Latest news with #graphics
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Faster salary credit, SIP debit, EMI payment and more under new NACH 3.0 system by NPCI from July 2025, know more
What is the significant update being made to the NACH system? Enhanced GUI interface: The graphics user interface (GUI) is being upgraded to align with the latest security standards. Improved Navigation: Banks can now view all relevant details on a single screen for easier access and monitoring. Optimised file handling: The system can now handle a higher volume of files more efficiently. Advanced Dashboard: Banks will have access to an enhanced dashboard to track the status of files presented and received. Self-service user management: Users can create accounts and reset passwords independently. Escalation matrix updates: Banks can now submit or update their escalation matrix with NPCI at their convenience. Security Enhancements made in NACH 3.0 Advanced technology used for data transmission and storage through both GUI and H2H. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user access (After go live feature will be enabled). Role-based access controls to ensure appropriate data visibility. Enhanced audit trails for better traceability and compliance. Real-time monitoring and alerts for transaction processing and receiving activities. Disabling of plain text file downloads to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data. Implementation of a PGP encryption module for secure file downloads from the front end, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity. How can consumers benefit from the big NACH 3.0 update? Faster processing time for salary, EMI, school fees, etc NACH 3.0's updates can minimise human errors and improve customer's experience NACH 3.0 fixed a major security loophole NACH 3.0 incorporates PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption module Faster resolution of disputes Starting the first week of July 2025, you can look forward to quicker salary credit in your bank accounts, faster bank transfer of funds in NACH related transactions and many more, thanks to a significant update being made to the NACH system by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) NPCI has said in a circular dated June 6, 2025, that the NACH system is set to undergo a significant update and would henceforth be called NACH the uninitiated, NACH (National Automated Clearing House) is the backbone of the Indian inter-bank recurring money transfer system. It is designed to offer an efficient and robust platform for both debit and credit transactions, including those for salaries, pensions, subsidies, and loan to put it in context, your mutual fund SIP payments, Netflix subscriptions and other auto-payments are also routed through NACH via the e-mandate mechanism. This is how NACH is integrated into the daily lives of millions of that you know how important NACH is in our everyday life, read on to know more about how significant this new NACH update is and how it can help said in the circular that this new version of NACH dubbed as 3.0 incorporates a range of security and functional enhancements designed to improve user experience, strengthen data protection, and support higher transaction volumes with greater are some of the updates:NPCI said that under the NACH 3.0 system advanced security standards have been implemented to strengthen the overall integrity and safety of the system. Key security improvements include:Here's how the new NACH 3.0 update may help consumers, according to experts,Shravan Shetty, Managing Director, Primus Partners, highlights that one of the biggest beneficiaries of this new NACH update will be consumers getting salary and making EMI explains: 'The optimized file handling capabilities under NACH 3.0 mean the system can now manage a larger volume of transactions with better efficiency. For banks, this will result in faster processing times, and for customers, it will ensure a smoother experience—especially during high-volume periods like salary credits or EMI collections.'Manish Kumar Goyal, chairman and managing director, Finkeda, a digital banking and payments company, says: 'One of the updates in NACH 3.0 includes real-time monitoring and alerts for transaction processing and receiving, and this is a big thing. This is because most payments via NACH pertain to EMIs, salaries, and scheduled payments. Hence due to the implementation of this real-time functionality, it would expedite payments, thereby benefiting both the bank and the customer.'Goyal explains: 'For such services (salaries, EMI, etc), if customers were given instant notifications whenever they send or receive money, it would enhance consumers' ability to steer their financial value. Besides, with improved technology and swift-solving ability, NACH promises to become more secure, transparent, and user-friendly—especially for common recurring payments.'Muskkan Kukreja, Assistant Director, Accounting and Finance, Dr Shantilal K Somaiya School of Commerce and Business Studies, agrees with Goyal and Shetty and adds: 'The optimized file handling capabilities mean the system can now manage a larger volume of transactions with better efficiency. For banks, this will result in faster processing times, and for customers, it will ensure a smoother experience—especially during high-volume periods like salary credits or EMI collections.'Kukreja says that: 'The NACH system (v 3.0) now offers live dashboards and alerts to track mandate rejections, transaction failures, and suspicious patterns. This means banks can now respond in real-time due to this immediate monitoring and they no longer are required to wait for end-of-day reports.'Ritesh Raj Saxena, Head of Direct Banking, IndusInd Bank says: "The upgraded interface, more streamlined navigation, and self-service tools allow for greater operational agility, while the enhanced security architecture, including encrypted downloads and access controls, ensure safe handling of sensitive data. Together, these updates will enable banks to reimagine the customer journey, playing a pivotal role in improving process oversight and minimizing risk exposure, ultimately benefitting both banks and their customers."Kukreja explains that prior to this new update, some transaction or mandate data could be downloaded in plain text, which was readable and says: 'This created a major risk if unauthorized personnel accessed it. NACH 3.0 has disabled this option, requiring all file access to be encrypted or done through secure dashboards. This removes the chance for manual mishandling or insider threats, where files could be accidentally shared or leaked on purpose.'Kukreja explains: 'The security improvements in NACH 3.0, including the PGP encryption module, the disabling of plain text file downloads, and real-time monitoring, are important upgrades that aim to boost data protection and lower fraud risks for both banks and their customers. PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is a common encryption method that protects sensitive data, such as mandate files or transaction details. It ensures that only authorized parties can decrypt and read the information. The NACH files sent between banks and NPCI are encrypted with PGP, securing them from start to finish. This process helps stop data breaches during file transfers by making the content unreadable to unauthorized users and ensures that the data remains intact.'Whenever there are any payment related disputes or errors, consumers file a complaint with the bank which in turn files a complaint with NACH's system only during a defined time. This system is set to change with NACH 3.0 as banks can now submit or update their escalation matrix as per their explains: 'One of the enhancements made with NACH 3.0 is that banks can now submit or update their escalation matrix. These clear escalation paths will help ensure that any technical or operational issues are handled quickly and reach the right authority. Being clear about how complaints are managed is expected to help build customer confidence in the digital systems.'Kukreja further adds: 'Another enhancement in the NACH ecosystem is the ability for bank staff to navigate the NACH portal more easily on a single screen, reducing time taken for mandate management, transaction monitoring, and troubleshooting. Further, it is expected that banks will have access to an enhanced dashboard to track the status of the files that have been presented and received.'Goyal agrees with Kukreja and adds: 'The introduction of the escalation matrix brings about improved timelines for complaints redressal, whereas the complaints become simpler to be resolved due to the presence of the matrix.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
American weather presenters say coverage of wildfires on the Prairies has intensified
EDMONTON — Three American TV weather presenters say their viewers' appetite is soaring for information on the swaths of wildfire smoke drifting in from the Canadian Prairies. "The smoke has really dominated our weather forecasting headlines," says Jacob Morse, a meteorologist for KFYR-TV in Bismarck, N.D. Morse said North Dakota has been hazy all week due to smoke coming from Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where fires have been raging for more than two weeks, forcing more than 30,000 people from their homes. "We've been talking about it constantly. We're educating viewers on where the fires are and then why the smoke comes here (and the) communities impacted," he said. Eric Snitil, chief meteorologist for WROC-TV in Rochester, N.Y., says a few years ago, his news network had two or three smoke graphics it projected on its green screens, mainly because of wildfires elsewhere in the United States. "Now we couldn't be building these fast enough because of Canada," Snitil said. "It's forcing us meteorologists to not just look out for weather in our own backyard here in New York. I find myself now looking at data for Canada and what's the fire conditions looking like many thousands of miles away." He said the appetite from viewers has grown because smoke affects such a large number of people at one time. Bill Kardas, a chief meteorologist of WKTV in Utica, N.Y., says weather presenters across the U.S. have been ramping up their coverage of Canadian wildfire smoke since 2023. As Canadians dealt with their worst wildfire season that year, he said his state turned apocalyptically orange from the smoke. Snitil said meteorologists in New York weren't prepared. "Most people around here never experienced anything like the 2023 wildfire smoulder," said Kardas, a weatherman of 20 years. "There really wasn't a lot of knowledge as to what was generating this, why is this happening, is this normal, has this ever happened before." This year, Kardas said his viewers began to notice smoke in the air last week as blazes on the Canadian Prairies intensified. It has prevented many Americans from leaving their homes, he said. "We're 2,000 miles away and we're feeling the effects of this," he said. "I can't imagine how horrible it must be to be dealing with it in proximity." Mike Flannigan is a professor in the University of Alberta's department of renewable resources and the director of the Western Partnership for Wildland Fire Science. He said there are two main reasons why Canadian smoke is making international headlines. First is that there is more smoke and wildfires to begin with, he said. This year's fire season — the second worst since the 2023 wildfire season — has seen wildfires consume 3.7 million hectares, six times the area of Prince Edward Island. "And there's probably more (smoke) than that because our fires today are burning more intensely and more deeply," Flannigan said. Smoke from the flames this year has also crossed oceans and even been detected in Europe. He said people are paying attention to Canadian wildfires globally because they are more aware of the dangers of smoke as science has evolved. "I'm a fire guy. We talk about good fire and bad fire. There's no such thing as good smoke. It's bad, bad, bad. And it's becoming more frequent," Flannigan said. "It affects IQ, it affects fetus development and of course, lungs. It's full of thousands of chemicals." He said he hopes the global spread of Canadian wildfire smoke encourages more people to think about human-caused climate change. "We can prevent some of these wildfires through fire bans, forest closures, education," Flannigan said. "If (the Earth continues) to warm, we're going to have longer fire seasons, carry more lightning and drier fields which promote fires." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025. Fakiha Baig, The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Geek Girl Authority
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Switch 2 Doesn't Fix POKÉMON's Biggest Problem
Now that the Switch 2 is out, we're getting a lot of comparison videos of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet gameplay on Switch and the new system. And honestly? It doesn't look all that different. If you didn't tell me what was recorded on Switch 2, I'd assume most of the new footage is coming from the original console. Marginal graphics improvements that smooth lines and bump the frame rate up to 60 FPS are great. But I would love to see Pokémon bring back monster designs and detailed landscapes filled with the life and color that once defined the franchise. Pokémon has changed a lot since its 1996 debut. For the most part, it's been for the better. New monsters, regions and mechanics have strengthened the series and added depth to the canon. But the most recent mainline releases, Scarlet & Violet , were met with negative reception from players, both new and old. The problem? Poor image quality and non-stop glitching made the games tough to play. The Switch 2 launch finally made Pokémon's latest titles playable, but Nintendo's newest console merely offers a band-aid. Have 3D Graphics Helped or Hurt Pokémon? Pokémon Colosseum on GameCube. That seems to be the question to ask right now, huh? Many fans associate the introduction of 3D sprites in the video game series' sixth generation with a decline in the overall charm of their favorite monsters and the regions they inhabit, but the topic goes a lot further back than the release of Pokémon X & Y and the Gen III remakes Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire . In fact, many of the games that longtime players grew up with also featured 3D visuals. RELATED: Video Games Are Becoming a Luxury Few Can Afford Pokémon Stadium , Pokémon Colosseum and its sequel XD: Gale of Darkness remain some of the most beloved titles 20 years on — and they all gave us gorgeous 3D worlds and battle animations that outshine even the most recent games. So, is a 3D approach the real issue here? Or has the quality of Pokémon simply taken a dip, despite improved technology? Not Much of a Switch Flying on Miraidon in Violet on Switch. The power of Switch systems has been a major point of contention since the original console's launch back in 2017, and it's still at the forefront of discussions about the quality of Pokémon games. Many blame the console for frequent lag and frame drops. But others can't help but compare buggy titles like Scarlet & Violet to other AAA releases that feature stellar graphics and smooth gameplay on the same system. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom are the gold standard when it comes to Switch titles; both are 3D and accomplish more in Hyrule than Pokémon has across four regions on Switch . Soaring on Latios and Latias in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire on 3DS. The launch of the Switch 2 last week has only added fuel to the fire when it comes to these hot debates. Why did it take three years and the release of a more powerful console for Scarlet & Violet to run as intended? And why is it that these games still can't compete with past titles and other Nintendo releases? As players, we don't have all the answers. But we can all agree on what works and what doesn't. RELATED: Wholesome Games Direct 2025: 9 Games Release Today Smoothing Over the Details Looking back on classic Pokémon titles, the transition to 3D graphics was hardly a harbinger of lesser quality. Gen IV and V installments — Diamond & Pearl , HeartGold & Soulsilver , Black & White and Black 2 & White 2 — played around with implementing this new animation style. And they pulled it off while maintaining the integrity of past titles with a familiar pixel art style. The problem is that newer games on Switch (and by extension, Switch 2) have done away with the details that added charm to such a fantastical world created to highlight the magic of our own. The Paldea region of Scarlet & Violet , while based on the vivid and culturally rich country of Spain, lacks a lot of the life and color we saw in Sword & Shield's Galar just one generation prior. Hisui, the ancient Sinnoh region introduced in Legends: Arceus , was almost as sparse as Paldea. (Though the game's unique art style still managed to capture much of the magic and mystery of its setting.) The unique art style of Legends: Arceus. None of the Switch-era remakes — Let's Go! Pikachu & Eevee or Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl — were received particularly well, either. Many blame the return to a chibi art style. But if we're being honest, this change in artistic direction might not have missed the mark if more intricate details weren't sacrificed in favor of a cleaner image. After all, Gen IV and V gave us some of the best-looking games yet, and they utilized the same look. What's different? RELATED: Can Nostalgia Save the Games Industry? One criticism I often hear is that Pokémon's newer regions feel empty. That hasn't changed yet on Switch 2. The world of Pokémon has never been bigger, with Scarlet & Violet marking the franchise's first true open-world games. There's so much beauty to be found in Paldea. But its newly cleaned-up lines can also feel sterile. Fantasy elements have taken a back seat as a more realistic approach is solidified. And yet, forests are thin. Mud is … clean. Something is missing. Paldea is beautiful, but lacks the same detail as past regions. Fewer Opportunities for Community and Choice For one thing, you can't even enter most buildings in Scarlet & Violet . So, most don't stand out. Sprawling landscapes are virtually barren. There's no need to talk to anyone, since their thoughts conveniently pop up in bubbles above their heads in passing. This way, you find yourself ignoring most of the NPCs hanging around towns and cities because, perhaps more conveniently, the ones offering items, services or battles are also color-coded. They might as well have signs on their foreheads that say: TALK TO ME! I'M USEFUL! Catching Pokémon feels a lot like that, too. Don't get me wrong; I actually love that Pokémon show up in the overworld now. You don't have to search for too long to find the ones you're looking for, and you do have a say in which Pokémon you battle. That being said, I also run straight past most of them. It kind of makes me miss the unpredictability that marked wild encounters back in the day. You can always tell which NPCs want to battle or have items and services to offer in Scarlet & Violet. There seem to be so many people and Pokémon I'll never meet. Call it a personal gripe, but to me, it sometimes feels like this system opposes the prioritization of community that Pokémon was founded on, despite a push toward narrative-driven gameplay in recent years. It's as though we're just passing through rather than embarking on a journey to take it all in. (Don't get me started on drive-thru-style Pokémon Centers.) When so much of these games simply fades into the background, the world becomes less immersive, its stories less profound. But there's a simple fix. RELATED: 10 Coolest Pokémon According to Someone Who's Never Played the Games More to the Imagination If you follow Pokémon discussions on social media, you might know where I'm going with this. The people want expressive monster sprites. They want dynamic battle animations, accessible cities and towns. They want to get lost in a world that welcomes them, not by force, but by fostering a sense of curiosity for the regions, people and Pokémon that await them. Fans want something left to the imagination. The franchise began with the originally black and white games Red & Blue (or Red & Green in Japan). But its colorful monsters and locations are what really drew players in and kept them coming with later installments. Animation improvements came with the release of Gen II's Crystal on the Game Boy Color. I'll never get over how cool it was to see Umbreon's rings glow for the very first time. It was just as exciting to see its attacks in action in Pokémon Colosseum . Sprites and moves only got better with each release — up until X & Y , that is. Swampert sprites in Ruby & Sapphire (left) and Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (right). Kalos is still one of the most beautiful regions in all of Pokémon. But Gen VI infamously stripped monsters of their bright colors and expressions with the transition to more advanced 3D sprites. Most don't exactly look battle-ready when you send them out, either. No attack stance. No crossing the field to land a move. Three generations later, Scarlet & Violet didn't fix this problem. It looks like there's some hope for heated battles in Legends: Z-A , which will reintroduce dynamic animations and a new battle mechanic alongside familiar sprites on Switch and Switch 2. I'd like to see a return to the use of vivid color palettes, too, but that's only half the battle. RELATED: 6 Pokémon Ports Perfect for Nintendo Switch A Cultural Shift Pokémon once rewarded curiosity by placing items in trash cans. NPCs in random houses offered HMs that were required to progress. Routes to new cities were blocked by strange trees and boulders or a puzzle of some kind. This brought the world of Pokémon to life and kept players engaged, encouraging thoughtful interaction with the world around them. The Switch era has offered no such reward. The Kalos region's Pokémon League in X & Y. It's no secret that the video game series has endured a lot of criticism for being too easy in recent years. That's largely due to its removal of things like puzzles and tough battles that necessitate strategy. Some argue that the games are for kids, so they have to be easy. But I and countless other '90s kids grew up playing them, too. And honestly? It seems more likely that Pokémon has simply begun to reflect real-world cultural changes. RELATED: Mobile Game Monday: Medieval-Idle Prayer Fans Then and Now While older fans probably spent time outside playing classic games with friends on handheld systems, the Switch and Switch 2 aren't exactly built for outdoor play. That's because no one's taking their games outside anymore. (We have Pokémon GO for that.) This alone disrupts the connection between mainline Pokémon games and the world they're based on, as older titles and systems were designed to be played on the go. Why create forests, deserts, rivers or mountainsides alive with color and detail if your target audience isn't going outside to imagine exploring them? The Paldea region's Pokémon League in Scarlet & Violet. But that's the thing. Pokémon has always been about modeling and teaching appreciation for the world we live in. The Hoenn region was based on the Japanese island of Kyushu, where Ruby & Sapphire director Junichi Masuda would spend his summer vacations as a kid. Tapping into that sentiment is key. The Pokémon franchise has never been better equipped to bring this fantastical world to life on Switch 2. But its next entry, Pokémon Legends: Z-A , has already been met with the same criticism in development. I just hope a setting as bright and alive as Lumiose is done justice. June's Most Anticipated Video Games Olivia Rolls (she/her) is a weekly contributor at GGA, specializing in cozy games, anime and all things horror. Her byline has appeared at publications like The Mary Sue, The Escapist, GameSkinny and more. When she's not writing deep dives on her favorite games, shows, movies or characters, she's probably yapping about the latest pop culture trends or catching up on another Pokémon playthrough. E-mail professional inquiries to [email protected]. You can also find Olivia on Bluesky and LinkedIn.
Wall Street Journal
12-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
AMD Introduces AI-Focused MI350 Series, Part of ‘Vision for an Open AI' Ecosystem
Advanced Micro Devices AMD -2.18%decrease; red down pointing triangle unveiled its MI350 Series accelerators and several other new artificial-intelligence-focused products as it looks to challenge industry rival Nvidia NVDA 1.52%increase; green up pointing triangle. The MI350 Series consists of Instinct MI350X and MI355X graphics-processing units and platforms, AMD said.
Engadget
09-06-2025
- Engadget
Metal 4 for macOS Tahoe 26 introduces new gaming features like frame interpolation
Apple continues to improve gaming features on Macs with Metal 4 for Apple Silicon on its latest version of macOS Tahoe 26 announced at WWDC 26. The new graphics platform introduces two new technologies designed to make graphics look better and run faster, MetalFX Frame Interpolation and MetalFX denoising. MetalFX Frame Interpolation generates an intermediate frame for every two input frames to boost frame rates with minimal computing overhead, while MetalFX Denoising "makes real-time ray tracing and path tracing possible in the most advanced games," the company said. It pointed out that upcoming titles like Crimson Desert and InZOI will use technologies like MetalFX Upscaling to improve performance and visuals via technology like ray-tracing available with the company's M3 and M4 family of chips. Apple put a fair amount of emphasis on gaming during this year's developer conference. It revealed the new Games app that will come pre-installed on Mac, iPhone and iPad with macOS Tahoe 26 and iOS 26 this fall. The company also reminded us of new games arriving on macOS, including Cyberpunk 2077 , Cronos: The New Dawn , Architect: Land of Exiles, Lies of P: Overture , HITMAN World of Assassination , EVE Frontier and Where Winds Meet. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
