHER MODS

Races

Half angel ( Aasimar 5E ) Aasimar - xx's New Female Head Preset patch Astralities' Tiefling Compendium

Gameplay | Interface

ImprovedUI ReleaseReady Appearance Edit Enhanced Transform into companions and NPCs - Ring of Metamorph Tutorial Chest Summoning Hugs

Misc | Utilities

Norbyte's Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender (from github) Baldur's Gate 3 Mod Fixer Trips' Old Shader Pack (for Unique Tav Custom Mod)

VIDEO AND SCREENSHOTS TOOLS

Otis Camera (Baldur's Gate III photomode tools) IGCS Connector IGCS Depth of Field ReShade

[dervampireprince]

An important update about Patreon, specially the IOS/Apple app.

From November 2024 any new memberships (I think that also includes if you were to leave and rejoin after November 2024) and purchase a membership to myself or any other Patreon creator via the Apple app store, Apple is going to add on a 30% fee that subscribers have to pay and all that extra 30% will go to Apple, not to the creators. If you already subscribed in the past via the IOS app, you won't be subjected to this new 30% charge. As long as you signed up via the website/Android, using the IOS app won't charge you, only subscribing via the app will. So please be aware subscriptions to Patreons will cost 30% more money if you do it via the IOS app, it's cheaper so sign up via the website/Android.

It is also getting rid of the first-of-the-month billing option. I have the choice to switch now, or be forced to in November 2025 when every creator on Patreon will be forced to switch to subscription billing (which means if you joined on the 4th of August you'd be charged on the 4th of every next month, etc). This also means pay-per-creation that many creators use who make content like long video essays only once or twice per year and thus only charge their Patreon members those one or two times a year they upload, will be forced to charge their Patreon members every month once November 2025 hits. This forced changed is only happening because Apple is demanding it, wants a cut of every creator's earnings, and has threatened to remove Patreon from the app store if they don't force these changes.

I know me being forced to charge you guys the date of you signed up on every following month, but it does screw me over a big. It screws over creators who give out physical rewards like sticker clubs, in fact Patreon used to advertise first-of-the-month billing as being for creators who had physical rewards to mail out. Why does this matter to me when I don't offer physical rewards? It's not the biggest deal for me personally, but I do collect audio requests on the first of every month, the Patreon outro is recorded once at the start of each month based on who is there on the 1st of the month and I will not be re-recording it every day when new people join. And my brain just finds everyone being charged on the same day easier to keep track off.

I'm sure some of you will prefer the new billing method. I know some people have been bothered if they sign up on the 31st of one month just to be charged again the next day, but that has always been written out when you sign up for memberships, you could have chosen to just wait a day before joining.

So I'll be making the switch now, because if I wait until they force me in November 2025 I will have forgotten and it'll catch me off-guard. So any new Patreon members will be charged recurring on the date they signed up (e.g. if you signed up on the 17th of August, you'd be charged on the 17th of each month. I have no idea how this works if you sign up on a leap day or on the 31st of August when there's no 31st of September, I don't know if Patreon picks a day earlier or a day later).

Now, what does switching mean for existing Patreon members? Nothing. If you signed up before today then you'll keep getting charged on the first o each month. Which feels a bit unfair for old Patreon members to not get to switch to the new system, but Patreon forces you to stay on the old one. I don't know if cancelling your subscription and rejoining would allow you to join the new system or not, I don't know if Patreon would remember you.

Sorry this is sudden, Patreon just sent out the email at around 3pm today and I only just saw it

[toastmaster-advertising]

My First Foray into AI Filmmaking with Google Flow (and a Toastmasters Tip!)

I recently had the exciting opportunity to try out Google Flow, Google's new AI-powered video creation platform, to produce a short film for my Toastmasters club. It was a fascinating journey into the world of AI filmmaking, and I’d love to share what I learned—including a helpful Toastmasters tip along the way. First the finished product.

Step 1: Scripting with Gemini

The process began with Google Gemini, which I used to script the video. I asked it to create a short explainer based on this Toastmasters tip:

"Arrive early. Give yourself enough time to get acquainted with the stage or presentation area, and test the microphone and any visual aids you’ll be using."

I also requested scene suggestions to pair with the narration. Gemini responded with a solid, structured script that provided a strong foundation for the video production.

Step 2: Generating Scenes in Google Flow

Google Flow is an impressive tool. It allows you to generate video clips simply by describing them in text. One standout feature is the ability to expand scenes, helping maintain continuity of characters and objects across shots.

However, I discovered that uploading a custom character for consistency across scenes is a premium feature, priced at $129 per month. For this first experiment, that was more than I was willing to invest.

To work around the character continuity limitation, I used close-up shots and creative framing, which helped disguise the inconsistency. Flow’s Scenebuilder feature also came in handy—it lets you stitch together individual clips, fine-tune transitions, and build a cohesive narrative flow from multiple 8-second scenes.

Step 3: Post-Production with iOS Clips

Once I had generated and downloaded the clips, I moved to post-production on my iPhone using the iOS Clips app. Here’s how I pulled it together:

Initial Edits: I imported the video into Clips, trimmed out silent openings, and added a title slide.

Narration: I recorded the narration using the Voice Memos app, syncing it to match the 40-second video runtime.

Audio Integration: I shared the voice memo directly into Clips and embedded it as the project’s main audio track.

Background Music: Because Clips supports only one audio track per project, I exported the video with narration, then opened it in a new Clips project to add background music from the app’s free library.

Final Export: After adding the music, I saved the final version—ready to share with my Toastmasters club!

Takeaways from My First Project

Google Flow is a powerful platform with real promise for content creators. Its ability to turn text descriptions into visual scenes and its Scenebuilder interface make it an accessible tool for storytelling—even with the current limitations for free users.

While the premium character continuity feature is costly, clever scene composition can help mitigate that. Combining Flow’s visuals with mobile editing tools like Clips made for a surprisingly smooth workflow.

What’s Next? Features I’m Excited to Explore

My first project only scratched the surface. Here are some features I plan to explore in future videos:

Advanced Camera Controls: Flow allows precise manipulation of zoom, pan, angle, and movement—ideal for creating cinematic transitions and perspectives.

“Frames to Video” & “Ingredients to Video”: You can upload or generate reference images to influence your video’s style, composition, or continuity—especially useful without premium character tools.

Native Audio Generation (with Ultra Plan + Veo 3): Premium users can auto-generate dialogue, sound effects, and music directly in Flow, streamlining production.

Asset Management: Flow’s tools for organizing prompts, characters, and visual elements are helpful for recurring projects or series-style videos.

Scenebuilder “Jump To” Transitions: This allows for dynamic scene changes while maintaining visual context, perfect for narrative storytelling across multiple environments.

Flow TV: A showcase of user-generated videos, Flow TV includes example prompts—an inspiring way to learn new techniques and spark creative ideas.

I’m excited to keep experimenting and see how far I can push the creative boundaries with AI video tools. If you're a fellow Toastmaster—or just curious about AI filmmaking—I highly recommend giving Google Flow a try!

[adarkrainbow]

I just found out the cutest little animated fairytale storybook, and of course my Ipad is dead, and I don't have an iPhone, and the app is iOs exclusive... Damn it. Well time to call for help/share some stuff :p

The app in question is part of a line called "Epic Tales". Or rather it was supposed to be the first of a line but apparently there is only this game? It was a Dutch creation that had a lot of positive reviews, and even won an award back upon its release (2013). It is called "Hansel and Gretel - Epic Tales" (Hans en Grieje in Dutch).

It is pretty much your usual "interactive storybook" experience on children's app, as the story is divided in a set of interactive tableaux retelling in a fun and whimsical way the story of Hansel and Gretel. BUT and here is where things get interesting: each tableau is intercut with hand-drawn animated cutscenes. These animations, done in the same style as the drawings, was done by the Anikey Studios (which are still present online, such as here their Vimeo channel, unlike the Epic Tales website which seems defunct - but the Epic Tales Facebook is still up).

You can find the trailer online on both Vimeo and Youtube - but unfortunately it is pretty much all you can find... There's screenshots over at the many review websites that covered this app, but not much. If I had access to the App-Store of Apple I would have bought it immediately but of course all my App Store access are dead... So I'll have to wait until I buy a new iPad X)

Unless someone ever can share info, screenshots or video of the app of course - I honestly take everything I can get, and I already thank deeply anyone able to help this improbable quest! Also, if you ever know (or see on the App) that there are other games in this line I am deeply interested - because animated storybook apps rarely have this much effort put into their animation. Heck when you put this app's images inside Google Images it confuses it with a Disney production - that tells the quality.

In fact, you can clearly see the effort put in the animation through this website which shares the cool concept art for the character design.

[dpfocu]

OpenAI’s 12 Days of “Shipmas”: Summary and Reflections

Over 12 days, from December 5 to December 16, OpenAI hosted its “12 Days of Shipmas” event, revealing a series of innovations and updates across its AI ecosystem. Here’s a summary of the key announcements and their implications:

Day 1: Full Launch of o1 Model and ChatGPT Pro

OpenAI officially launched the o1 model in its full version, offering significant improvements in accuracy (34% fewer errors) and performance. The introduction of ChatGPT Pro, priced at $200/month, gives users access to these advanced features without usage caps.

Commentary: The Pro tier targets professionals who rely heavily on AI for business-critical tasks, though the price point might limit access for smaller enterprises.

Day 2: Reinforced Fine-Tuning

OpenAI showcased its reinforced fine-tuning technique, leveraging user feedback to improve model precision. This approach promises enhanced adaptability to specific user needs.

Day 3: Sora - Text-to-Video

Sora, OpenAI’s text-to-video generator, debuted as a tool for creators. Users can input textual descriptions to generate videos, opening new doors in multimedia content production.

Commentary: While innovative, Sora’s real-world application hinges on its ability to handle complex scenes effectively.

Day 4: Canvas - Enhanced Writing and Coding Tool

Canvas emerged as an all-in-one environment for coding and content creation, offering superior editing and code-generation capabilities.

Day 5: Deep Integration with Apple Ecosystem

OpenAI announced seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, enhancing accessibility and user experience for iOS/macOS users.

Day 6: Improved Voice and Vision Features

Enhanced voice recognition and visual processing capabilities were unveiled, making AI interactions more intuitive and efficient.

Day 7: Projects Feature

The new “Projects” feature allows users to manage AI-powered initiatives collaboratively, streamlining workflows.

Day 8: ChatGPT with Built-in Search

Search functionality within ChatGPT enables real-time access to the latest web information, enriching its knowledge base.

Day 9: Voice Calling with ChatGPT

Voice capabilities now allow users to interact with ChatGPT via phone, providing a conversational edge to AI usage.

Day 10: WhatsApp Integration

ChatGPT’s integration with WhatsApp broadens its accessibility, making AI assistance readily available on one of the most popular messaging platforms.

Day 11: Release of o3 Model

OpenAI launched the o3 model, featuring groundbreaking reasoning capabilities. It excels in areas such as mathematics, coding, and physics, sometimes outperforming human experts.

Commentary: This leap in reasoning could redefine problem-solving across industries, though ethical and operational concerns about dependency on AI remain.

Day 12: Wrap-Up and Future Vision

The final day summarized achievements and hinted at OpenAI’s roadmap, emphasizing the dual goals of refining user experience and expanding market reach.

Reflections

OpenAI’s 12-day spree showcased impressive advancements, from multimodal AI capabilities to practical integrations. However, challenges remain. High subscription costs and potential data privacy concerns could limit adoption, especially among individual users and smaller businesses.

Additionally, as the competition in AI shifts from technical superiority to holistic user experience and ecosystem integration, OpenAI must navigate a crowded field where user satisfaction and practical usability are critical for sustained growth.

Final Thoughts: OpenAI has demonstrated its commitment to innovation, but the journey ahead will require balancing cutting-edge technology with user-centric strategies. The next phase will likely focus on scalability, affordability, and real-world problem-solving to maintain its leadership in AI.

What are your thoughts on OpenAI’s recent developments? Share in the comments!

[crunkmouse]

Party like it’s 1999!

I decided to make more of a hype post sharing different vintage media of Phantom Menace to inspire others in their creations for the QO celebration.

2. Videos (English, except for one)

YouTube:

Internet Archive:

(^ Portuguese)

(I just thought this cute)

(I plan on doing a separate post sometime about the Rosie O'Donnell Show Star Wars episodes. She did a lot fun hype, giveaways, and interviews for Phantom Menace.)

[rahuldigitalhub]

online gadget review

The iPhone 16 series, launched in September 2024, brings notable upgrades across its standard and Pro models. Here's a summary of its key features:

Standard Models (iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus):

Processor: Powered by the A18 chip, offering improved AI and graphics capabilities.

Cameras: A 48MP main camera supports 2x optical zoom via sensor cropping, and the 12MP ultrawide camera now enables macro photography.

Display: Bright and efficient OLED panels.

Battery: Promises better performance, though Apple has not disclosed the exact capacity.

Charging: Enhanced wireless MagSafe charging (up to 25W) and wired charging (up to 45W).

Pro Models (iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max):

Processor: Equipped with the A18 Pro chip, which features faster CPU, GPU, and neural processing capabilities.

Cameras: A triple-camera system with a 48MP Fusion main camera, an enhanced ultrawide lens, and a 5x telephoto camera on both Pro models. New features include 4K120fps video recording and spatial video for immersive content on Apple Vision Pro.

Audio and Video: Advanced editing tools like Audio Mix, spatial audio capture, and wind noise reduction for professional-grade content creation.

Design: Improved thermal performance with a graphite layer in Pro models for demanding tasks like gaming.

Software & AI:

Both standard and Pro models benefit from iOS 18, introducing features like customizable home screens, advanced AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT-powered Siri), and privacy improvements. Apple Intelligence tools also support text summarization, email proofreading, and generative image creation.

Pricing:

[im-just-noelfid]

Is Blogging Still Relevant in the Age of Tiktoks and Instagram?

You might be wondering if blogging still holds its ground with the rise of TikTok and Instagram. The answer is a certainly yes! While these platforms are fantastic for quick, eye-catching content, blogs offer a special space for diving deep into topics. They allow for rich storytelling, comprehensive guides, and a personal touch that helps foster community and build trust. Many readers still seek out blogs for detailed insights and tutorials that shorter formats can’t provide. Plus, a well-crafted blog can drive traffic to your social media profiles, enhancing your overall online presence. In this ever-evolving digital landscape, blogging remains a powerful and relevant tool!

About Instagram

Since its 2010 launch, Instagram quickly gained popularity, now boasting over one billion active users. While many content creators favor Instagram's visual appeal and immediacy, its limitations, such as non-clickable links, hinder blog promotion. As Instagram evolved into a hub for curated content, it has overshadowed traditional blogging, leading some bloggers to transition entirely to the platform. However, the depth and engagement of well-crafted blog posts remain unmatched by shorter social media formats.

Instagram User Growth from 2013 to Present

About TikToks

In the first quarter of 2019, TikTok was the most downloaded app from Apple’s iOS App Store, rapidly gaining widespread popularity. Its influence has even extended to Instagram, where numerous food posts feature popular "TikTok recipes," such as baked oats and feta pasta. Additionally, Instagram Reels appear to draw inspiration from TikTok, and the platform tends to prioritize accounts that utilize this feature. While achieving growth on Instagram can be difficult, TikTok's algorithm allows users to go viral regardless of their follower count, highlighting a key difference between the two platforms.

Tiktok’s Exploasive Growth from Launch to 2024

Why Were These Platforms were Acknowledged by Most Society

Joining platforms like Instagram and TikTok is straightforward. Users simply sign up and begin publishing content without the complexities associated with traditional blogging. There is no need to manage a DNS server, purchase a domain, pay for hosting, or install software like WordPress. Additionally, users do not have to navigate themes or widgets. All that is required is a mobile phone, which allows for easy photo editing with applications like Lightroom and VSCO, enabling the creation of a visually appealing Instagram feed. TikTok similarly simplifies the video editing process within the app, eliminating the need for advanced software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe’s suite.

Furthermore, Instagram and TikTok offer the potential to reach a vast audience. As Valentina Chirico notes, every influencer seeks to expand their reach, and both platforms provide opportunities to present content to millions. The audience is already present; creators only need to ensure their content is visible. In contrast, blogging often requires significant effort to build an audience, especially if one is not already prominent on search engines like Google or Pinterest. Blogging typically revolves around long-form content, which can be at odds with the fast-paced consumption habits of today’s mobile users who prefer quick, engaging posts. Consequently, brands are increasingly inclined to collaborate with Instagram and TikTok influencers, sometimes overlooking traditional bloggers, which can lead to frustration for those who feel well-suited for such opportunities.

Is Blogging Entirely “Dead”?

Despite predictions that blogging may decline due to the rise of social media, I firmly believe blogging remains relevant. While the audience and consumption methods are changing, with a greater focus on problem-solving content and SEO-driven traffic, blogs continue to thrive as part of a broader content marketing strategy. Additionally, blogs provide greater control and security compared to social media platforms, where accounts can be banned or deleted. Personally, blogging remains a full-time, profitable venture, proving its continued value.

Will Blog Still Exist?

Despite predictions that blogging may decline due to the rise of social media, I firmly believe blogging remains relevant. While the audience and consumption methods are changing, with a greater focus on problem-solving content and SEO-driven traffic, blogs continue to thrive as part of a broader content marketing strategy. Additionally, blogs provide greater control and security compared to social media platforms, where accounts can be banned or deleted. Personally, blogging remains a full-time, profitable venture, proving its continued value.

How Will Blog Change Towards The Future

Blogs somehow will find it’s way to change in several ways. As generative AI gains popularity, storytelling will take on greater significance. Blogs will evolve into tools for building personal brands, making it more challenging to stand out. Ultimately, blogs are likely to shift into digital publishing enterprises.

Corinne (2021). “Is Blogging Dead? The Rise of Instagram and TikTok”. Skinnedcartree, April 9, 2021. https://skinnedcartree.com/2021/04/is-blogging-dead-the-rise-of-instagram-and-tiktok.html.

Michiel Heijmans (2021). “The Future of Blogging in a Video-Obsessed World”. Yoast, June 3, 2021. https://yoast.com/the-future-of-blogging-in-a-video-obsessed-world/.

Oskar Mortensen (2024 n.d.). “How Many Users on Instagram? Statistics & Facts”. SEO.ai, April 24, 2024. https://seo.ai/blog/how-many-users-on-instagram.

Oskar Mortensen (2024 n.d.). “How Many Users on TikTok? Statistics & Facts”. SEO.ai, February 2024. https://seo.ai/blog/how-many-users-on-tiktok.

[aashirvad12121]

Case Studies of Successful Mobile Apps: What Makes Them Stand Out

Successful Mobile Apps

The development of mobile applications has become an essential component of modern life.The mobile app market is saturated with millions of apps, but only a few manage to achieve significant success. Understanding what makes these apps stand out can provide valuable insights for developers and entrepreneurs looking to create their own successful applications. In this blog, we will analyze some of the most successful mobile apps and uncover the key factors behind their success.

1. WhatsApp: Revolutionizing Communication

Overview: WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging app that allows users to send text messages, voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, and user locations.

Key Success Factors:

User-Centric Design: WhatsApp's interface is simple and easy to use, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Reliability: WhatsApp provides reliable and fast messaging, even in areas with poor internet connectivity.

Cross-Platform Availability: The app is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web, ensuring broad accessibility.

Encryption: WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption ensures user privacy and security, which has built trust among users.

2. Instagram: Visual Storytelling

Overview: Instagram is one of the best mobile app development projects that has changed the way people share photos and interact with each other online.Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking service that allows users to share their moments with followers and discover content from all over the world.

Key Success Factors:

Visual Appeal: Instagram’s focus on high-quality images and videos has made it a favorite for visual storytelling.

User Engagement: Features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV keep users engaged and encourage content creation.

Influencer Marketing: Instagram has become a hub for influencers and brands, driving significant engagement and revenue through sponsored posts.

Continuous Innovation: Regular updates and new features keep the platform fresh and exciting for users.

3. Uber: Transforming Transportation

Overview: Uber is a ride-hailing app that connects passengers with drivers of vehicles for hire and ridesharing services.

One of the main reasons for the success of the Uber mobile app is its simplicity and user-friendliness. The app is user-friendly and provides users with an easy way to arrange their transportation. Moreover, the app’s real-time tracking features provide users with peace of mind.

Key Success Factors:

Convenience: Uber offers a hassle-free way to book rides with just a few taps on a smartphone.

Real-Time Tracking: Users can track their ride in real-time, providing a sense of safety and reliability.

Cashless Payments: The app integrates cashless payment options, making transactions smooth and efficient.

Dynamic Pricing: Uber’s surge pricing model ensures availability of rides during peak times, balancing supply and demand.

4. Spotify: Personalized Music Streaming

Overview: Spotify is a music streaming app that gives users access to millions of songs, podcasts, and videos from artists all over the world.

Key Success Factors:

Personalization: Spotify’s algorithm provides personalized music recommendations based on user preferences and listening history.

Extensive Library: A vast library of music and podcasts ensures that there is something for everyone.

User-Friendly Interface: The app’s intuitive interface makes it easy for users to discover and enjoy music.

Social Features: Spotify allows users to share music and playlists, fostering a community of music lovers.

5. TikTok: Short-Form Video Entertainment

Overview: TikTok is a social media platform for creating, sharing, and discovering short-form videos, ranging from 15 seconds to three minutes.

Key Success Factors:

Virality: TikTok’s algorithm promotes content based on engagement rather than follower count, allowing anyone to go viral.

Creativity: A wide array of editing tools, filters, and effects encourages creativity and content creation.

Community Building: Challenges and trends foster a sense of community and participation among users.

Global Reach: TikTok has a broad international user base, making it a global phenomenon.

Conclusion

Mobile application development has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. Analyzing these successful mobile apps reveals several common factors that contribute to their success: user-centric design, continuous innovation, reliability, personalization, and strong engagement strategies. By incorporating these elements into your own app development process, you can increase the chances of creating a successful mobile application.

If you’re ready to take the next step,XICONET can bring your idea of mobile app development into reality with years of professional experience and learning. We have developed several flawlessly engineered mobile apps for start-ups and enterprises with great feedback. Consider partnering with experienced developers who can bring your vision to life. Book a 30-min call with our experts, and we can get started right away!

[doink]

Unleashing Creative Freedom with Person Masking in Green Screen by DoInk - No Green Screen Required

In the world of video creation, Green Screen by DoInk stands out as a powerful tool for unleashing your creativity. One of its standout features is the Person Masking tool, which allows you to create captivating videos without the need for a green screen. In this blog post and video tutorial, we'll walk you through how to harness the full potential of the Person Masking tool in Green Screen by DoInk, all without the constraints of a physical green screen.

Green Screen by DoInk's Person Masking tool empowers you to create impressive videos without the need for a physical green screen. Whether you're an educator looking to engage students or a content creator aiming to produce visually stunning content, this app offers boundless creative possibilities. Embrace the freedom of person masking, experiment with different ideas, and watch your videos come to life in ways you never thought possible. The only limit is your imagination!

[wengdotlam]

Week 10 Gaming Communities, Social Gaming, and Live Streaming

Welcome back to Lam's Blog

According to Aarseth (2001) reflected, "If we consider 1969 as the birth year of the internet, then the history of the world's first video game predates that of the internet. Why hasn't anyone thought of studying games?" From here, game studies started to develop, looking at the value of games from perspectives like sociology, aesthetics, and design. For communication scholars, including relationships in game studies is a valuable idea.

Aarseth (2001) noticed social interactions in leisure activities. For example, studies found that online activities can help form friendships and provide social support, which can include learning, help, and social recognition. In video games, research has focused on how cooperation in games improves friendships, offers online social support, and builds social capital. The interest in social capital is significant because researchers hope games can provide a social space to make up for the decline of public spaces in the real world.

According to "Top Social Media for Gamers: A Complete Guide for 2024" (Singh 2023), the gaming industry is growing year by year, with almost half of the global population being gamers, approximately 3.09 billion active video gamers worldwide. So what's the thing that keeps gamers active?

 Let's pause to think about it...

Connections... 

The connection between communities like Gaming Communities, Social Gaming, and Live Streaming has become a massive part of gamers' lives, creating connections, communication with others, online friends, and even careers.

Gaming communities are groups of people who share an interest in a particular game or type of game. They often interact online, discuss games, share tips, and sometimes organize events or competitions on platforms such as Discord, Reddit, and Steam. Gaming communities help gamers by providing a positive game environment and a sense of belonging and support. One of the great communities is The Hive, which currently has 151,918 members. This community is one of the largest Minecraft servers with a Discord community. Players always share creations, exchange things, create events, and find more friends in the community. According to Keogh (2021, pp. 209–222), local game development scenes, like the indie game scene in Melbourne, thrive because of strong community support and collaboration. This community aspect encourages creativity, innovation, and the sharing of resources, which is crucial for both developers and gamers. 

Now, let's talk about social gaming. This concept revolves around playing games with others, whether they're friends, family, or strangers. Social gaming ties relationships closer between gamers and brings people together. It breaks down barriers and makes it easy to bond over shared goals and challenges. I remember countless nights spent playing "Overcooked" with friends, laughing hard and complaining to each other until we hit the goals of the mission. "Overcooked" is a really fun and trending game online. I highly recommend you play it with your friends, family, or game partners. You'll find that ‘cooperating’ with teammates in games can be challenging but more enjoyable than frustrating. 😂

Furthermore, game streaming has seen explosive growth, with Twitch leading the charge, boasting over 7.25 million active streamers in 2023 and accounting for 76% of all streamed gaming content. In 2022, viewers watched 22.4 billion hours of live streams on Twitch. YouTube Gaming also saw significant activity with 490,000 unique channels. According to "Top 20 Game Streaming Platforms and Sites (2024)" (Capermint, T 2024), the reason why live streaming is gaining popularity is that it allows gamers to broadcast their gameplay to a global audience in real-time. A game streamer can earn between $50 to $200 monthly with an average of 5 to 10 viewers, and $100,000 to $200,000+ with 50,000+ viewers. Many pro-gamers choose to become full-time gamers, but for me, it's more fun just watching someone play a game (I won't admit I'm bad at playing video games).

Viewers can chat with the streamer, be influenced to play the same game, or interact in other ways. It's a two-way street that traditional media can't offer. Personally, I love watching "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" live streams (Mobile legends: Bang Bang n.d.), because I want to learn more pro skills, improve myself, and cheer for my favorite team. Furthermore, live streaming has given rise to new careers. Streamers can make a living from their passion, supported by gifting, donations, subscriptions, and sponsorships. This shift has democratized entertainment, allowing anyone with a computer and an internet connection to potentially become a star.

Overall, Twitch is a game streaming platform worth trying. If you are also a gaming enthusiast, why not come to Twitch and experience its charm for yourself? For me, gaming communities, social gaming, and live streaming have allowed us to connect well with global friends. I hope you share your gaming experience and explore more in these fun digital spaces. Just take the digital world as your playground, meet new friends, play around, and stay happy!

By the way, I need game partners who can help me achieve victory. Comment down below if you'd like to play with me *heart*.

References

Capermint, T 2024, Top 20 game streaming platforms and sites (2024), Capermint viewed 7 June 2024, <https://www.capermint.com/blog/top-game-streaming-platforms/>

Keogh, B 2021, 'The Melbourne indie game scenes: value regimes in localized game development' , In Independent Video Games, Routledge.

Mobile legends: Bang Bang n.d.,Twitch, viewed 7 June 2024, <https://www.twitch.tv/directory/category/mobile-legends-bang-bang>

Singh, C 2023, Mastering Social Media for Gamers: The Ultimate Guide for Game Makers, SocialPilot, viewed 7 June 2024, <https://www.socialpilot.co/blog/social-media-for-gamers.>

Mobile legends: Bang Bang n.d.,Twitch, viewed 7 June 2024, <https://www.twitch.tv/directory/category/mobile-legends-bang-bang>

[slpublicity]

Sung Kang's '80s-Inspired Horror-Comedy SHAKY SHIVERS Sinks Its Claws Into SCREAMBOX

Following last month's nationwide theatrical engagement, SCREAMBOX Original Shaky Shivers is streaming now. Beware or be were for a night of werewolves, zombies, and ice cream now on SCREAMBOX.

Drawing comparisons to The Howling, Goosebumps, and Booksmart, the quirky horror-comedy marks the directorial debut of Sung Kang, best known for playing Han in the Fast & Furious franchise.

After finding herself bitten by a mysterious animal, Lucy becomes convinced that she will transform into a fearsome werewolf. Joined by her best friend Karen, the two embark on an adventure filled with magic and mayhem as they look to do battle with a throat-slashing creature.

Brooke Markham (In the Dark), VyVy Nguyen (Dogs in Space), Erin Daniels (House of 1000 Corpses), Jimmy Bellinger (Blockers), Herschel Sparber (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and Skyler Day (Parenthood) star. Kang makes a cameo appearance.

Andrew McAllister and Aaron Strongoni penned the script. Its '80s-inspired practical special effects were supervised by Gabriel Bartalos (Leprechaun, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives).

"The whole idea was to make this for the old school horror hounds and for them to share it with their families today," comments Kang. "I couldn't be more excited about rolling this film out."

Shaky Shivers joins SCREAMBOX’s growing library of unique horror content, including RoboDoc: The Creation of RoboCop, Terrifier 2, Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story, The Outwaters, Living with Chucky, Project Wolf Hunting, Creepypasta, Cube, and Pennywise: The Story of IT.

Start screaming now with SCREAMBOX on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Prime Video, Roku, YouTube TV, Samsung, Comcast, Cox, and Screambox.com.