An example of an information processing system moves a player character on a field, based on a movement operation input. The information processing system causes a sub character on
Thanks. For everyone not used to reading patents - only the claims are relevant. To infringe, someone else needs to do exactly the same as they describe.
Claim 1:
What is claimed is:
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a game program, the game program causing a processor of an information processing apparatus to execute: performing control of moving a player character on a field in a virtual space, based on a movement operation input; performing control of causing a sub character to appear on the field, based on a first operation input, and when an enemy character is placed at a location where the sub character is caused to appear, controlling a battle between the sub character and the enemy character by a first mode in which the battle proceeds based on an operation input, and when the enemy character is not placed at the location where the sub character is caused to appear, starting automatic control of automatically moving the sub character that has appeared; and performing control of moving the sub character in a predetermined direction on the field, based on a second operation input, and, when the enemy character is placed at a location of a designation, controlling a battle between the sub character and the enemy character by a second mode in which the battle automatically proceeds.
So... in more readable English, they patented how you can send a Pokemon out to run around with you, and if you throw it directly at an enemy it can start a standard battle where you control your Pokemon, otherwise it automatically paths to the enemy for an autobattle.
That's a little more specific than just summoning characters, but still absolutely bullshit to be able to patent. I'm sure there's prior work that should disqualify this, they just couched it in such overly technical terms they can act like it's novel.
The technical terms are actually how all patents are written, so nothing special there. I don't approve of things like this being patentable at all, but I actually expect this to be novel the way it's written.
However, no one needs to infringe upon it - it's trivial to change something ever so slightly so as to not do exactly what's described here.
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a game program, the game program causing a processor of an information processing apparatus to execute
Would games like Magic the Gathering and Gwent now be considered violating this patent? The wording in it seems ridiculously vague, I can barely understand what the patent is describing, and I'm not sure it means what "gamesfray" thinks it does.
The verbiage on this is RIDICULOUSLY specific (as patents generally should be) to the point that I refused to even pass the PDF through an OCR system and instead will trust that site's transcription
(1) There must be a PC, console or other computing device and the game is stored on a drive or similar storage medium.
(2) You can move a character in a virtual space.
(3) You must be able to summon a character. They call it a “sub character” by which they mean it’s not the player character, but, for example, a little monster such as a Pokémon that the player character has at its disposal.
Then the logic branches out, with items (4) and (5) being mutually exclusive scenarios, before reuniting again in item (6):
(4) This is about summoning the “sub character” in a place where there already is another character that it will then (when instructed to do so) fight.
(5) This alternative scenario is about summoning the “sub character” at a position where there is no other character to fight immediately.
(6) This final step is about sending the “sub character” in a direction and then letting an automatic battle ensue with another character. It is not clear whether this is even needed if one previously executed step (4) where the “sub character” will basically be thrown at another character.
All of those criteria must be met for this trap card to be triggered (shit... Yugioh lawyers getting revved up now).
Step 4 specifically covers the case where you summon your little guy to fight someone else. As worded, that actually would impact a Summon in every JRPG and Final Fantasy just got sweaty. Step 5 summons a character as an assist or to replace the main character in a fight (so.. Pokemon).
What I find most interesting is that step 6 specifically says "automatic battle". Which... to my Not A Lawyer brain, means this doesn't even cover Pokemon since you specifically give your mons battle commands. Err, aside from S01E01 Pikachu who did not give a fuck. And then Charizard. And probably a dozen more pokemons after I stopped watching The Son Of Mr Mime's Adventures. But, from what little I saw of it, it DOES cover Palworld where you just summon your pals to do work for you or fight for you. And it potentially covers Final Fantasy and Ichiban's Like a Dragons (the Poundmates, not the Sujimon)...
Which is probably the most interesting thing and why I think Pokemon Co is going to be ridiculously selective of who they try to sue. Because any of the big hitters can just say "Dumbfucks, we were doing this before Game Freak even existed". Whereas indie devs are small enough they don't want to risk it.
It might be worth keeping an eye on MinnMax as Haley MacLean IS a lawyer who actually specializes in video game IP but I suspect this is too close to her day job for her to publicly speak about it even with the "not legal advice" disclaimers. Which hopefully guarantees she actually talked about it on one of the podcasts this week and I just haven't looked yet.
How could an IP gained now, ever have impact on existing games? How would an IP even be gained, if they are not the only ones having this mechanic today?
Okay, but what stops literally any MMO with a pet class from challenging the patent and getting it thrown out the door? Definitely not a lawyer, but I was under the impression that if a property from before the patent proves it has existed as the patent describes before the patent came along, it just gets thrown out.
I was under the impression that if a property from before the patent proves it has existed as the patent describes before the patent came along, it just gets thrown out.
The US changed from first-to-invent to first-to-file years ago. It sounds bad, but I don't think it's meaningfully affected anything. I haven't heard of any impacts, anyway.
If you are thinking in terms of building a widget or making an industrial process, it makes perfect sense. Something like a wristwatch is the kind of innovation a LOT of people more or less simultaneously made and it is just impossible to definitively prove what country the first watch was made in. Even figuring out who was the first to file becomes a mess. Same with factory processes where the players who would even have the ability to iterate are often counted on fingers and toes.
But software (and research) in a global society is a real mother fucker. Because now the entire world can more or less see everything and reproducing things is fairly trivial. And... it isn't like the patents actually matter all that much when so much gets done overseas. China Don't Care but also the EU doesn't really either and so forth. Sure there are avenues to try to pursue a studio using the patented Nemesis System but... at best you are going to be tied up in courts for years trying to get a judge to insist that a company in Germany needs to send you a check.
For the exact same reason that "fair use" is still so incredibly nebulous and twitch streaming/let's plays still exist.
NOBODY is crazy enough to want to take that to the courts. Because maybe you get a judge who has "common sense". Maybe you get an old white guy who thinks Pong was too complicated and decides that you are wrong. At which point you have now made a bunch of legal precedent for REALLY stupid stuff.
Its also kind of why so much stuff about video games actually never gets patented. It is playing with fire.
I want to see Atlus mop the floor with Nintendo over this because Shin Megami Tensei had all these features 6 years before the first Pokémon game ever existed.
I just finished the demo of the upcoming Digimon game, and all of those points absolutely apply to it. But something tells me we're not going to see Nintendo going after Bandai Namco any time soon.
And to your point about directed vs. non-directed battling, the most recent Pokemon games definitely have a system where you can be running around the over world, see Pokemon wandering around, and have your little guys pop out and go fuck them up.
For what it's worth, the battle mechanics of pokemon scarlet and violet is as follows:
You can throw your pokeball to an empty spot to have your pokemon walk along with you. It will then automatically fight other wild pokemon in the overworld through extremely simple mechanics, which doesn't require any actions from you. If you instead throw your pokeball directly at the wild pokemon, you end up in a normal, classical battle with that pokemon.
So it sounds like it's specifically those mechanics that they are patenting, which has a significant overlap with Palworld.
It's bullshit that this is a patent, and I know nothing of the system, but I find it completely idiotic if this will allow them to retroactively make legal claims against a game which was released before the patent was created.
What I find most interesting is that step 6 specifically says "automatic battle". Which... to my Not A Lawyer brain, means this doesn't even cover Pokemon since you specifically give your mons battle commands. Err, aside from S01E01 Pikachu who did not give a fuck. And then Charizard. And probably a dozen more pokemons after I stopped watching The Son Of Mr Mime's Adventures. But, from what little I saw of it, it DOES cover Palworld where you just summon your pals to do work for you or fight for you. And it potentially covers Final Fantasy and Ichiban's Like a Dragons (the Poundmates, not the Sujimon)...
Iirc Scarlet and Violet (latest generation of Pokemon) have an option for autobattling.
Because there basically is no democratic method to influence what the Patent Office does.
Patent Office -> Department of Commerce -> President
Even without the current fascist in charge of the Executive branch... basically, the President would have to direct the Patent Office specifically, via Executive Order, or by firing it's head or other staff, or writing some kind of memorandum to give it some new kind of guidelines or specifically reject or approve a particular patent.
Barring that... someone or some entity has to either sue the Patent Office... or just sue over the patent infringement itself and try to argue up to a Circuit Court or the Supreme Court that the patent itself is ... dubious, in some kind of specific legal way that I do not know the word for.
Stream the game over a network, from further away than your local wifi.
Or, ... uh... just the... 'PokeBattle' part... of the game.
Make that into a client-server type architecture.
The only references to networking in the patent are for Wifi LAN and a Switch 2 directly talking to another Switch 2, and this is only done to describe really the Switch 2 itself, without reference in that section to the 'non-transitory storage medium' which substantially comprises the basal step of the active functioning process which is being patented.
The 'non-transitory storage medium' itself is specified as the microsd card that goes into a Switch 2... but it seems that generally, this would seem to (???) cover any sort of persistent storage media/medium.
So... if you throw a non local network into this process... the relevant code/concept now goes through another step, networking or netcode, does not actually exist in or on the device's 'non-transitory storage medium' nor propogate throughout the rest of the computer sysyem in the manner described by the patent, which makes no reference to networking in the description of the functional process, which is based around the concept of the executed game code originating from non-transitory storage which is physically present in thr device...
... and is thus arguably a susbtantially different concept/process.
This would be funny to try, have them fight and win? And immediately invalidate every single “familiar thing but on the internet” trash that the USPTO has been allowing for the past 30 years
And that's saying something, because I wrote a few papers, on the DMCA in particular, as well as how the copyright/patent system works (and should probably be reformed) specifically irt to computer software, whilst getting a BSc in Econ and a BA in Poli Sci...
... and ...
... just fuck all this, its so fucking obvious that the system is in so many ways just designed to work only for entities with stupendous amounts of money.
That individual, who has yet to be identified by the authorities, is now fully cooperating with the FBI on its investigation into the fatal shooting of the conservative activist, the source added.
Dopo la pubblicazione di “Terra mia” del 1977 e la conferma con l’album “Omonimo” del 1979, Pino Daniele pubblica “Nero a metà” il disco che lo consacrerà definitivamente al grande pubblico. Daniele ha venticinque anni ma ha già una buona esperienza come strumentista suona, infatti, dall’età di dodici anni e ha già militato in diversi gruppi partenopei compresi i Napoli Centrale... Leggi e ascolta...
Dopo la pubblicazione di “Terra mia” del 1977 e la conferma con l’album “Omonimo” del 1979, Pino Daniele pubblica “Nero a metà” il disco che lo consacrerà definitivamente al grande pubblico. Daniele ha venticinque anni ma ha già una buona esperienza come strumentista suona, infatti, dall’età di dodici anni e ha già militato in diversi gruppi partenopei compresi i Napoli Centrale. Pino Daniele come Napoli, possiede in questo disco una doppia anima, romantica la prima, ritmica la seconda, nervose e soleggiate entrambe... silvanobottaro.it/archives/366…
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Tired of expensive cable packages and looking for a more flexible way to watch your favorite content? IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services are becoming increasingly popular in 2025, offering an alternative way to stream live TV channels and on-demand content. After extensive testing, I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the top options available today.
What Makes a Great IPTV Service?
Before diving into specific providers, let’s understand what separates the best from the rest:
Stream Quality — From standard definition to crystal-clear 8K resolution
Channel Selection — Local, international, premium, and specialty options
Device Compatibility — Works with your Firestick, smart TV, phone, or tablet
Customer Support — Responsive help when things inevitably go wrong
Fair Pricing — Transparent subscription options without hidden fees
Easy Setup — From tech novices to experts, how simple is it to get started?
Reliability — Consistent performance with minimal buffering or downtime
Top 5 IPTV Services Compared
PremIPTV — Premier IPTV Service
PremIPTV stands out with its extensive channel lineup and reliable streaming quality. Their service excels particularly for sports enthusiasts, offering comprehensive coverage of major leagues and events globally.
Strengths:
Exceptional sports coverage with minimal buffering during peak events
User-friendly interface that works seamlessly across devices
Above-average customer support with responsive live chat
Worth Considering:
Not the cheapest option, though the quality justifies the cost
Setup requires some basic technical knowledge
IPTV8K — Subscription IPTV8K
As the name suggests, IPTV8K focuses on delivering ultra-high-definition content where available. Their service is ideal for viewers with premium displays who prioritize visual quality.
Strengths:
Best-in-class streaming quality with 4K and 8K options
Impressive movie and VOD library with frequent updates
Smooth performance on high-end devices
Worth Considering:
Requires robust internet connection (minimum 50Mbps recommended)
Premium quality comes with a higher price point
8K IPTV — 8K IPTV Service
Don’t confuse this with the previous entry! 8K IPTV offers a solid middle-ground option with a good balance of quality, selection, and affordability.
Strengths:
Most budget-friendly option without major compromises
Surprisingly diverse international channel selection
Simple setup process ideal for beginners
Worth Considering:
Customer support can be slower to respond
App interface feels less polished than competitors
IPTV GSE — IPTV GSE SMART
IPTV GSE focuses on providing a seamless experience across the widest range of devices, making it perfect for households with varied tech ecosystems.
Strengths:
Most versatile device compatibility (works on practically everything)
Clean, intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate
Solid EPG (Electronic Program Guide) functionality
Worth Considering:
Stream quality can be inconsistent during peak hours
Channel organization could use improvement
IPTV — 4K LIVE IPTV
Rounding out our list is 4K LIVE IPTV, which boasts one of the largest international channel libraries available, making it ideal for multilingual households or expatriates.
Strengths:
Unmatched global channel selection with options from 100+ countries
Impressive catch-up features for missed programs
Reliable performance even on modest internet connections
Worth Considering:
Navigation can feel overwhelming due to the massive selection
Setup process is more complex than some competitors
How to Pick Your Perfect IPTV Service
Three Simple Questions to Ask Yourself:
What’s your budget? Lower-priced services like 8K IPTV offer good value, while premium options like IPTV8K provide top-tier quality at higher cost points.
What do you watch most?
Sports fanatics: Consider PremIPTV
Movie buffs: IPTV8K has you covered
International content: 4K LIVE IPTV is unbeatable
Multiple device household: IPTV GSE offers the best flexibility
What device are you using? All services work with popular options like Firestick and Android TV, but IPTV GSE stands out for supporting the widest range of devices, including some older models.
Important Safety Considerations
A quick but important PSA: When exploring IPTV services, always:
Research the provider thoroughly before subscribing
Use secure payment methods for subscriptions
Consider using a VPN for additional privacy
Be wary of services with unrealistic claims or too-good-to-be-true pricing
Understand the terms of service and content licensing arrangements
Our Verdict
Overall Best: PremIPTV delivers the most consistent overall experience with exceptional sports coverage and reliability.
Best Bang for Your Buck: 8K IPTV offers remarkable value without significant compromises.
Most Global Channels: 4K LIVE IPTV is unmatched for international content variety.
Smoothest App Experience: IPTV GSE provides the most intuitive interface across the widest range of devices.
Best Picture Quality: IPTV8K lives up to its name with stunning high-definition streaming options.
Still Unsure?
Drop your questions below — we read every comment. And if you want to stay updated on deals, new tests, and honest IPTV reviews, bookmark “Top5Providers: Best IPTV Service”. We’re here to help you stream smarter, not harder.
Top 5 Best IPTV Subscriptions for 2024 – tested and reviewed by our experts. By clicking on the product name in the list below, you can easily get updated prices, technical specs, and additional info about each product.
Remember the days of flipping through a handful of channels, settling for whatever was on? Or maybe you’re still grappling with endless subscription services, each demanding its own piece of your entertainment budget. What if there was a better way to access a vast universe of content, live and on-demand, all in one place, and often for less? Enter IPTV.
IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, is revolutionizing how we consume media. Instead of relying on traditional cable or satellite broadcasts, IPTV delivers television content over the internet. This means a more flexible, often more affordable, and incredibly diverse viewing experience. From live sports and international channels to a massive library of movies and TV shows on demand, IPTV puts you in control.
But with so many providers popping up, how do you sort the stellar from the subpar? That’s where we come in. We’ve meticulously researched and reviewed the top contenders to bring you the best 5 IPTV services available in 2024. Get ready to elevate your streaming game!
How We Chose the Best 5 IPTV Services
Selecting the “best” IPTV service isn’t just about the number of channels. It’s about a holistic viewing experience. Our rigorous evaluation process considered several critical factors to ensure we recommend only the cream of the crop.
Reliability and Uptime: Nothing’s worse than buffering during a crucial moment. We prioritized services with a proven track record of stable connections and minimal downtime. Content Variety and Channel Lineup: A great IPTV service offers a broad spectrum of content, from local favorites to international channels, sports, movies, and TV series, catering to diverse tastes. Picture Quality and Performance: High-definition streaming (HD, Full HD, 4K, and even 8K) is a must. We looked for services that consistently deliver crisp, clear visuals without lag. Device Compatibility: Whether you watch on a smart TV, smartphone, tablet, or streaming box, your chosen service should work seamlessly across your preferred devices. Pricing and Value: We weighed the cost against the features, content, and overall performance to identify services that offer genuine value for your money. Customer Support: Responsive and helpful customer service is essential for troubleshooting and ensuring a smooth experience. The Best 5 IPTV Services Reviewed for 2024
After extensive testing and analysis, here are our top picks for the best IPTV services in 2024, each offering unique strengths to enhance your entertainment.
PremIPTV: Premium Experience, Unmatched Reliability PremIPTV stands out as a top-tier provider for those seeking a premium, buffer-free streaming experience. With an emphasis on reliability and a vast selection, it’s designed for viewers who demand quality.
Key Features: Extensive channel lineup with thousands of live channels, including international, sports, and entertainment. Massive VOD (Video On Demand) library with movies and TV series updated regularly. Consistent 99.9% uptime, ensuring minimal interruptions. High-definition and 4K streaming options. Supports multiple devices, including Smart TVs, Android devices, Mag boxes, and more. Why PremIPTV Stands Out: PremIPTV excels in delivering a stable and high-quality stream, making it ideal for sports enthusiasts and those who can’t tolerate buffering. Their channel variety is impressive, covering almost every genre imaginable. It’s a fantastic option for a comprehensive IPTV service subscription.
IPTV8K: Crystal Clear 8K Streaming at Your Fingertips IPTV8K is a game-changer for those with 8K-compatible displays, pushing the boundaries of picture quality. If you want the sharpest images and most immersive viewing, this service is built for you.
Key Features: Pioneering 8K resolution streaming for select content, alongside comprehensive 4K and HD channels. Robust global server infrastructure for ultra-low latency streaming. Huge selection of live TV channels and an ever-growing VOD library. Support for a wide range of devices, ensuring compatibility with your existing setup. Why IPTV8K Stands Out: For early adopters of 8K technology, IPTV8K offers an unparalleled visual experience. Even if you’re not on 8K yet, their 4K content is superb, making it a future-proof choice for high-definition enthusiasts. The commitment to cutting-edge quality is evident in every stream.
8K IPTV: High-Definition Content for Every Viewer With a name that speaks to its quality, 8K IPTV (8kiptv.pro) focuses on delivering a premium, high-definition viewing experience across a vast array of content. It’s perfect for those who prioritize crisp visuals and a rich channel selection.
Key Features: Thousands of HD, Full HD, and 4K channels, with growing 8K support. Extensive VOD library, frequently updated with new releases and classic favorites. Reliable service with robust infrastructure to prevent buffering. User-friendly interface across various compatible devices. Dedicated customer support for seamless assistance. Why 8K IPTV Stands Out: This provider offers a fantastic balance of high-quality streaming and a broad content library. While its name highlights 8K, its strength lies in consistently delivering excellent HD and 4K content across all categories, ensuring a satisfying experience for all viewers.
IPTV GSE: User-Friendly Interface, Diverse Content IPTV GSE is well-regarded for its intuitive interface and compatibility with the popular GSE Smart IPTV player, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate ease of use alongside a rich content offering.
Key Features: Optimized for the GSE Smart IPTV player, offering a seamless user experience. Wide range of live channels from various countries and genres. Regularly updated VOD section with a good mix of movies and series. Reliable streaming with minimal buffering, even during peak times. Flexible subscription plans to suit different needs. Why IPTV GSE Stands Out: If you’re already familiar with or prefer the GSE Smart IPTV app, this provider offers exceptional integration. Its diverse content and reliable service make it a strong contender for anyone looking for an accessible yet powerful IPTV solution.
IPTV: Affordable Entertainment, Extensive Library This provider (iptv.ml) offers a fantastic balance of affordability and a broad spectrum of content, making it an excellent entry point for those new to IPTV or looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising too much on selection.
Key Features: Cost-effective subscription plans. Thousands of live channels covering news, sports, entertainment, and international content. Solid VOD library that is frequently refreshed. Good compatibility with various streaming devices. Generally stable service with competitive uptime. Why IPTV Stands Out: For viewers prioritizing value, IPTV.ml delivers. It’s an accessible option that still provides a vast amount of content, proving that you don’t always need to spend a fortune for a good IPTV service subscription. Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider Before Subscribing
While our top 5 list gives you a great starting point, the “best” IPTV service ultimately depends on your individual needs. Here’s what to think about before you commit:
Your Entertainment Needs: Are you a sports fanatic, a movie buff, or someone who loves international content? Review the channel lists carefully to ensure your must-haves are included. Budget Considerations: IPTV services offer a range of price points. Determine what you’re willing to spend monthly or annually, remembering that longer subscriptions often come with discounts. Trial Periods and Guarantees: Many reputable providers offer short trial periods or money-back guarantees. This is an excellent opportunity to test the service, assess its reliability, and check device compatibility before a long-term commitment. Don’t be afraid to try a few to find your perfect match. The Future of TV: Why IPTV is Here to Stay
The shift from traditional broadcast to internet-based content delivery is not just a trend; it’s the future. A report by MarketsandMarkets projects the IPTV market to grow from USD 72.3 billion in 2022 to USD 192.1 billion by 2027, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.6%. This exponential growth is driven by increasing internet penetration, the demand for personalized content, and the desire for more flexible, cost-effective viewing options. IPTV offers a level of customization and accessibility that traditional television simply can’t match, positioning it as a dominant force in the entertainment landscape for years to come.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Viewing Experience
Choosing the right IPTV service can unlock a world of entertainment, offering an unparalleled selection of live channels and on-demand content with the flexibility to watch what you want, when you want. Our top 5 picks — PremIPTV, IPTV8K, 8K IPTV, IPTV GSE, and IPTV.ml — represent the best in reliability, content, and value in 2024. By considering your specific needs and leveraging trial periods, you can find the perfect IPTV service subscription to transform your home entertainment. It’s time to cut the cord and embrace the future of television!
FAQ Section Q: What exactly is an IPTV service? A: IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers TV content over internet protocol networks, rather than traditional terrestrial, satellite, or cable TV formats. It allows for live TV, on-demand content, and often time-shifted media like catch-up TV, offering more flexibility than conventional broadcasting.
Q: Is IPTV legal and safe to use? A: The legality of IPTV depends on the source. Legitimate IPTV services license their content, similar to Netflix or Hulu. However, some services illegally stream copyrighted content. Always choose reputable providers to ensure you’re using a legal and safe IPTV service subscription.
Q: What internet speed do I need for IPTV? A: For standard definition (SD), 5–10 Mbps is usually sufficient. For high-definition (HD) and 4K content, you’ll need at least 25 Mbps, with 50 Mbps or higher recommended for 4K and 8K streaming to ensure a smooth, buffer-free experience.
Q: Can I use IPTV on multiple devices? A: Most IPTV providers offer multi-device compatibility, allowing you to stream on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, and dedicated streaming boxes. The number of simultaneous streams often depends on your specific IPTV service subscription plan.
Q: How do I get started with an IPTV service? A: First, choose a reputable provider like those reviewed above. Then, typically, you’ll subscribe to a plan, install an IPTV app or use a compatible media player on your device, and enter the provided M3U URL or login credentials to access the content.
Top 5 Best IPTV Subscriptions for 2024 – tested and reviewed by our experts. By clicking on the product name in the list below, you can easily get updated prices, technical specs, and additional info about each product.
Profitez des vidéos et de la musique que vous aimez, mettez en ligne des contenus originaux, et partagez-les avec vos amis, vos proches et le monde entier.
Profitez des vidéos et de la musique que vous aimez, mettez en ligne des contenus originaux, et partagez-les avec vos amis, vos proches et le monde entier.
I’m a very amateur photographer that wants to capture memories as film instant prints and a few digital photos too. Would you recommend the Fujifilm Wide Evo that just came out? I currently own a Fujifilm mini 70 and all I need to do is buy new batteries for it and some film refills.
Should I just stick with my mini 70? Or does the Wide Evo have more to offer
Note: the cameras I want have to be used in the long run. I’m talking decades in the future of usability since I do not want to indulge in consumerism
This news — you know, the stuff that shows National Guard troops aren’t exactly happy to be expendable pieces in Trump revenge schemes — is unsurprising. No one signed up for this…
The Treasury Department told the House Oversight Committee it will turn over certain bank activity reports related to the panel's Jeffrey Epstein investigation, according to a letter shared with CNN.
"The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) plans to fully cooperate with the Committee and intends to provide all information responsive to your request in a timely manner and compliant with the law," a letter from the Treasury Department sent to the committee on Friday reads.
The bank records, known as Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), include sensitive information and require a specific process for how they get shared. Such reports are not conclusive and do not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. Financial institutions file millions of suspicious activity reports each year, and few lead to law enforcement inquiries.
President Donald Trump's Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte has been on a tear accusing various critics of the administration of mortgage fraud — most recently Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, whom he claimed improperly took out mo…
One night, a friend of mine went out for dinner with her husband and toddler. The toddler, who sometimes had trouble swallowing, choked on his food — and threw up, repeatedly, in the restaurant. People around them were laughing while my friend and her family were in distress, adding to their embarrassment. But that wasn’t the worst part, she told me. She thought someone might have been filming. What if a video of her child being sick went viral? What if the awful laughter at the restaurant never ended?
Social media has long been a game of roulette with fame at one end and public disgrace at the other. But if I am posting under my government name on Bluesky (or Facebook, or X, or Nextdoor, or whatever), at least I know I am rolling the dice on becoming the next unwitting bean dad, Brienne of Snarth, or Justine Sacco. Now all it takes to become the internet’s main character is to appear in public, where people film each other to perform the dual task of policing behavior and creating potential viral content.
Look, it’s easy to see why that Coldplay couple went viral. The exaggerated response to being on camera — and trying to duck an arena’s kiss cam — is funny. The couple is possibly cheating (immoral, loathed by TikTok) and Chris Martin (the man who knowingly married Gwyneth Paltrow and then consciously uncoupled!) gets a good dunk in. All someone had to do was identify them, and they had one of the world’s most powerful accelerants: the bad behavior of a CEO with one of his employees. It was perfect internet content.
The fact that it’s perfect internet content is also what encourages us to surveil each other. And the consequences of the funny internet video were very real. The CEO resigned. His former subordinate is getting a divorce, which I know because People and E! News reported on the filing as news. The humiliation didn’t end with the viral video — it’s still ongoing, and by writing about it, I am in some sense participating.
This is all possible because our society built a panopticon that any of us can use against any other at will. And while virality isn’t new, TikTok’s algorithm makes it easier than ever for videos to take off unexpectedly, because users don’t even have to share the video to make it go wide. You don’t even have to get caught on a kiss cam at a concert.
It is the work shortcut that dare not speak its name. A third of people do not tell their bosses about their use of AI tools amid fears their ability will be questioned if they do.
Research for the Guardian has revealed that only 13% of UK adults openly discuss their use of AI with senior staff at work and close to half think of it as a tool to help people who are not very good at their jobs to get by.
As per title, I visited a price comparison site this morning, and within a minute (I think less than 30 seconds) got a dodgy text to use 'their' site. I hadn't even chosen a category. This site takes peoples home addresses, phone numbers and other info.
Is the site hijacked/infected or is my phone?
The site is bonkers.ie a site in Ireland for comparing prices of broadband, electricity or TV etc. Link to screenshot of text as I can't upload on Lemmy because of VPN.
Militant, nationalistic, white supremacist violent extremism has increased in the United States. In fact, the number of far-right attacks continues to outpace all other types of terrorism and domestic violent extremism.
(Sorry, couldn’t find a working paywall remover. Anyone have a working one?)
There’s a “tremendous amount of disinformation” being shared online about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, some of it coming from overseas, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said. “What we’re seeing is our adversaries want violence,” he said Thursday night at a media briefing attended by FBI Director Kash Patel, who didn’t speak.
“We have bots from Russia, China, all over the world that are trying to instill disinformation and encourage violence,” Cox said, as he urged the public to take a break from social media.
We’re introducing a simple reminder that appears as a SCOOBE screen (Second Chance Out of Box Experience) to let you know your Microsoft subscription needs attention (for example, if a renewal payment didn’t go through). In just a few clicks, you can review and update your payment method and keep your subscription benefits uninterrupted.
Windows 11 may nag you now when your Microsoft 365 subscription expires
We’re introducing a simple reminder that appears as a SCOOBE screen (Second Chance Out of Box Experience) to let you know your Microsoft subscription needs attention (for example, if a renewal payment didn’t go through). In just a few clicks, you can review and update your payment method and keep your subscription benefits uninterrupted.
Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6682 (KB5065782) to the Dev Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 25H2.
Changes in Dev Channel bui
Today in Wilmington, Governor Stein joined small business owners and members of North Carolina’s TV and film industry to announce that three television-streaming series and four independent feature-length films have been approved for North Carolina F…
“All, Yesterday afternoon MESA received official notification from MSFC Center Director Pelfrey that MSFC will comply with Executive Order 14343 – Further Exclusions From the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program (link below). This may be the last email I am able to send to you in this fashion as one of your union representatives as MSFC is choosing to comply with the President’s determination that your jobs are primarily “intelligence, counterintelligence, investigatory, or national security” in nature. Therefore, MSFC will be canceling our labor contract, which was ratified by MESA membership and approved by NASA last year...
Some of you may – rightfully – be asking what [Marshall Engineers and Scientists Association] is doing about all this. We will still be here. We will continue to provide advice, assistance, and support – it will just have to be during your lunch break, after hours, or on weekends. We are training new stewards and building multiple committees to focus on various aspects of our representational duties – keeping you informed, helping organize local support networks, conducting surveys, advocating on your behalf to management and elected representatives, and coordinating with our partners in the North Alabama Area Labor Council (NAALC), the NASA Council of IFPTE Locals (NCIL), and the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
We’re introducing a simple reminder that appears as a SCOOBE screen (Second Chance Out of Box Experience) to let you know your Microsoft subscription needs attention (for example, if a renewal payment didn’t go through). In just a few clicks, you can review and update your payment method and keep your subscription benefits uninterrupted.
Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6682 (KB5065782) to the Dev Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 25H2.
Changes in Dev Channel bui
Karyoplasma
in reply to Pro • • •Here is the patent if someone is interested:
freepatentsonline.com/12403397…
Storage medium, information processing system, information processing apparatus, and game processing method
www.freepatentsonline.comlike this
troed likes this.
troed
in reply to Karyoplasma • • •Thanks. For everyone not used to reading patents - only the claims are relevant. To infringe, someone else needs to do exactly the same as they describe.
Claim 1:
wizardbeard
in reply to troed • • •So... in more readable English, they patented how you can send a Pokemon out to run around with you, and if you throw it directly at an enemy it can start a standard battle where you control your Pokemon, otherwise it automatically paths to the enemy for an autobattle.
That's a little more specific than just summoning characters, but still absolutely bullshit to be able to patent. I'm sure there's prior work that should disqualify this, they just couched it in such overly technical terms they can act like it's novel.
troed
in reply to wizardbeard • • •The technical terms are actually how all patents are written, so nothing special there. I don't approve of things like this being patentable at all, but I actually expect this to be novel the way it's written.
However, no one needs to infringe upon it - it's trivial to change something ever so slightly so as to not do exactly what's described here.
Die4Ever
in reply to troed • • •A video game. Lol
datavoid
in reply to Die4Ever • • •Luke
in reply to Pro • • •NuXCOM_90Percent
in reply to Luke • • •I ANAL and am not a lawyer.
The verbiage on this is RIDICULOUSLY specific (as patents generally should be) to the point that I refused to even pass the PDF through an OCR system and instead will trust that site's transcription
All of those criteria must be met for this trap card to be triggered (shit... Yugioh lawyers getting revved up now).
Step 4 specifically covers the case where you summon your little guy to fight someone else. As worded, that actually would impact a Summon in every JRPG and Final Fantasy just got sweaty. Step 5 summons a character as an assist or to replace the main character in a fight (so.. Pokemon).
What I find most interesting is that step 6 specifically says "automatic battle". Which... to my Not A Lawyer brain, means this doesn't even cover Pokemon since you specifically give your mons battle commands. Err, aside from S01E01 Pikachu who did not give a fuck. And then Charizard. And probably a dozen more pokemons after I stopped watching The Son Of Mr Mime's Adventures. But, from what little I saw of it, it DOES cover Palworld where you just summon your pals to do work for you or fight for you. And it potentially covers Final Fantasy and Ichiban's Like a Dragons (the Poundmates, not the Sujimon)...
Which is probably the most interesting thing and why I think Pokemon Co is going to be ridiculously selective of who they try to sue. Because any of the big hitters can just say "Dumbfucks, we were doing this before Game Freak even existed". Whereas indie devs are small enough they don't want to risk it.
It might be worth keeping an eye on MinnMax as Haley MacLean IS a lawyer who actually specializes in video game IP but I suspect this is too close to her day job for her to publicly speak about it even with the "not legal advice" disclaimers. Which hopefully guarantees she actually talked about it on one of the podcasts this week and I just haven't looked yet.
themurphy
in reply to NuXCOM_90Percent • • •Glide
in reply to NuXCOM_90Percent • • •frongt
in reply to Glide • • •The US changed from first-to-invent to first-to-file years ago. It sounds bad, but I don't think it's meaningfully affected anything. I haven't heard of any impacts, anyway.
NuXCOM_90Percent
in reply to frongt • • •If you are thinking in terms of building a widget or making an industrial process, it makes perfect sense. Something like a wristwatch is the kind of innovation a LOT of people more or less simultaneously made and it is just impossible to definitively prove what country the first watch was made in. Even figuring out who was the first to file becomes a mess. Same with factory processes where the players who would even have the ability to iterate are often counted on fingers and toes.
But software (and research) in a global society is a real mother fucker. Because now the entire world can more or less see everything and reproducing things is fairly trivial. And... it isn't like the patents actually matter all that much when so much gets done overseas. China Don't Care but also the EU doesn't really either and so forth. Sure there are avenues to try to pursue a studio using the patented Nemesis System but... at best you are going to be tied up in courts for years trying to get a judge to insist that a company in Germany needs to send you a check.
NuXCOM_90Percent
in reply to Glide • • •For the exact same reason that "fair use" is still so incredibly nebulous and twitch streaming/let's plays still exist.
NOBODY is crazy enough to want to take that to the courts. Because maybe you get a judge who has "common sense". Maybe you get an old white guy who thinks Pong was too complicated and decides that you are wrong. At which point you have now made a bunch of legal precedent for REALLY stupid stuff.
Its also kind of why so much stuff about video games actually never gets patented. It is playing with fire.
skulblaka
in reply to NuXCOM_90Percent • • •prowe45
in reply to NuXCOM_90Percent • • •I just finished the demo of the upcoming Digimon game, and all of those points absolutely apply to it. But something tells me we're not going to see Nintendo going after Bandai Namco any time soon.
And to your point about directed vs. non-directed battling, the most recent Pokemon games definitely have a system where you can be running around the over world, see Pokemon wandering around, and have your little guys pop out and go fuck them up.
OddMinus1
in reply to NuXCOM_90Percent • • •For what it's worth, the battle mechanics of pokemon scarlet and violet is as follows:
You can throw your pokeball to an empty spot to have your pokemon walk along with you. It will then automatically fight other wild pokemon in the overworld through extremely simple mechanics, which doesn't require any actions from you. If you instead throw your pokeball directly at the wild pokemon, you end up in a normal, classical battle with that pokemon.
So it sounds like it's specifically those mechanics that they are patenting, which has a significant overlap with Palworld.
It's bullshit that this is a patent, and I know nothing of the system, but I find it completely idiotic if this will allow them to retroactively make legal claims against a game which was released before the patent was created.
Goodlucksil
in reply to NuXCOM_90Percent • • •Iirc Scarlet and Violet (latest generation of Pokemon) have an option for autobattling.
zabadoh
in reply to Luke • • •Good thinking!
Microprose MTG came out in 1997, one year after Pokemon in 1996, but that was in Japan as Pokemon Red/Green.
Pokemon Red/Blue was released in the US in 1998.
So in the US technically, Microprose published first.
I have no idea who owns Microprose's IP these days.
katy ✨
in reply to Pro • • •StinkyFingerItchyBum
in reply to Pro • • •Tim_Bisley
in reply to Pro • • •4am
in reply to Tim_Bisley • • •Ramen 🍜(she/her)
in reply to Pro • • •Marvelicious
in reply to Pro • • •like this
metaStatic likes this.
msage
in reply to Marvelicious • • •You are my hero today!
This is my comment of the day.
LadyAutumn
in reply to Pro • • •Phoenixz
in reply to Pro • • •couch1potato
in reply to Pro • • •FuyuhikoDate
in reply to couch1potato • • •chinoswirls
in reply to Pro • • •persona?
this is out of line again from nintendo. why does no one push back?
sp3ctr4l
in reply to chinoswirls • • •Because there basically is no democratic method to influence what the Patent Office does.
Patent Office -> Department of Commerce -> President
Even without the current fascist in charge of the Executive branch... basically, the President would have to direct the Patent Office specifically, via Executive Order, or by firing it's head or other staff, or writing some kind of memorandum to give it some new kind of guidelines or specifically reject or approve a particular patent.
Barring that... someone or some entity has to either sue the Patent Office... or just sue over the patent infringement itself and try to argue up to a Circuit Court or the Supreme Court that the patent itself is ... dubious, in some kind of specific legal way that I do not know the word for.
sp3ctr4l
in reply to Pro • • •Ok so...
Ridiculous, but possible loophole to this:
Stream the game over a network, from further away than your local wifi.
Or, ... uh... just the... 'PokeBattle' part... of the game.
Make that into a client-server type architecture.
The only references to networking in the patent are for Wifi LAN and a Switch 2 directly talking to another Switch 2, and this is only done to describe really the Switch 2 itself, without reference in that section to the 'non-transitory storage medium' which substantially comprises the basal step of the active functioning process which is being patented.
The 'non-transitory storage medium' itself is specified as the microsd card that goes into a Switch 2... but it seems that generally, this would seem to (???) cover any sort of persistent storage media/medium.
So... if you throw a non local network into this process... the relevant code/concept now goes through another step, networking or netcode, does not actually exist in or on the device's 'non-transitory storage medium' nor propogate throughout the rest of the computer sysyem in the manner described by the patent, which makes no reference to networking in the description of the functional process, which is based around the concept of the executed game code originating from non-transitory storage which is physically present in thr device...
... and is thus arguably a susbtantially different concept/process.
... and/or I have lost my mind.
4am
in reply to sp3ctr4l • • •sp3ctr4l
in reply to 4am • • •I really have no idea.
And that's saying something, because I wrote a few papers, on the DMCA in particular, as well as how the copyright/patent system works (and should probably be reformed) specifically irt to computer software, whilst getting a BSc in Econ and a BA in Poli Sci...
... and ...
... just fuck all this, its so fucking obvious that the system is in so many ways just designed to work only for entities with stupendous amounts of money.
FuyuhikoDate
in reply to Pro • • •