Gibson the iconic American instrument brand, is proud to honor guitar legend Jimi Hendrix with two new Gibson signature guitars, the Jimi Hendrix™ 1969 Flying V in Aged Ebony and the Jimi Hendrix™ 1967 SG Custom in Aged Polaris White. Widely recognized as one of the most creative musicians of all time, Hendrix’s influence with his genre-defying mix of blues, funk, soul jazz and R&B still impacts musicians worldwide today. In celebration of the anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s birthday (November 27, 1942), Gibson has gathered artists and Hendrix colleagues to launch multiple special events, interviews and performances for an “Inspired By Hendrix” series that will kick off today, November 17 across Gibson’s social pages: Gibson TV, Instagram and Facebook. Jimi Hendrix pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar. Hendrix’s innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form and his influence resonates to this day. In 1969, Hendrix custom-ordered a left-handed Gibson Flying V directly from Gibson. Used during the Band of Gypsys era, the following year Hendrix’s Gibson Flying V was made forever famous during his performance at the Isle of Wight Festival at Afton Downs on August 31, 1970. The Jimi Hendrix™ 1969 Flying V has been created in both right and left-handed versions and features a Murphy Lab Aged Ebony finish and aged gold hardware. Only 125 right-handed Flying V guitars and 25 left-handed versions will be created as part of a very special run of guitars, hand-made by the expert luthiers and craftspeople of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, TN. Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality, and sound excellence with each instrument celebrating Gibson’s legacy through historical accuracy and attention to detail. The Certificate of Authenticity for the Jimi Hendrix™ 1969 Flying V in Aged Ebony features an image of Jimi performing at the Isle Of Wight with the guitar. Above: Jimi Hendrix performs with his 1967 Gibson SG on “The Dick Cavett Show” on September 9, 1969. On July 7, 1969--a few weeks prior to his legendary Woodstock performance on Aug. 18, 1969--Jimi Hendrix appeared for his national TV debut on “The Dick Cavett Show” with a performance and interview. In his interview with Cavett, Hendrix delighted the in-studio audience and those watching at home as he discussed the idea of creating an electric church stating, “It’s just a belief that I have, we do these electric guitars, everything is electrified nowadays, so therefore the belief comes through in the electricity to the people, that’s why we play so loud, because it doesn’t actually hit through the ear drums. Most groups say, ‘we’re going to play loud because they’re playing loud,’ and they’ve got this real shrill sound that’s hard. We are playing for our sound to go inside the soul of the person and see if it can awaken some-kind-of-thing in their minds, since there are so many sleeping people.” On September 9, 1969, for his second appearance on “The Dick Cavett Show” Hendrix played a right-handed 1967 Gibson SG (strung lefty) for a medley of “Izabella” and “Machine Gun.” The new limited edition Jimi Hendrix™ 1967 SG Custom in Aged Polaris White accurately replicates the exact guitar Hendrix performs on the show. The SG Custom features a Murphy Lab Aged Polaris White finish and is one of only 150 models created as part of this run, hand-made by the expert luthiers and craftspeople of the Gibson Custom Shop. The Certificate of Authenticity for the Jimi Hendrix™ 1967 SG Custom in Aged Polaris White features an image of Jimi performing on “The Dick Cavett Show” with the SG guitar. The full packages for the new Jimi Hendrix™ 1967 SG Custom and the 1969 Flying V feature personal touches including official photos of Jimi with the guitars, as well as a collection of anecdotes and personal photographs of Jimi from his collaborator the renowned engineer and producer Eddie Kramer(Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, David Bowie). Additionally, special guitar cases have been designed that feature interior linings which are inspired by the clothes Jimi Hendrix wore at Isle of Wight (Flying V) and on “The Dick Cavett Show” (Gibson SG). Below is Eddie Kramer’s personal photo of Jimi Hendrix with his Flying V guitar rehearsing for a performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 18, 1969. Kramer states, “Jimi’s hands were huge, and he used his thumb to bar the entire neck of the guitar, which yielded much of his unique tone. He is seen here quietly rehearsing on the Gibson Flying V, prior to going on stage. He used the V for playing the blues and that was his way of relaxing.” "I don't know of a more perfect time than the present for the world to be inspired and electrified by the spirit of Jimi, embodied in these guitars!” says Janie Hendrix, Sister of Jimi and President and CEO of Experience Hendrix L.L.C. & Authentic Hendrix LLC. “Jimi didn't play with just his hands, he played his heart and really his soul, using his guitar to create positive energy. He wanted to awaken the world with it. Gibson has harnessed some of that energy, and beautifully! It’s amazing to know that fans and those who love Jimi, and his music, will be able to plug into that power and keep his legacy alive. With Gibson, we’ve selected two of his most impressive guitars to recreate. It’s quite an homage to Jimi, and we couldn’t be more excited about what this means historically." “Millions of people around the world of all ages have heard Jimi’s music for the first time and felt that their path was changed forever,” adds engineer and producer Eddie Kramer. “I felt that too after hearing him playing through his amp at Olympic Studios in January 1967. I was never the same after ‘experiencing that wall of sound’ and I dedicated myself to capturing that sound, which became my obsession! Jimi had a special magic that came from his brain directly to his heart and then to his fingers, exploding onto the neck of the guitar. He was the greatest guitar player the world has ever known and left a legacy of guitar magic that no one since has come close to. I am honored and privileged to have been involved with this project as Gibson has done an incredible job of recreating these guitars. I can imagine the expression on the fans' faces when they open up the guitar case and wrap their hands around the neck of one of these beauties, plug in and maybe change the world!” “Having the opportunity to release Jimi’s 1969 Gibson Flying V and 1967 Gibson SG Custom is a dream come true, an amazing opportunity that comes with an obligation for all of us at Gibson to pay tribute to Jimi,” says Cesar Gueikian of Gibson. “He left this world way too early, but the legacy and influence he left behind is unparalleled. I am grateful for Jimi’s sister Janie Hendrix’s partnership and friendship, and that she has trusted our team to pay tribute to Jimi. This is just the beginning; we are looking forward to all that the Gibson and Authentic Hendrix partnership will bring to fans in the coming years. Additionally, working alongside Eddie Kramer, a music pioneer on so many levels, is just incredible. Eddie captured that epic sound, engineering, producing, and bringing to life that magical and game-changing Hendrix guitar style. We are honored to share Eddie’s personal photographs and the memories he experienced.”
TYAN®, an industry-leading server platform design manufacturer and a subsidiary of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, features a broad portfolio of 1U, 2U and 4U HPC, AI server platforms that are optimized for enterprise and data center markets at SC20 virtual eventthrough November 19th. “The tremendous expansion of the amount of data in existence is bringing high performance computing to a new field. Technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics become more accessible to businesses,” said Danny Hsu, Vice President of MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation's TYAN Business Unit. “TYAN’s leading portfolio of HPC and AI platforms powered by 2nd gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors help enterprise and data center customers run their modern workloads effectively and efficiently as they continue to digitize their businesses.” Designed to Optimize Performance for HPC and AI TYAN’s HPC server platforms are powered by the 2ndgen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with built-in Intel® Deep Learning Boost and Intel® Optane™ DC persistent memory technologies that provide a great base for a wide range of HPC and AI applications. The Thunder HX FT83-B7119 features high CPU-to-GPU bandwidth for various parallel workloads. The 4U system supports 10 double-width PCIe x16 slots for GPU deployment, a single-wide x16 networking card and up to 3TB DDR4 memory. The storage capacity provides either twelve 3.5” SATA 6G bays or eight SATA plus four NVMe U.2 bays with tool-less, hot-swap drive carrier design for better serviceability. The Thunder HX FT77D-B7109 in a 4U two-socket design with 8 double-wide PCIe x16 slots and support for massively parallel workloads such as scientific computing and real-time video analytics. The Thunder HX FT48T-B7105 is a 4U pedestal workstation design with support for 5 double-width PCIe x16 slots and delivers maximum I/O to professional power users for 3D rendering and image processing. The Thunder HX GA88-B5631 is a high density and performance server in a 1U single-socket chassis, supporting 12 DIMM slots and 4 double-width PCIe x16 slots for machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. More HPC platforms on display include the Thunder SX TN76-B7102, a 2U server with support for 2 double-width PCIe x16 slots, 24 DDR4 DIMM slots and twelve 3.5” hot-swap drive bays for virtualization and in-memory databases, the Thunder CX GT24E-B5556, based on Intel® Xeon® E-2200 processors, is a 1U server optimized for cost-effective cloud gaming applications with support for up to 4 DDR4 DIMM slots, 1 double-width PCIe x16 slot, and dual 10GBase-T Ethernet ports.
Today Studio Wildcard unlocked the next chapter in the saga of ARK: Survival Evolved with the release of ARK: Genesis - Part 1. Expanding the ARK storyline with all-new mission-based gameplay, ARK: Genesis leads Survivors through beautiful yet lethal new worlds filled with exotic creatures, craftable items, and weapons unlike anything seen before on the ARK! In the massive ARK: Genesis - Part 1 expansion, Survivors wake up within a virtual simulation accompanied by the strangely familiar ‘HLN-A’ companion. Together they must overcome the simulation’s rigorous tests and only by fighting, building, taming, and exploring this new world will Survivors uncover the secrets behind this forbidding place. Only the toughest and smartest Survivors will pass all of the simulation’s grueling challenges. The ARK: Genesis Part 1 expansion pack is available to download now as part of the ARK: Genesis Season Pass for Steam on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 for $34.99. The ARK: Genesis Season Pass delivers two new huge expansion packs (Part 1 available today and Part 2 releasing Winter 2020) and the exclusive in-game robotic AI companion called ‘HLN-A’ who guides Survivors with voice navigation and narrative throughout this enduring ARK challenge.
Kakao Games and Pearl Abyss unveiled the release date and first details for Shai’s Talent update that will expand on her arsenal of skills and powers. Shai, unlike other Black Desert Online classes, is focused on support tasks. In the next update, she’ll be able to use new skills after learning her “Talent”. By completing a quest chain at level 56, Shai will obtain a new item called “Sol,” a magical leaf from her maestra who teaches the art of music. Depending on the used skill, Shai will be able to play a “Tring” in the form of a lute, a “Tute” in the form of a flute, or a “Tamtam” in the form of three djembes. Each instrument will have its own set of skills that will make Shai shine on the battlefield. With the talent update, players will be able to experience a unique playstyle that only Shai delivers. She can give herself and her allies certain buffs, cast debuffs against her enemies, or even call upon nature to help her fight. Shai's main talent skills are as follows.
During this weekend’s ‘Heidel Ball’, an exclusive event for fans of Black Desert Online, various big announcements were made concerning the future of the popular MMORPG. Aside from revealing a new class, expansion and group PvE content, the producer also shared information about a new approach with regards on how the game will be updated in the future. - A New Class, Shai Perhaps the most exciting reveal was the 18th new character class. The ‘Shai’ is a mischievous halfling from the forest near Florin, which lies north-east of Calpheon. Using her Boomerang and a variety of skills focused on both evading danger and aiding her friends, the Shai is quite unique compared to other classes. This is further emphasized by the fact that the Shai is the only class to start at ‘professional’ levels in the Alchemy and Gathering life skills. Due to her small stature, the Shai prefers to ride smaller mounts such as the Donkey on her adventures. Her unique class skills further offer new gameplay and tactical options. The Shai can fool enemy players by ‘Playing Dead’ but is also a very effective counter to other stealthy foes. Using her Lantern sub-weapon, a Shai can reveal hidden enemies around her, sneaking up on her should prove difficult. Another unique ability allows the Shai to create a protective barrier around her and her allies, making it an effective support class. The preparation event for Shai begins today and pre-creation event will be available on June 19th until the official launch. Please check the event page for details on the pre-registration rewards. - The Great Expedition A new expansion named ‘The Great Expedition’ will see the introduction of new wind and current mechanics to the ocean of Black Desert Online. Traversing the high seas will now become more rewarding to players that can skillfully utilize the winds and current to reach their destination more quickly. The addition of new islands to the ocean and new ships will give players even more reasons to explore this new content. The new islands will have special trade mechanics and players can use one of the new trading-focused ships to transport goods between islands, making a nice profit in the process. The new islands are easily distinguishable by their unique themes, but finding the correct one will require navigations mastery within the new current and wind mechanics. - A new PvE experience: The Altar of Blood For players that are more concerned with the content on land, a new PvE experience will be added in the form of the ‘Altar of Blood’. This content will see three players defending their ‘sacrament’ from increasingly strong groups of monsters. The ‘Altar of Blood’ demonstrates similarities with ‘Savage Rift’ but with the groups being smaller and players being able to utilize their class-skills. This new challenge will require solid tactics and cooperation to conquer the foes in the ‘Altar of Blood’. Thematically, ‘Altar of Blood’ is linked to the recently added ‘Star’s End’ update that was launched last week. Balance Improvements The producer of the game, Jae Hee Kim, also touched on more general improvements that are being planned for the game. The various grind spots in the Black Desert Online will receive a new balancing pass to make monsters more challenging. Furthermore, improvements to the Life Skills are currently in the works to make these systems more rewarding and engaging. Improvements are also being made towards the user interface with the goal of reaching a more cohesive experience between the console and PC-versions of the game. These updates are currently scheduled to be released somewhere in summer. There was also some news about earlier announced content. The O’dyllita region has been postponed to give the developers time to create a more unique spin on this expansion. The Territory War content is also nearing completion but it was the opinion of Pearl Abyss that further improvements should first be made to the existing Conquest and Node War content before it could be fully released.
As previously announced on the content roadmap last month, Kakao Games and Pearl Abyss are proud to announce the new Underwater Ruins expansion that will be added to Black Desert Online on the 22nd of May. Only the most seasoned adventurers will be able to venture to these new water-themed locations to face off against some of the fiercest enemies in the game. Players will have to travel by boat and dive into the ocean to enter the two adventuring locations. There are the Protty Cave and the Sycraia Ruins, as well as Sycrid, a brand field new boss in Black Desert Online. Once the location has been reached, players do not have to swim during combat and/or exploration. Featuring brand new enemy types and powerful items for players to acquire, the Underwater Ruins also adds a new summonable boss named Sycrid. This boss will require a small group of players to work together to be able to overcome him. Defeating him gives players a chance to acquire the highly desirable Tungrad Ring, the strongest ring in the game. This week’s maintenance also sees the addition of the Great Marni’s Stone, a feature that rewards players with rare items for killing monsters that correspond with the type of their Great Marni’s stone. Additionally, players can sink their teeth into the ‘Hands of Gold Returns’ event which can net players handsome rewards. More information on how to obtain these items is available on the dedicated event page. The daily attendance rewards have also been revamped with a completely new golden theme. Players can collect up to 200 million Silver by collecting gold items by logging in every day.
Today Pearl Abyss and Kakao Games have announced a host of celebratory events to mark the 3rd year anniversary of Black Desert Online in the West. Secondly, Black Desert Online’s Battle Royale mode named Shadow Arena exits early access with new content, modes, and exciting rewards that will enthrall the community. This all-new battle Royale mode is different from established genre leaders such as PUBG and Fortnite as its players will need to use real-time, sword & sorcery skills to become a victor amongst 49 other contestants. Each available class has its own unique set of skills, weapons and abilities, making each match feel fresh and exciting. To add even more depth, three new classes have been added, making it a total of 14 classes. Hand-to-hand combatants will be pleased to know that Striker is entering the ring, while swordsmanship enthusiasts will be pleased to be able to play the gracious Ninja and Maehwa classes. To celebrate the 3rd anniversary, everyone is invited between the 27th of February and the 13th of March to try out this new Battle Royale experience for free*. Contestants who are skilled enough to slay 5 players during the event period will be rewarded with a copy of the game ($9.99/€9.99 value). New players can create a free account here to download the game and adventurers that have created a trial account in the past will be pleased to know that they are also eligible to enter the game with a pre-existing account (even if their trial has expired) up until the 13th of March. Highly skilled players can even win a nice sum of Kakao Cash if they are able to reach the top three by the 27th of March. Aside from the new classes, the Shadow Arena has been updated with four new bosses (Red Nose, Giath, Dastard Bheg and Muskan) and daring players can visit the Waragon Cave where strong monsters lurk. These can be slain to obtain powerful gear and buff early on in the game, but beware, other skilled players will likely to try the same strategy. Beginners will be pleased to know that Practice match has been added where they can test their tactics and playstyle before entering the highly competitive Shadow Arena. Also new are the Bonus Missions that have a 25% chance of appearing during a match and if players manage to complete them, they will be handsomely rewarded. On top of that, up until the 6th of March, additional awards have been made available to commemorate Shadow Arena’s new content. - Celebratory events Black Desert Online kicks off its third year anniversary with a large scale array of events. First, new and returning adventurers alike can easily obtain a +15 Cliff’s weapon by completing the special event quests that will come with today’s update. On the special event page, players can engage with a 3rd Anniversary Special Card collecting game which randomly rewards in-game items and coupons that can include world boss weapon boxes. Everyone that opens all the cards will additionally receive a special in-game 3rd Anniversary title. A new attendance reward event is also added so that all adventurers will be able to obtain their own beautiful tier-8 horse. For more event info, revamped special attendance rewards and on how to obtain a free pet, please visit the special event page. *This promotion is only available via blackdesertonline.com and is not available on Steam.
LIANLI Industrial Co. Ltd. custom OEM/ODM case solutions and case accessories is proud to celebrate a successful year with all its fans across the globe. To celebrate, LIANLI is giving back to the global community with another giveaway to commemorate its 2018 product lines and welcome another year of innovation. LIANLI is inviting fans to choose their favorite 2018 LIANLI products and get the chance to win those items! - A New Dawn for LIANLI LIANLI has always been an innovator in the PC enthusiast scene and 2018 marked a whole new start for LIANLI and its products. Spearheading a new direction towards design and performance which is a hallmark of LIANLI, the previous year saw the arrival of LIANLI’s new vision about PC building. Gamers, power users and watercooling enthusiasts have all remarked on the incredible products that LIANLI has put out in 2018 and the company is more than happy to have received all this positive feedback and is now embracing the challenge of creating more unique, innovative and excellent products for the PC market.
Strike it big in the Grand Heist! The newest seasonal event and community celebration for Call of DutyÒ: Black Ops 4 is available now on PlayStation®4, with other platforms to follow. Titled Operation Grand Heist, the all-new season of content features updates across the game, including a new Specialist, two brand-new Multiplayer maps, new playable destinations across the Blackout map, as well as a wide variety of personalisation items, accessories, new vehicles, new game modes and much more. “With Operation Grand Heist, the team has packed in an incredible amount of new content, and we can’t wait for fans to jump in and check it out,” said Dan Bunting, Co-Studio Head, Treyarch. “We love the 1970s-style heist theme of this Operation, and the fast-paced action that it brings to Blackout and Multiplayer, along with the brand-new Zombies experience following in March.” “One of our favourite things at the studio is creating new ways for the community to play,” said Mark Gordon, Co-Studio Head, Treyarch. “We set out since day one to support Black Ops 4 long after launch, so we’re delivering a ton of new ways for players to engage with each mode of the game and we’re committed to giving fans new reasons to keep coming back week in and week out.” Operation Grand Heist’s free, new content includes: New Specialist – Available in Multiplayer and Blackout, Outrider makes her Black Ops 4 debut, allowing players to silently take out enemies with explosive precision with her longbow, the Sparrow. New Blackout Location and Updates – Drop into the roughest, toughest, and wildest new Blackout location, Ghost Town, which features two areas. Inspired by Standoff, an intense classic multiplayer map from Black Ops II, the above ground destination provides flanking routes that call for strategic positioning with long and medium ranged combat. Below ground, fans can also explore underlying caverns inspired by the classic Zombies map Buried, where they’ll find heavy duty gear amongst hordes of the undead. Additionally, Operation Grand Heist introduces a new Blackout mode called Hot Pursuit, launching on February 23 in ANZ on PlayStation 4 and other platforms to follow. Hot Pursuit is fast-paced and frenetic, and debuts three new vehicles – SUV, muscle car and PBR assault boat, all in special variants themed to Operation Grand Heist – as squads race to supply drops placed around the map containing high-level armour, weapons and grenades to dominate their opponents. New Black Market Gear – The Black Market has been restocked with new weapon camos, outfits, gestures, and accessories themed for Operation Grand Heist. This includes notable weapons like the Rampage Auto Shotgun, Switchblade X9 SMG, and the Home Wrecker demolition hammer, all unlockable through the Contraband Tiers as fans play through the game. A new long-range weapon called the Vendetta Sniper Rifle is also coming later in the season. New Zombies Features – Operation Grand Heist delivers new features to the Zombies mode including a new round-based Gauntlet challenge mode for the Classified map, along with a brand-new perk addition called the Ethereal Razor that substantially increases a player’s melee damage with area of effect and life re-gen for each hit. In addition to the free content, Black Ops Pass owners gain access to even more in-game content, available first on PlayStation®4: New Multiplayer Map, Casino – A medium-sized map set in a luxurious casino in Monaco where elite thieves formed an elaborate plan to steal the winning racecars on display. Casino features high-intensity combat as players weave through buzzing slot-machines and topple across gambling tables. This wide-open space allows for long-range to mid-range combat with little protection from enemies. New Multiplayer Map, Lockup – A medium-sized map set in a Los Angeles police station, Lockup was the site of an assault to destroy evidence that led to the headquarters of an organised crime syndicate. Fans can dominate the rooftop positions, bail out when cornered and tactically shut down areas with operational doors to gain the upper hand on their opponents. New Blackout Character, Cosmic Silverback – Black Ops Pass owners will unlock this deadly Zombie silverback gorilla, an iconic fan-favorite boss originally from the Dead Ops Arcade from Call of Duty: Black Ops. Ancient Evil, an all-new Zombies experience, will also launch in March for Black Ops Pass owners, with details being revealed soon. The Black Ops Pass* is included in the Digital Deluxe Edition, the Digital Deluxe Enhanced Edition, the Pro Edition, and the Mystery Box Edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and can also be purchased standalone digitally or at participating retailers. Additionally, the Zombies experience Classified, previously only available as part of the Black Ops Pass, is available now for all players to purchase as a standalone map. Classified features the “Ultimis” cast of characters in a chilling, survival experience as they fight the undead and investigate The Pentagon after mysteriously being teleported there.
- Destiny Child’s official raid campaign ‘Café de Petit’ is now open and will run until March 7 - Chance to acquire the all new 5-Star Childs Morgan and Verdelet, plus the raid exclusive skins - Season pass, events and special packages updated Masters of Childs, prepare for a new challenge! LINE GAMES Corporation (https://line.games) is announcing the grand opening of its mobile CCG Destiny Child’s new raid campaign ‘Café de Petit’ for players to embark on. Starting today on Valentine’s Day, a host of new content is available in Destiny Child, including Ragna Break Café de Petit; exclusive season pass; and special events to bring prizes to all players. Ragna Break Season 1 Café de Petit features a new episode on demons undercovered as waitresses in an ordinary café, and will run throughout the next three weeks until March 7. All players over level 12 can participate in the raid by playing the dungeon, and will be rewarded with 5-Star Childs Morgan and Verdelet, plus the new raid skin Loyal Keeper Morgan. The Ragna Coins earned by clearing raid bosses can be traded for various in-game items as well. The latest content update also includes the following features and events: MOA MOA PARA-Dice Event: Roll the dice to win 5-Star Equipment, Weapon, Armor and Accessory Tickets. Players to reset the board ten times will be rewarded with a special scroll that will summon one of the seven exclusive 5-Star Childs. Devil Pass Season 3 and bonus packages: Unlock the new season pass all the way to the final tier to get the exclusive Child skin, Classic Servant Morgan. Also offered is the limited time-only Crystal Packages that will give out one 5-Star Character Summon scroll for every two Crystal Packages purchased. The bonus gift applies for maximum four packages, and is available until February 28. Destiny Child is available to download worldwide on Android and iOS. For more information on the update and the game, visit official Facebook and Destiny Child Community.
With the new Data Science Group CONTACT Software underlines its commitment in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The team of experts guides companies from the evaluation of new application possibilities for AI in the PLM and IoT environment to the introduction of concrete solutions for new business opportunities and digital services. Artificial intelligence (AI) becomes the essential driver of digitization and industry 4.0. In this context, the European Commission has presented a series of investment measures worth €20 billion to better exploit the potential of AI and increase Europe's competitiveness. Companies are increasingly recognizing the potential behind state-of-the-art statistical methods, data mining and machine learning. However, they are hesitant about the concrete application. They often lack the necessary expertise and experience to integrate AI technology into their business in a targeted and practical way. CONTACT Software has founded its own Data Science Group to meet these needs. The team of mathematicians, computer scientists and data scientists supports companies in evaluating AI technologies, further developing their own competencies and successfully using them for their own business in line with their individual situation. From the development of valid application possibilities in the form of data-centered business models to the creation of digital infrastructures and the integration into ongoing operations, the Data Science Group supports companies on their way to raising new value-added potentials. In a video interview, Dr. Udo Göbel, head of the CONTACT Data Science Group, explains which steps companies can take under the guideline "AI needs strategy". "The expectations associated with AI are only fulfilled if the companies also formulate a vision: What is the business model and what should the analysis of one's own data do for it," says Göbel.
Today Black Desert Online players can get their first taste of the Shadow Arena, a new Battle Royale-style mode that will be available after today’s regular maintenance. Anyone who has bought Black Desert Online or has access to the game via the 7-day free trial can participate in the Shadow Arena tests. The Shadow Arena will have a limited capacity and is only available for testing during certain times. Please check the Black Desert Online website and social media channels for the updated schedule announcements. - About the Shadow Arena Shadow Arena is a new mode that pits up to 50 players against each other in a struggle for survival. Gather supplies and outwit your opponents to become the last person standing. Players will start the match as a ‘Black Spirit’, a small flying specter that can then possess the bodies of one of the playable classes in Black Desert Online. For the Early Access version, the Warrior, Sorceress, Berserker, Tamer, Valkyrie, Wizard, Witch, Dark Knight and Mystic will be available allowing participants to pick from nine different playstyles By roaming the arena after finding their preferred class, players can gather skills, weapons, armor, accessories and special items such as flares, potions, traps and more. It will be essential for victory that players strategically acquire their skills and items to deal with the opposition. For more information on Black Desert Online or on how to enter the 7-day free trial, please visit blackdesertonline.com