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Less than a week after the early access launch of the video game phenomenon Palworld, described as a “Pokémon with weapons,” The Pokémon Company announces that it is launching an investigation to review allegations of infringement of its intellectual property.

Released in Early Access on Steam and Xbox on January 19, Palworld from small Japanese studio Pocket Pair is an open-world survival and construction game in which you can capture creatures called Pals and teach them to fight. The title is played alone or online against a maximum of 32 players.

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Netizens quickly stormed the internet to denounce the many similarities between this new game and the Pokémon series.

Several publications have been able to compare dozens of creatures called Pals with their Pokémon equivalent.

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The CEO of the Pocket Pair studio said in an interview with Japanese Media Automation that the game went through all legal verification steps before its release.

The Pokémon Company reacts

After six days of silence, The Pokémon Company finally responded with a press release, not naming the game but simply pointing to a company's game released in January 2024.

We intend to investigate and take appropriate action to address any actions that violate intellectual property rights.

The company says it has received numerous inquiries about this title and has not granted permission to use Pokémon's intellectual property or assets.

Nintendo, the parent company of The Pokémon Company, is known for its particular inflexibility when it comes to its intellectual property. Australian YouTuber ToastedShoes learned this the hard way: the demonstration of his modification of the game, called Mod in English, which replaced Pals with Pokémon, had to be removed from YouTube at the request of the Japanese giant.

A huge success

Within four days, Palworld had already sold more than 6 million copies, numbers comparable to recent Pokémon games; Arceus had sold 6.5 million copies in a week, and 10 million copies of Pokémon Violet and Pokémon Scarlet were sold in three days.

The game is also one of the most popular on the Steam platform. On the live streaming site Twitch, it is one of the most streamed and watched games on the platform.

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One of the questions many people ask is whether it's about including firearms in a video game whose graphics appeal to children. “Palworld” is intended for ages 12 and up.

Photo: Pocket Pair

This monster and surprise success for this game, which was not among the most anticipated of the year, could be explained by the lack of boldness of the recent video games of The Pokémon Company, which is struggling to renew its series released in 1996, according to analysts.

The title is offered in Early Access, which means it is not the final version and is full of bugs. Pocket Pair admitted that the game's success had exceeded its expectations and that they were working to resolve the issues quickly.

Due to accelerated technological change, professions are evolving more and more quickly. It’s no wonder that “soft skills” are increasingly valued by recruiters. Communication skills, the ability to learn or the ability to work in a team are skills that are in demand. Among these “soft skills,” creativity stands out as an essential asset. Not only does this allow you to adapt and innovate in an ever-evolving market, but it also helps you stand out from the competition.

Creativity consists of a process in which imagination takes shape, with stages of preparation, incubation, illumination and verification. Applied to work, creativity means the search for original and innovative ideas, taking into account the budget and time constraints as well as the resources allocated to the project. Let's find out how you can strengthen this essential skill with simple actions and concrete examples – and as promised, without the help of advanced technologies like ChatGPT.

How can you promote creativity in everyday life?

The key to success lies in the fact that the creative mind, like any soft skill, requires regular nurturing to promote skill improvement or development!

1. Free your mind!

The most important thing is to give yourself moments of pause to let your mind wander and change your environment to gain a real perspective!

For example, set aside a 10-minute meditation session every day before work or after lunch to clear your mind and prepare the ground for innovative ideas. Is solo meditation not your thing? So plan a daily 15-minute walk, away from phones or distractions, to stimulate your creative thinking by observing your surroundings. Or a pool session. In short, something that suits you.

The aim is to switch off your mind and let yourself be guided by instinctive thoughts. By freeing the mind, the most innovative ideas often arise and complex problems find solutions by allowing the mind to associate ideas that are a priori distant.

2. Questioning, the engine of creativity!

Awaken the child in you by allowing yourself to ask all sorts of questions! This ability to question our environment, to question what fascinates and challenges us, allows us to understand, learn and expand our view of the world. Observing situations, abandoning hasty judgments, and taking a step back rather than reacting instinctively are effective ways to develop open-mindedness and a creative mind.

For example, before starting a project, list all the questions that come to mind to set the boundaries and framework. This may seem contradictory, but it is important to define the framework in which creativity develops, especially at work or when implementing a new project. Without a framework, the possibilities seem endless, making it difficult to put imagined ideas into action.

You can also organize brainstorming sessions with colleagues from different departments to share different perspectives and ideas. Pay attention to the wording and use as many open-ended, thought-provoking questions as possible.

3. Break your routine!

When the creative mind becomes too lazy: Get out of the routine! And to break up with her, there's nothing better than embarking on a new project, a new activity, or meeting new people. This is a natural extension of daily curiosity. Leaving your comfort zone and trying something new becomes an easy step. Banish the word failure from your vocabulary and instead view failure as an opportunity to get to know yourself better, understand yourself better and get back on your feet and see what works. Or not. And why.

For example, we invite you to take part in a workshop or a course in an area that is completely new to you, such as a pottery or programming course. You can also change your weekly work routine by taking on new challenges, such as giving public speeches or leading a meeting. A small step is still a step: all these changes are welcome.

4. Get inspired regularly

Coco Chanel said: “Creativity is the art of hiding your sources,” and yes, creativity cannot do without inspiration! It is therefore important to identify sources of inspiration. The ones that enliven and inspire your creativity by reading interviews, listening to podcasts, attending plays, watching talk shows or even visiting a museum!

Now plan monthly visits to different cultural places, such as museums, exhibitions or shows, to broaden your horizons. For example, in the workplace, you could start a book club where an inspiring book is selected and discussed each month to stimulate ideas and knowledge sharing. And yes, outside work activities have concrete, positive effects on your professional skills as measured by researchers!

In summary, fostering creativity in the workplace is a constant journey that requires conscious and diverse action. It is an essential soft skill in the modern world of work that goes beyond mere imagination and translates into adapted and innovative solutions.

Note

This column was written by an outside contributor. Les Echos START does not pay him, nor did he pay for the publication of this text. The decision to publish was therefore made solely based on editorial criteria.

Press Release – The Center for Francophonie in the Americas announces the winning classes of the 4th edition of the Slame tes Accent Contest. Students aged 12 to 18 from all over America were invited to write a slam inspired by their French-speaking reality and perform it in a 60 to 90 second video.

The 72 videos received come from 21 regions in America. This competition reached almost 1,000 students across the continent. The eight winning classes will each win a prize of $1,000 CAD to purchase French teaching materials. In addition, two classes received a special mention and won a prize of CA$500 each, also for the purchase of teaching materials in French.

This competition allowed students to take part in a creative activity in French and play with the sounds of words while improving their learning of the French language.

Competitive goals

• Stimulating young people's interest in the French language and the Francophonie of America;
• Instill pride in speaking French and belonging to the great Francophonie family;
• Develop written and oral skills in French based on the evocative power of slam;
• Have fun creating in French!

The Slame tes accent competition is aimed at teachers and their students aged 12 to 18. You are invited to write a class slam and present it in a 60 to 90 second video that includes specific word suggestions. The Center for the Francophonie of the Americas offers a pedagogical approach for teachers and their students.

This exciting French language learning competition focuses on the theme of promoting accents and the French language. Whether the student's native language or their second or foreign language, whether they are just starting out or perfecting their knowledge, this competition is designed to ensure that they enjoy creating in French.

Winning videos in the 12 to 14 year old category

Julie Cabrera's class
The World French Immersion Public Charter School (Oregon, United States)

Emilie Meurville's class
Antoine and Consuelo French High School in Saint-Exupéry (El Salvador)

Class by Isabelle Rouger
French International High School of Las Terrenas (Dominican Republic)

Class of Emmanuelle Goulon
Boston International High School (Massachusetts, USA)

Class of Agnès Pobanz (special mention)
French high school Colegio Francia in Caracas (Venezuela)

Winning videos in the 15 to 18 years old category

Annie St-Jeans class
Collège Saint-Alexandre de la Gatineau (Quebec, Canada)

Valérie Talbot's class
Notre-Dame Regional School, Franco-Manitoban School Division (Manitoba, Canada)

Class of Brigitte Beaudry-Pépin
Franco-Cité Catholic Secondary School (Ontario, Canada)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjADOUFZ_w8

Class of Jean-François Mydiaderme
Charles Darwin Institute (Haiti)

Class of Gabrielle Séguin (special mention)
Colegio Suizo de México (Mexico)

“I am very pleased to take part in the announcement of the winners of the Slame-tes-Akzent competition, in which students from different French-speaking backgrounds took part. Many of you joined in and made us swing with your words, your rhythms and your voices. Thank you for introducing us to the richness of your culture and highlighting our beautiful French language! »

Jean-François Roberge
Minister for French Language and Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and Canadian Francophonie

“We received very positive comments from the teachers who took part in this 4th edition of the Slame tes Accents! competition. I would like to thank you very much for the time you and your class invested in preparing these texts and recording the videos. The students were able to demonstrate their connection to the French language and their Francophonie while highlighting their accents. It's a great way to learn French while having fun writing something. Congratulations to all of you! »

Sylvain Lavoie
President and CEO
Center for the Francophonie of the Americas

Highlights

• 72 videos were submitted from 21 regions of the Americas; Canada (23) (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador), Costa Rica (1), Cuba (4), United States (25) (California, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey , Oregon and Pennsylvania), Haiti (3), Mexico (9), Dominican Republic (4), El Salvador (1) and Venezuela (2).
• Almost 1,000 students were mobilized to take part in the competition.
• A pedagogical approach was proposed that was highly appreciated by teachers. The word bank was very useful and the implementation steps made the exercise enjoyable for the students.
• Prizes worth CAD 9,000 were awarded for the purchase of teaching materials. Four prizes worth CA$1,000 for the 12-14 year old category, four prizes worth CA$1,000 for the 15-18 year old category and two special mentions worth CA$500.

To comply with European regulations, WhatsApp is preparing the compatibility of its application with its competitors such as Messenger, Telegram and Discord.

The WhatsApp application on smartphones // Source: Meta

Last September we mentioned an earlier beta version of WhatsApp that seemed to open the door to discussions about other messaging apps like Messenger or even Discord.

In reality, Meta is not working on this light-hearted functionality: the company must comply with Europe's DMA (Digital Markets Act) regulations and is targeting tech giants with its anti-competitive practices.

WhatsApp is preparing to “welcome” its competitors

A new beta version of WhatsApp has just been rolled out to iOS via the TestFlight program. This makes the Third-Party Chats feature available to iPhone users before rolling out to everyone in the coming months.

Source: WABetaInfo

A new window should allow you to chat on other messaging apps. Technically, WhatsApp and its competitors could rely on RCS to provide such interoperability, but we are still waiting to see how this will work technically. However, we know that the functionality is optional and ensures the functionality of end-to-end encryption.

In this context, all instant messaging applications could become simple “clients” where each user can choose the user experience they want. Obviously, each application retains its own functionalities, and it is certain that these “third-party discussions” only provide basic functionality.

This year the Google Pixel 9 could look like the “Pro” version. At least that's what these first images show, which supposedly reveal the design of the smartphone.

After the Google Pixel 9 Pro, it is now the Pixel 9's turn to unveil its new design. We can see clear changes, especially at the level of the camera block.

A Pixel 9 plus “Pro” in 2024?

After introducing what the Pixel 9 Pro could look like, OnLeaks Today the veil is lifted on the design of the Pixel 9, which looks very similar to its big brother. So we find a flat screen, flat edges and a camera block that no longer extends across the entire width, but takes the shape of a “big pill”.

Source: OneLeaks / 91mobiles Source: OneLeaks / 91mobiles Source: OneLeaks / 91mobiles Source: OneLeaks / 91mobiles

This is what the Google Pixel 9 could look like. – Source: OneLeaks / 91mobiles

The most surprising thing comes in particular from the three camera modules that we can observe in these renders. In fact, the Pixel 8 today makes do with two modules and leaves the privilege of the telephoto lens to the Pixel 8 Pro. If these images prove accurate, Google could follow a similar strategy to Apple with two high-end versions (“Pro” for the Apple brand) that would differ essentially, but not only, in size.

Details around the camera block are still blurry. The source mentions a telephoto lens for both models, but a Pro version that could go even further with a periscopic zoom. Since smartphones aren't expected until fall, we'll definitely know more about them by then.

Read: Google Pixel are enriched with new, very practical functions

In terms of size, the Pixel 9 would measure 152.8 × 71.9 × 8.5mm (12mm with the camera block sticking out) and would come with a 6.1-inch screen, so 0.1 inch less than that Pixel 8. The smartphone would be slightly higher and wider despite the reduction in screen diagonal. Be continued.

🔴 In order not to miss any news from 01net, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.

Source: 91mobiles

Do you want to exercise at home? The Gorilla Sports weight bench is the perfect device for strengthening your muscles without sacrificing space. Plus, take advantage of an exclusive discount during the sale to get this device at a discounted price.

Are you looking for equipment that meets your sporting needs? Nowadays, more and more people are choosing home training, which offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience. With the sports equipment, planning and regularly monitoring your sports sessions becomes child's play. Discover the Gorilla Sports weight bench, a device with numerous advantages.

Features of the Gorilla Sports Weight Bench

The Gorilla Sports is a multifunctional universal weight bench that was specially developed for effective use in your home gym and enables full-body training with its practical folding function. Thanks to its clever design, the seat is adjustable in 3 positions and the backrest in 8 different positions, offering optimal adaptability to your needs. In addition, the built-in transport wheels and handle make moving this flat bench much easier, so you can easily move it anywhere.

Guaranteed comfort during your exercises

This training bench has high-quality padding made of black synthetic leather, which offers optimal comfort even when training with heavy loads. Its coating is water and sweat repellent, ensuring a stable position during use. This versatile fitness device is suitable not only for classic strength training exercises, but also for sit-ups, triceps exercises and abdominal muscle training.

What advantages does a weight bench offer?

A weight bench offers many benefits for anyone looking to improve their fitness and muscle strength. It allows for a wide variety of exercises, from chest presses to sit-ups to lateral raises, allowing different muscle groups to be effectively trained.

Using a weight bench enables safe and controlled training and provides sufficient support for free weight exercises. Fitness equipment is a practical solution for anyone who prefers to work out at home rather than in the gym.

The prices mentioned are guide prices and may vary. Futura may receive compensation if our readers make a purchase using the links contained in this article. Your support through these retailer links directly contributes to maintaining our informative content.

Classified in: Health
Theme : New products/services

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, January 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialty Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) honored the 25 scientists included in Stanford University's prestigious rankings, updated in October 2023, and they making it one of the “2%”. of the most frequently cited scientists”.

The latest publication recognizes 25 outstanding KFSH&RC scientists as among the top 2% of the world's most cited researchers in 2021-2022 and recognizes their overall successful careers. This prestigious recognition recognizes the exceptional contributions and impact of KFSH&RC researchers on the global scientific stage and underscores KFSH&RC's ongoing commitment to advancing health care through innovative research. It further strengthens its international reputation as a pioneering center for innovative research.

His Excellency Dr. Majid Al Fayyadh, Director General of KFSH&RC, said: “We are incredibly proud of this recognition, which demonstrates our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research and innovation, both within the country and beyond its borders.” This new milestone reflects reflects the commitment and expertise of our team of exceptional scientists and medical professionals who tirelessly push the boundaries of knowledge. At KFSH&RC, we remain fully committed to our mission of shaping the future of healthcare and contributing to advancements in the sector around the world. »

Stanford University is known for its annual rankings, highlighting the notable achievements of scientists whose research has received the most citations in academic and international journals. Each year the university publishes a list of 180,000 researchers, representing the 2% of most cited scientists in the world. This ranking covers 22 research areas and 176 subfields and uses citation metrics from the Scopus database.

The KFSH&RC warmly congratulates the researchers honored for the year 2021-2022. Each scientist has left an indelible mark in various medical fields. Their contributions demonstrate KFSH&RC's commitment to excellence and leadership in healthcare innovation.

This recognition further strengthens KFSH&RC's reputation as a holistic health center and underlines its commitment to building a robust health system through continuous research and development in line with Vision 2030.

A photo accompanying this news release is available at the following address: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/11e5bca6-007a-405e-8eb7-ea79910ca705

Press release sent on January 25, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. and distributed by:

The gap between managers' desire to assess the profitability of their digital investments and the lack of concrete measures to achieve this goal is surprising in this study* published by Niji, a technology consulting, design and implementation company.

As companies continue to invest in their digital transformation (8 out of 10 continue to place it at the heart of their priorities), they are monitored at the highest corporate level (60% of transformations are led by a Comex member). express great difficulty in using performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of their digital ecosystem.

The overall scope of the transformation is not certain

Only 7% of them say they have mastered the calculation of the return on investment (ROI). 44% admit they don't know where to start or what costs to consider. Others calculate it at the beginning of projects but abandon it during implementation. The same applies to Time to Market (TTM), which evaluates the efficiency of the manufacturing process from design to marketing. Despite a relatively simple calculation, only one in four companies masters it.

Another weakness that affects the investments made: the lack of effort to adopt digital tools. Most companies develop digital products and services but do not allocate the time or budget necessary to measure their usage rate. 37% also do not measure the satisfaction of their customers and 48% that of their employees. How can we effectively drive change under these conditions?

*This comparative study was conducted with more than 70 Niji customer companies, including ETI, SBF120 and CAC40. The contents of this study are the result
Interviews with each of them lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Juliette Paoli