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Cartoon Animator 5.3 Update: Powerful Puppet Performances and Live Camera Controls

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Reallusion’s Cartoon Animator makes a significant leap with the 5.3 update, unveiling the Puppet Stage and Live Camera System.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Building on the success of Motion Pilot mouse-led animation, Cartoon Animator advances further with the introduction of Puppet Stage and Live Camera System in the 5.3 update. As the demand for short films, social media, and live streaming grows, Reallusion is addressing the emergent need for rapid animation production. This update delivers a game-changing trigger-based animation system that simplifies traditional keyframing by utilizing existing animation assets, seamlessly integrating facial tracking and voice lip sync. Designed for real-time, studio-grade live shows, all within a unified interface, this intuitive system sets a new standard in livestream animation.

PUPPET STAGE – LIVE STREAM REDEFINED

Puppet Stage combines trigger animations, voice lip-sync, and facial motion capture in one unified system. With Motion Pilot and Camera Switcher integration, artists can harness a full production process geared toward fast 2D production and responsive live streaming featuring original artwork and media.

The latest update introduces an array of powerful features designed to elevate animation and live streaming experiences:

Trigger Panel: Users can now fully customize a hotkey-triggered deck to control animation files, facial performances, FFD, VFX, props, and backgrounds, delivering seamless and responsive animation control.Facial Mocap Integration: Effortlessly mix facial motion capture from a PC camera or iPhone to create dynamic facial expressions that blend naturally with other animation elements.Voice Lip Sync: Enhance character performances with automatic lip-syncing to voice input, adding emotional depth while seamlessly integrating with expression triggers.Head-driven Body Movements: Guide character eye movements with a simple mouse drag and automatically trigger natural body actions using motion-tracked head rotations.Motion Pilot: Control character walks or runs with cursor movements, offering options to adjust movement range, tempo, amplitude, and direction for fluid motion.Camera Switcher: Take control like a director with hotkey camera switching or automatic target tracking to keep fast-paced action in view.Livestream Focused: Optimized for live streaming, the dedicated window mode for OBS and Twitch integrates with hotkey mapping for Stream Deck, Loupedeck, and other trigger devices.Portable Data: Enjoy the flexibility to export and import trigger settings and asset files between computers, ensuring smooth transitions across different setups.

>> Explore full features from the product website

ENGAGING REALTIME CAMERAWORK

The Camera Control Panel is where visuals and storytelling are interwoven through a range of cinematographic tools. Directors can save their favorite shots, perform live previews, and set up camera cuts and triggers for Puppet Stage, achieving lifelike results that rival professional techniques.

The latest release introduces advanced camera control features designed to give creators more precision and flexibility in their animations and live streams:

Custom Camera List: Store camera angles, lens settings, and tracking targets within the camera control panel. Capture thumbnail images and assign hotkeys for quick retrieval of specific camera setups.Live Preview: Seamlessly toggle between camera cuts during playback to direct the narrative in real-time, ensuring creative control as scenes unfold.Switch Keys: Easily store and recall camera cuts using a streamlined hotkey setup. Once applied, these camera keys are organized within the Camera Switch Track for full keyframe adjustments in the timeline editor.Camera Tracking & Toggle: Select a target for camera tracking to keep the focus on the action, with the ability to switch between tracking and roaming shots at any time. Fine-tune rough takes by adjusting camera keyframes in the timeline editor.Mimicking Real Camerawork: Emulate real-world camera movements—track fast-paced sequences, zoom in on close-up dialogue, or use dolly zooms for dramatic effects. All camera actions can be created and managed effortlessly through the Camera Control Panel.

>> Explore full features from the product website

Camera cuts can be easily stored and recalled from a hotkey setup. Once applied, the camera keys are organized within the Camera Switch Track. Camera cuts can be easily stored and recalled from a hotkey setup. Once applied, the camera keys are organized within the Camera Switch Track.

PUPPET STAGE CONTENT PACKS

To showcase the full potential of live puppet controls, two invaluable expansion packs have been created to help users quickly experience the power of Puppet Stage. These packs allow you to reuse pre-designed characters, animation trigger settings, and easily swap in your own characters, props, and animation assets, making it effortless to create your own dynamic live show.

CARTOON PUPPET

This universal virtual host template features 3 sets of distinctive animation performances for live show or interactive presentation. Choose from the Chill, Sweet, or Dramatic animation genre to fit your character styles. Additional amoeba animation templates can turn simple images or vector graphics into engaging actors.

>> Explore more virtual host performance templates

ANIME PUPPET

This illustrious Anime pack showcases the dynamic details and versatility of CTA anime characters. A must-have for fans of manga and anime culture, Anime Puppet allows you to instantly bring characters to life in a live show or dive into advanced techniques like smooth expressions and hand-keyed sprite sequences. Plus, you will uncover design secrets with the bonus 360-degree robo-pet “Digi Paws” included in the pack.

>> Explore more virtual host performance templates

LIVESTREAM POWER BUNDLE

The virtual host bundle kit in both Japanese anime and American cartoon styles, featuring trigger performances for live shows or interactive presentations.

>> Explore more virtual host performance templates

For more details about the release, please see the full press announcement.

Media Contact

Atilas Wang, Reallusion Inc., +886289121028, atilaswang@reallusion.com, https://www.reallusion.com/

John Martin II, Reallusion Inc., +16156738814, john@reallusion.com, https://www.reallusion.com/

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SOURCE Reallusion Inc.

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G42 Collaborates with NVIDIA to Deliver Next-Generation Climate Solutions Using Earth-2

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ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — G42, a leader in AI and cloud computing, today announced that it is partnering with NVIDIA to advance climate technology with a focus on developing AI solutions aimed at dramatically enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasting globally.

The collaboration builds on NVIDIA’s Earth-2, an open platform that accelerates climate and weather predictions with interactive, AI-augmented, high-resolution simulation. G42 and NVIDIA will initially focus on a square-kilometer resolution weather forecasting model that improves the accuracy of meteorological predictions.

Key to this initiative is the establishment of a new operational base and Climate Tech Lab in Abu Dhabi. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for research and development, driving forward both companies’ commitment to environmental sustainability. This facility will also mobilize the creation of tailored climate and weather solutions that leverage over 100 petabytes of geophysical data assets.

Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, said, “This initiative with NVIDIA is a testament to our commitment to applying AI in ways that not only innovate but also solve critical global challenges. Establishing the Earth-2 Climate Tech Lab in Abu Dhabi allows us to leverage our unique capabilities and insights to foster a sustainable future for the world.”

In addition to fostering innovation in climate technology, the initiative will focus on building a robust framework for integrating enhanced weather prediction capabilities with comprehensive data metrics and visualization. This will assist organizations worldwide in achieving their sustainability goals through well-informed, data-driven environmental strategies.

“Our collaboration with G42 marks a pivotal step toward harnessing AI to understand and predict climate phenomena with unprecedented accuracy,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “The Earth-2 Climate Tech Lab will propel environmental solutions using the most advanced accelerated computing and AI technology to benefit millions of people around the world.”

By uniting G42’s AI expertise with NVIDIA’s computational acumen, this partnership aims to deliver transformative climate solutions that combine scientific accuracy with real-world applicability, driving impactful change across industries and ecosystems.

About G42

G42 is a technology holding group, a global leader in creating visionary artificial intelligence for a better tomorrow. Born in Abu Dhabi and operating worldwide, G42 champions AI as a powerful force for good across industries. From molecular biology to space exploration and everything in between, G42 realizes exponential possibilities, today.
To know more visit www.g42.ai.

Media contacts
Media and PR Team, G42
media@g42.ai

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/g42-collaborates-with-nvidia-to-deliver-next-generation-climate-solutions-using-earth-2-302253818.html

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Kawasaki and CB&I Sign Strategic Collaborative Agreement for Promoting Commercial-Use Liquefied Hydrogen Supply Chain

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HOUSTON, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Kawasaki) and CB&I, a wholly owned unrestricted subsidiary of McDermott, announced today their signing of a strategic agreement for promoting a commercial-use liquefied hydrogen (LH2) supply chain and realizing a zero-carbon-emission society. The signing ceremony took place at Gastech Exhibition & Conference in Houston on September 18, 2024.

“We are very pleased for this opportunity to build and launch a commercial liquefied hydrogen supply chain in cooperation with CB&I,” said Motohiko Nishimura, President, Energy Solutions & Marine Engineering Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. “By taking advantage of both companies’ strengths and specialized know-how, we aim to cost down hydrogen, strengthen hydrogen supply chain competitiveness, and accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon society.”

Both companies will use their specialized know-how to provide infrastructure that will enable commercial-scale international LH2 supply chains in order to help achieve carbon-neutrality. By leveraging our combined expertise to deliver large-scale LH2 infrastructure solutions, CB&I and Kawasaki are removing barriers, driving down costs and enhancing scalability across the entire supply chain.

“This strategic partnership represents a significant advancement in liquid hydrogen storage capabilities,” said Mark Butts, Senior Vice President of CB&I. “Our technical expertise and extensive experience in liquid hydrogen storage position us at the forefront of the energy transition, delivering reliable storage solutions and executing projects worldwide with proven success.”

Under this agreement, the companies will provide infrastructure to advance the global realization of a sustainable energy economy and meet decarbonization targets. This collaboration will reduce LH2 infrastructure costs and contribute to more widespread use of this clean and efficient energy source.

About CB&I
CB&I is the world’s leading designer and builder of storage facilities, tanks, and terminals. With more than 60,000 structures completed throughout its 130-year history, CB&I has the global expertise and strategically located operations to provide its customers world-class storage solutions for even the most complex energy infrastructure projects. CB&I is a wholly owned unrestricted subsidiary of McDermott. To learn more, visit www.cbi.com.

About McDermott
McDermott is a premier, fully-integrated provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. Our customers trust our technology-driven approach engineered to responsibly harness and transform global energy resources into the products the world needs. From concept to commissioning, McDermott’s innovative expertise and capabilities advance the next generation of global energy infrastructure—empowering a brighter, more sustainable future for us all. Operating in over 54 countries, McDermott’s locally-focused and globally-integrated resources include more than 30,000 employees, a diversified fleet of specialty marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities around the world. To learn more, visit www.mcdermott.com.

About Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. is general engineering manufacturer with over 125 years of experience manufacturing products spanning land, sea and air. Kawasaki established the Kawasaki Group’s new vision statement, “Group Vision 2030: Trustworthy Solutions for the Future,” and is focusing on three fields, “A Safe and Secure Remotely-Connected Society,” “Near-Future Mobility,” and “Energy and Environmental Solutions” in order to provide solutions for social issues. For “Energy and Environmental Solutions” in particular, by securing the technology necessary for the entire supply chain (for production, transportation, storage and utilization) ahead of the rest of the world, Kawasaki aims to bring about a society that utilizes hydrogen, the ultimate clean energy that emits no carbon dioxide when used. To learn more, visit https://global.kawasaki.com/en.

Forward-Looking Statements
McDermott cautions that statements in this communication which are forward-looking, and provide other than historical information, involve risks, contingencies and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the expected benefits from the collaboration agreement discussed in this press release.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Those statements are made by using various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous risks, contingencies and uncertainties, including, among others: adverse changes in the markets in which we operate or credit or capital markets; our inability to successfully execute on contracts in backlog; changes in project design or schedules; the availability of qualified personnel; changes in the terms, scope or timing of contracts, contract cancellations, change orders and other modifications and actions by our customers and other business counterparties; changes in industry norms; actions by lenders, other creditors, customers and other business counterparties of McDermott and adverse outcomes in legal or other dispute resolution proceedings. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. This communication reflects the views of McDermott’s management as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, McDermott undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

For media inquiries, please use the contact information below:

Reba Reid
Global Media Relations
+1 281 588 5636
RReid@McDermott.com

Kristi Krupala-Grove
CB&I Media Relations
+1 346 313 9636
KKrupala2@mcdermott.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kawasaki-and-cbi-sign-strategic-collaborative-agreement-for-promoting-commercial-use-liquefied-hydrogen-supply-chain-302253698.html

SOURCE McDermott International, Ltd

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Halal Route Application – Eat, Travel around Thailand, Safe and Sound Halal Style

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BANGKOK, Thailand, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Halal Science Center, Chulalongkorn University has developed Halal Route, an application that lists restaurants, lodging, mosques, prayer directions, and tourist attractions in Thailand under Islamic tourism principles. It hopes to help Muslim tourists travel in Thailand with peace of mind, and supports tourism industry operators to grow and welcome a growing number of Muslim tourists.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts that in 2024 there will be around 168 million Islamic tourists worldwide.  According to the Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI 2024), Thailand is the 32nd most popular destination for Muslim tourists.  However, the major problem Muslim tourists encounter in Thailand is finding Halal-accredited restaurants, hotels, accommodations, or tourist attractions with service areas (such as prayer rooms) that are compliant with the Islamic way.

Halal Route” is a travel aggregator app that collects searchable information on Halal restaurants, mosques, prayer locations, times, and directions for prayers (the qibla), tourist attractions, Muslim villages or communities, hotels, accommodations, etc.  This app is linked to Google Maps for navigation with precision. It also supports 3 languages, Thai, English, and Arabic, so that Muslim tourists can live and travel more comfortably and with peace of mind,” said Mr.Erfun Weahama, Science Service Officer, Halal Route App development team.

Dr. Anat Denyingyot, Assistant Director of the Halal Science Center, emphasized that the Halal Route application has the most reliable and comprehensive information on halal tourism in Thailand today. “All restaurants and locations have had on-site visits and are audited according to standards approved by a trusted authority or organization, such as certifications from religious organizations or halal food-related entities, as well as management systems to guarantee and be responsible for halal conditions (the HAL-Q system),” Dr. Anat assured.

Currently, the application has more than 1,100 restaurants in its database, and new locations and services are being updated, covering more than 40 provinces from north to south of Thailand that are popular among tourists.

Halal Route is not only for navigation, but a platform that connects Muslim communities from around the world who have the opportunity to visit Thailand,” Associate Professor Dr.Winai Dahlan, Director of the Halal Science Center concluded.

The Halal Route application is free to download on both iOS and Android systems.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/185916/  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/halal-route-application—eat-travel-around-thailand-safe-and-sound-halal-style-302251312.html

SOURCE Chulalongkorn University

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