Jesoos Flippin’ Kristofferson, are you ducking kidding me? Apple iOS 17 is set to learn you mothertruckers’ favourite swear words – and it’s all thanks to AI.

At its annual WWDC conference, where the Vision Pro perhaps stole the limelight a bit, Apple announced that iOS 17 will come with a much improved autocorrect that will learn and more accurately predict which words and phrases you’re most likely to use.

According to Apple‘s software chief Craig Federighi (via a prerecorded presentation): “In those moments where you just want to type a ducking word, well, the keyboard will learn it, too.”

If, like me, you have a bank of your own personalised swear words, this will definitely make your life easier – however, as someone who’s also worried about the inevitable AI uprising, I feel conflicted.

Buggery Josephine.

The AI model Apple will be using is known as a “Transformer” model, which has become the go-to choice for developers when it comes to things like generating music, complex AI reasoning, the summarising of documents, and classifying objects in images – as well as a number of other uses.

Turns out it’s also pretty damn good at learning your swear patterns!

Source: TechCrunch

If you’re into reality of the augmented, virtual and mixed variety – and particularly if you’re an Apple fan – you may be excited to learn about the Apple Vision Pro.

Apple has just unveiled its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, which merges the realms of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), being dubbed “the perfect mix”.

Not only can it fill up your space with apps, games, movies, an infinite workspace, spatial audio and cool mindfulness visuals, it’s also got an amazing 3D camera!

The tech giant made the announcement during its WWDC 2023 keynote, marking a significant milestone as Apple’s first foray into a new hardware category since the Apple Watch’s introduction in 2015.

Check it out in the video below, where it looks fancy AF (and comfy, too). Wow:

Spatial computing that can transform your environment

The Apple Vision Pro is a full head-mounted computer, signalling Apple’s venture into the realm of spatial computing. Drawing comparisons to competitors like the Microsoft HoloLens, this headset overlays apps onto the real world and can be controlled through eye movements and hand gestures.

Crafted with an aluminum frame, it features high-quality displays for each eye and outward-facing cameras. Moreover, it takes into account variations in face and head shapes, as well as differences in vision.

With EyeSight, the Apple Vision Pro can project your eyes onto its external display, allowing others to see what you’re engaged in while wearing the headset – which is pretty neat if you ask us!

My mind is still kind of blown from watching the video above, to be honest.

Excitingly, the wait for the Apple Vision Pro won’t be long. Priced at $3499 (which, let’s be honest, is hecka pricey, but what do we expect from Apple?), it’s expected to drop next year – plenty of time to save your pennies!

What do you think – will you be saving up for an Apple Vision Pro? Let us know in the comments!

It’s fair to say we’ve come a long way in terms of healthcare – and some could argue we’ve got a long way to go when it comes to finally beating the likes of cancer, Alzheimer’s and motor neurone disease – but there are a lot of developments on the horizon we can look forward to.

For instance, does anyone else remember that pod in Elysium where a woman gets in, it scans her, does its thing and then all you hear is something like: “Cancer completely removed”. Now THAT would be awesome!

Let’s have a look at what medical technology we can see in our future (some of which I may be evidently more excited about than others).

Real-life cyborgs

Okay, there’s something you really ought to know about me (and it’s kinda off topic, but bear with me), and it is this:

My end goal in life is not to live long enough to have children and see those children have children. It’s not to live long enough to meet aliens or see world peace. It’s not even to live long enough to see my artwork get international acclaim.

It’s to live long enough to acquire a robot body, goddamnit (although, I admit, it will require us humans having the tenacity to make it through the next few years without completely destroying our future, which is questionable at the best of times).

Anyway, real-life cyborgs are a decent step towards that goal! I mean, lookit this! This is my dream right here. Human man turns into actual robot! How, pray tell, could I not waste my own Dreamstime credits acquiring this image?!

Okay, you could argue we already have RFID chips, implanted defibrillators and pacemakers. The first neuroprosthetics are already on the market! Cochlear implants and retinal implants are already something you can buy, and people who are paralysed can move their limbs again with the help of exoskeletons!

In the future, the possibilities will be far-reaching, and it’s very possible we’ll see more and more people choosing to become cyborgs purely for recreational use.

Imagine a chip in your brain that gives you infinite memory storage backed up to the cloud, flawless language translation, or access to whatever information you need on demand – like a smartphone but in your head (that’d actually be quite scary, think of the security hazards, this is suddenly getting a bit Black Mirror. Sorry).

3D printed organs

This is already becoming a thing, too. In February 2022, a woman in Texas received a right outer-ear implant, which was 3D printed using cartilage cells harvested from her other ear! Those cells were multiplied into billions of copies, before 3DBio Therapeutics’ GMPrint bioprinter made them into a new ear.

Okay, so it’s the first time any kind of 3D-printed implant has been performed, but labs around the world are now successfully 3D printing skin, bones and mini organs. Imagine the reduction on waitlists this would have, and the amount of lives that would be saved!

Smart toilets that detect and monitor health issues

Only a couple of months ago, Withings – a smart home company – unveiled the U-Scan. Okay, so it’s not exactly a smart toilet, it’s a ’90-mm pebble-shaped urinalysis device’ that can turn ANY toilet into a ‘smart’ toilet – which is surely better!

When attached to your toilet bowl, it looks out for biomarkers in your urine, including ketone and the level of vitamin C detected. It can also track hormonal fluctuations by analysing levels of luteinizing hormone and pH.

It does need to be recharged every three months, but the benefits are already potentially amazing! Imagine never having to go for unnecessary urine samples at your GP again.

Fully autonomous surgical bots

Well, if they can drive buses, why not perform brain surgery, too – am I right?! Such a surgical robot is currently being developed by researchers at John Hopkins University – and yes, it will be fully capable of performing surgeries completely autonomously. Imagine that!

So, how will it work? Well, the robot, equipped with the likes of 3D vision and a machine-learning algorithm enabling it to effectively plan, adjust and make decisions during surgeries means that in theory, it should be able to do the job of a real doctor (is that discriminatory? I feel like I want to write a TV pilot called Dr Robot now, but I digress).

In fact, it’s already performed its first sugery! The robot is known as ‘Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot‘ and performed a laparoscopic procedure on porcine-tissue models – apparently involving successfully suturing the ends of a pig intestine. Delightful.

Being diagnosed through just your voice

Scientists have discovered characteristics of your voice – known as vocal biomarkers – can actually reveal a lot about your health! These biomarkers can play a crucial role in detecting things like diseases and other serious health risks.

One Israeli company, Beyond Verbal, has used its algorithms to help successfully detect the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a patient test group. Boston-based company Sonde Health Inc. has also been developing a voice-based tool for diagnosing and monitoring an array of mental and physical health conditions.

There may be more breakthroughs yet to come.

A cancer-smelling knife

Surgical instruments that can detect cancers and other diseases – like the iKnife developed by researchers at Imperial College London – have actually been in use for a while now, but they’re getting better all the time (I’m sure these have been featured in at least one episode of Grey’s Anatomy).

And it still kind of takes your breath away when you see the words ‘cancer-smelling knife’. They can detect cancers and other diseases within a matter of seconds!

So, how does it work? Well, it delivers an electrical current to biopsy tissue, and the smoke emanating from the area (doesn’t that sound lovely?) is then chemically analysed. It’s pretty effective, too – with a recent success rate of 89% accuracy when diagnosing womb cancer. We like that a lot!

One last thing…

It may be exciting thinking about all these great medical tech, but without an NHS – one of the greatest medical achievements here in the UK, and admired throughout the world – it will all feel far less shiny. It’ll feel downright bleak, actually… not to be a Debbie Downer or anything.

Unless you count eBay Wii shopping, you’ve been unable to buy a Nintendo Wii in a decade.

Hold that thought.

There’s a new Mario movie on the way.

We might well be expecting a surge in interest in Mario Kart games, and that’s what sustainable tech trade site Decluttr has looked into that. And it’s the Wii version that is the most popular search term!

Even though Switch is the platform Nintendo is currently pushing, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, released in 2020 for Switch, has nearly a 75% lower search volume than Mario Kart Wii. To be sure, the Wii has sold over 101 million units and is one of Nintendo’s most successful products.

Decluttr has also seen a 25% increase in search volume for Super Mario Kart, first released on Super Nintendo in 1992, in the last year. This trend is consistent with the recent rise in retro gaming and nostalgia.

I do like my tech. Okay, “early adopter” seems to have picked up a negative connotation these days, but I’m still happy to identify as such!

Here’s the twist? Maybe tech is more harmful than I hope. Maybe even our household electronics are out to get us! Research, such as the US 2021 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) project, traced over 22,500 injuries to video games.

Electronics Hub, which offers free info on electronics, has processed the latest NEISS data to work out which household electronics cause the most injuries.

Vape pens rank, as do batteries, but the number one terror is the smartphone.

It’s getting worse too. No one will be surprised to see that VR headsets are causing more injuries. The number of VR headsets in circulation has gone from about zilch to a few more.

What sort of household injuries do smartphones cause?

I wasn’t sure how a smartphone could injure someone so I asked the newly released AI Bard from Google.

Google’s new chatbot had five examples and then continued, unpromoted, to give me some health tips. Here’s what the bot said;

Here are some of the household injuries that smartphones can cause:

• Finger injuries. These are the most common type of injury caused by smartphones. They can happen when you drop your phone on your finger, or when you try to type too quickly and accidentally hit your finger on the screen.
• Back pain. Looking down at your phone for long periods of time can put a strain on your neck and back. This can lead to muscle pain, headaches, and even nerve damage.
• Eye injuries. Staring at your phone for too long can strain your eyes and lead to dry eyes, headaches, and vision problems.
• Slips and falls. Using your phone while walking or standing can increase your risk of slipping and falling. This is especially true if you are not paying attention to your surroundings.
• Burns. If you drop your phone in water, or if it gets too hot, it can cause burns to your skin.

It is important to be aware of the potential risks of using smartphones and to take steps to prevent injuries. Here are some tips:

• Use a case or cover to protect your phone from drops and scratches.
• Take breaks from looking at your phone every 20-30 minutes.
• Adjust the brightness of your screen so that it is not too bright.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using your phone.
• Do not use your phone while walking or standing.

Irdeto’s Denuvo has been appointed The Esports Integrity Commission’s (ESIC) first anti-tech partner.

Earlier research from Irdeto revealed that 85% of developers worried about cheaters, 69% noting that gamers will quit games if getting bad.

Denuvo and ESIC will collaborate to create a framework for anti-cheat technology implementation in the esports market. According to Statista, eSports will be worth $1.0bn worldwide.

Denuvo will also assist ESIC in continuing to provide best practice standards and integrity guidelines for the broader esports industry.

Denuvo Anti-Cheat was created by security specialists who are also gamers, and it has no detrimental influence on in-game performance. Unlike many other anti-cheat systems on the market, Denuvo says they operate on the binary rather than the source code, making it easier to include in tournament games. It integrates directly into the product build process and does not require APIs or SDKs, which means fewer tools to manage for build engineers and fewer tools to install for developers. The company’s cheat data is entirely accessible and controlled by the game publisher, which is unusual compared to other game security companies.

Stephen Hanna, ESIC’s Director of Global Strategy and Partnerships, commented:

ESIC is proud to announce this new partnership category targeted at strengthening the critical role of anti-cheat solutions in the maintenance of competitive integrity within the esports industry. As a distinguished partner in the games industry, we are pleased to welcome Denuvo as our first anti-cheat partner. We look forward to working together to find and execute upon more sophisticated applications for anti-cheat technology to tournament operation.”

Steeve Huin, Chief Operating Officer for Denuvo, said:

We are proud to partner with ESIC to fight cheating in the fast-growing esports segment. As gamers ourselves, we at Denuvo are dedicated to bringing fairness and fun back to online gaming and are therefore thrilled to ensure the same fair game opportunities will be available for the players of esports.”

I’ve a cute little rabbit mutant on my desk at work which stops my laptop cable from vanishing into the darkness beneath each time I unplug it.

I can’t imagine switching for this straining Gollum. Mind you, this Lord of the Rings figure can also be used to hold your TV remote, console controller or smartphone.

[Gollum as a cable guy]

What do you make of that gurning face? Or that pose? I suppose the leaning back position, as freaky as it is, means the cradle is better shaped to hold your tech.

Firebox say the figure will be coveted by all who see it. That might work for magic rings, but I’m not so sure.

The dangerous little warped-hobbit is about 20cm tall and comes with a 1.2m Type C USB. The retailer says he suits most smartphones, next-gen PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox Series S/X controllers.

At the time of writing, no one has simply walked into Firebox and written a review for Gollum.

Quick Links

• Buy Gollum

The tabletop battle map tech Infinite Realms is scheduled for release on the 23rd.

The project, an example of an RPG tech Kickstarter success that seems to be delivering, raised just over €10,000. Infinite Realms is not a virtual tabletop. Instead, it takes your current digital battle maps, offers up its extras, including weather and lets you use a flatscreen TV or an overhead projector to bring that map to life on your physical table.

Between the 23rd of January and the 28th of February, Geek Native readers can use the code GEEKNATIV25 to get 25% off.

Where from? There’s a countdown on the Infinite Realms site and a download page (currently offering the beta) to watch.

If you snap up the Geek Native discount, your Infinite Realms is the upgraded tier for 12 months. You must pay the full price after that, or your account defaults back to the free version. Yes, there’s a free tier.

Early Access users have been playing with the system for the past year, initial bugs have already been tackled, and Megavoid Studios, the makers, tell me they are confident about the release.

Windows and macOS are both supported, as are 2D image and video files, with the software coming with custom 3D maps. Other features include fog of war, weather, sound, rotating maps, distance measurement tool, basic tokens and a paint layer.

I asked, “What next?”

We are very proud as a small team that can only work on this project in our free time to have come so far! It was time for the release now, but that doesn’t mean we are done yet. We still have so many ideas to develop Infinite Realms further. For example, an improved token system is planned for the near future. And if we can dream a little bit, we see Infinite Realms as an app to dive even further into the game with augmented reality!

Geek Native covered the pre-launch plans last year, and I also asked about household projectors. Expensive, surely? Even if I had the DIY skills to mount one on the wall. Prices had been falling then, and a quick recheck on Amazon shows mini projectors in the £70 region.

Appropriately enough, Megavoid tells me they use the system to play popular fantasy RPGs and Star Trek Adventures and Shadowrun. Those both sound suitable matches for the RPG tech built by the team.

Quick Links

• Download Infinite Realms

In recent years, the use of video games in education has gained significant attention as a way to engage students and teach important skills.

As technology continues to advance and the gaming industry grows, educators are finding new and innovative ways to incorporate video games into the classroom. But not everyone is convinced that video games have a place in education. Some argue that they are a distraction and a waste of time, while others are concerned about their potential negative effects on young minds.

Despite these concerns, research has consistently shown that video games can be a valuable tool for learning. When used effectively, they can increase motivation and engagement, enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and provide a real-world context for applying knowledge.

They can also be a useful way to develop social and communication skills, particularly for students who may be shy or struggle with traditional group work.

As more and more educators begin to recognize the potential of video games in education, we are seeing the emergence of successful video game-based educational programs. These programs range from Minecraft Education Edition, which allows students to design and build virtual worlds, to Kahoot!, a game-based learning platform that can teach various subjects.

Game-based language learning programs also use immersive and interactive gameplay to help students learn a new language.

While video games in education certainly have their benefits, there are also challenges and considerations to keep in mind. Age-appropriateness is essential, as certain games may not be suitable for younger students.

It is also essential to balance video games with traditional teaching methods and ensure that teachers are trained and supported in using these tools.

Despite the challenges, the use of video games in education can revolutionise how we teach and learn. As more research is conducted and best practices are developed, we can expect to see the role of video games in education continue to grow and evolve.

The benefits of using video games in education

• Improved engagement and motivation: One of the primary benefits of video games in education is that they can increase student engagement and motivation. Many students, particularly those who struggle with traditional teaching methods, find video games to be more engaging and enjoyable. This increased motivation can lead to better class attendance and participation and a greater willingness to learn.
• Enhanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills: Video games often require players to solve puzzles, make decisions, and strategize in order to progress. This type of gameplay can help students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in both school and the real world.
• Development of social and communication skills: Some video games require players to work together as a team or communicate with one another in order to succeed. This type of collaboration can help students develop social and communication skills, particularly for those who may struggle with traditional group work.
• Opportunity to apply knowledge in a real-world context: Many video games are designed to simulate real-world situations or environments. This can give students a unique opportunity to apply what they have learned in a more authentic and meaningful context.

Examples of successful video game-based educational programs

• Minecraft Education Edition: Minecraft is a popular sandbox-style video game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds. The Education Edition of the game is specifically designed for classroom use and includes a variety of lesson plans and resources for teachers. Students can use the game to design and build virtual worlds, solve problems, and collaborate with their classmates.
• Kahoot! and other game-based learning platforms: Kahoot! is a popular game-based learning platform that allows teachers to create quizzes and surveys that students can take on their own devices. It can be used to teach a variety of subjects, including math, science, and social studies. Other similar platforms include Quizlet and Classcraft.
• Game-based language learning programs: Several game-based language learning programs use immersive and interactive gameplay to help students learn a new language. Examples include Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Babbel. These programs can benefit students who struggle with more traditional language learning methods.

Challenges and considerations

• Ensuring that video game use is age-appropriate: It is important to ensure that the video games used in the classroom are age-appropriate. This means considering the content of the games, as well as the level of difficulty and complexity. Games that are too difficult or inappropriate for a particular age group may lead to frustration and disengagement.
• Balancing the use of video games with traditional teaching methods: While video games can be a valuable tool for learning, it is important to balance their use with more traditional teaching methods. This means finding the right balance between video game use and activities such as lectures, readings, and hands-on projects.
• The need for teacher training and support: Using video games in the classroom can be a new and unfamiliar experience for many teachers. It is important that teachers receive training and support to incorporate video games into their classrooms effectively. This may include guidance on selecting appropriate games, implementing them in the curriculum, and assessing student learning.

Conclusion

• Recap of the benefits of video game use in education: In conclusion, the use of video games in education has the potential to engage students and teach important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. When used effectively, video games can increase motivation and provide a real-world context for learning.
• Call to action for educators to consider incorporating video games into their classrooms: While there are challenges and considerations to keep in mind, the growing body of research on the benefits of video game use in education suggests that it is worth considering for educators. By staying up-to-date on best practices and seeking out training and support, educators can effectively incorporate video games into their classrooms and give their students a unique and engaging learning experience.

Citations

• emste.com (PDF), Nature.com, VoaNews.com and Ibedrola.com.

About the author

Hasan Huzaifi is a professional article writer covering esports, family, technology and learning topics.

Fantasy LEDs is a Kickstarter from Moonshine Miniatures that offers lightable 3d-printable props. It’s not a complete solution but the cheaper offer of pre-supported STL files for clever designs that work with lighting.

The campaign wanted only €500 to fund; with three weeks still on the clock, more than €3,000 has been pledged. There are more details on the pitch page.

[Back this Campaign]

Designed for the 28-32mm scale, which is pretty standard, the pitch for these printable props is both unexpected originalities for your terrain design and realism. A lantern in a canteen would glow.

The core set is more than 25 pieces, stretch goals unlocking more, and each can be lit up through readily available LEDs. I had a quick rummage on Amazon and found loads that seemed to fit, but it’s not my wheelhouse, so I know these LEDs are the right size. I’m unsure how the batteries would attach or where they would go. Moonshine suggests the Chinese super-warehouse Aliexpress is a good hunting ground and uses the phrase Led ball balloon to search. There does seem to be a difference.

There’s a free sample to download so that you can test yourself.

Backers supporting the campaign get the core set and stretch goals for a pledge of €9. That’s about £8 in Brexit bucks.

If you want to resell these, as you’re a skilful 3D printer, there’s a merchant tier at €36.

As is often the case with STL campaigns, the delivery date is really soon, in December 2022. That’s when the campaign finishes.