News
Facebook Messenger Challenge now open
Facebook has launched a challenge for developers spread across the Middle East and Africa to create innovative bots in the Bots for Messenger Developer Challenge. This aligns with Facebook’s commitment to promote innovation in the Middle East and Africa by providing developers and start-ups with the tools they need to build, grow, monetize, and measure products and services.
Facebook grew out of a hacker culture and thrives by promoting innovation on new platforms. That’s why Facebook is launching the Bots for Messenger Challenge, a contest to recognize and reward developers who are able to create the most innovative new bots on Messenger.
Developers, in teams of up to three people, are invited to create bots in three categories: gaming and entertainment; productivity and utility; and social good.
The 60 finalist teams (10 per category in each region) will win a Gear VR and mobile phone, one hour of Facebook mentorship and tools and services from FbStart, a Facebook program designed to help early stage mobile start-ups build and grow their bots.
All student teams who make it to the finals will win an additional $2,000 (students will be verified against their registration via their government accredited school email accounts).
For each region, three runner-up teams (one from each category) will win $10,000 and three months of Facebook mentorship.
For each region, three winning teams (one from each category) will win $20,000 and three months of Facebook mentorship.
The submissions for the challenge opens on the morning of 15 February 2017 and the last date to submit entries is 28 April 2017.
The finalists of 30 teams each from Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East/North Africa will be announced on 19 May 2017 and the deadline for entries from finalists will be 2 June 2017. And, the winners be announced on 19 June 2017.

Gaming
PlayStation Demo for Psychological Horror Title Luto Available Now

Global video game publisher SelectaPlay and developer Broken Bird Games have unveiled a demo for their upcoming psychological horror game, Luto, available on PlayStation through the PlayStation Store. The full game is set to release in 2024 on PC via Steam, as well as on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Named ‘The Choice,’ this standalone demo for the PlayStation version of Luto provides players with a taste of the game’s atmosphere and narrative gameplay, avoiding any spoilers from the full story.
In Luto, a first-person psychological horror experience crafted by Broken Bird Games, players take on the role of an individual trapped in despair within their own home. Escaping requires navigating through challenging paths that test their senses, revealing untold fears and phobias.
Delve into the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one, confronting the horror of darkness concealed by anxiety and depression. Explore a mysterious environment laden with secrets and formidable challenges, requiring careful deciphering. Can you distinguish between reality and fiction?
Luto promises a launch in 2024 across digital platforms, including PC via Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, delivering an immersive horror experience that explores various phobias.
Accessories
GameSir Intros G8 Galileo Mobile Gaming Controller

GameSir has announced the official release of its latest innovation, the GameSir G8 Galileo, a next-generation Type-C wired mobile gaming controller destined to redefine excellence and provide out-of-this-world gaming experiences. Compatible with all controller-supported games across Android and iPhone 15 series devices, the GameSir G8 Galileo boasts an incredible combination of world-class connectivity, seamless software customization, and unstoppable gameplay; empowering users, enhancing their capabilities, and elevating mobile gaming to never-before-seen levels with host of cutting-edge features.
“We’re thrilled that the GameSir G8 Galileo is now available for gaming enthusiasts to purchase,” said Betta Core, CEO, GameSir. “Mobile gaming is a true phenomenon of our time and as popularity soars, demands increase and technological advancements open up new possibilities, nothing gives us more satisfaction than introducing innovations that enable gamers to explore unchartered potential and revel in gaming experiences that go above and beyond. The GameSir G8 Galileo is the gateway to precisely that – and we’re looking forward to seeing the reaction and reception from gamers far and wide in the weeks ahead. The fact that the time has finally come for the gaming community to share the power this controller provides is very exciting.”
Those purchasing the GamerSir G8 Galileo can expect a console-controller-grade mobile controller with console-sized sticks and buttons for exceptional comfort and unparalleled control during extended gameplay. Whether navigating treacherous terrain or taking precise shots, the G8 Galileo guarantees performance with expert precision and maximum comfort, while a movable Type-C port is installed for a dependable, constant connection to gaming devices, delivering unmatched smoothness and reliability.
Another standout feature is GameSir Hall Tech for elevated gameplay. GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analogue triggers offer unparalleled smoothness and responsiveness, giving a competitive advantage in any game, backed up by GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks that deliver 360° seamless pinpoint control, providing the precision and durability that mobile gamers demand alongside super-smooth stick control for reduced stick grinding and extended usage time.
Amongst its many prominent features for redefined excellence, the GameSir G8 Galileo comes with two additional back buttons designed for pro-level mobile gaming. With these, users can map their in-game actions on the go, loading up their favourite button mappings with or without software during gameplay – with mappings instantly programmable and synced in real-time. Thanks to pass-through charging, the GameSir G8 Galileo also ensures gameplay remains uninterrupted, thereby ensuring opponents are conquerable without missing a single moment of the action as the controller charges during play.
What’s more, the GameSir G8 Galileo is purposefully designed for universal compatibility, featuring an extendable bridge and sufficient rear space to be compatible with a wide range of phone models. It’s the perfect choice for mobile gamers seeking adaptability, ensuring a seamless gaming experience. Additionally, interchangeable magnetic detachable faceplates elevate the GameSir G8 Galileo to match the unique style of its user; laser-engraved texture grips and high-saturation fluorescent ink buttons offer a blend of style and substance; and the GameSir App takes the customization and fun of the GameSir G8 Galileo to the next level.
Through the app, users can create personalized controller profiles by mapping buttons, fine-tuning the D-pad diagonals, and adjusting sticks and trigger zones. The GameSir G8 Galileo is available at gamesir.hk and GameSir AliExpress now for $79.99.
Apps
Experience the ChatGPT ‘Make It More’ Trend: Generate Weird AI Images

AI art generators occupy a peculiar space, capable of rendering diverse scenarios, from a cosmic skateboarding dog to a coffee cup adrift in the ocean. Setting aside ethical considerations, some creations may not initially meet expectations, necessitating user prompts to refine the AI-generated output.
Yet, what if the aim isn’t to craft a polished piece of AI art? Enter the “make it more” trend, where ChatGPT users task DALL-E to generate an image and subsequently request the bot to amplify certain aspects. For instance, Justine Moore prompted DALL-E to create a bowl of ramen, then instructed it to make it spicier. The iterative process led to increasingly absurd results, culminating in a bowl of noodles shooting fire beams into outer space.
A Dad getting increasingly Dad-ier pic.twitter.com/1EUFECmnT3
— Justine Moore (@venturetwins) November 27, 2023
While the Make It More trend gains traction on ChatGPT and DALL-E, allowing users to experiment with various image transformations, it also raises concerns about resource utilization. The AI processing involved consumes power and energy, prompting considerations about the trend’s efficiency and environmental impact. Nevertheless, these prompts contribute to OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to enhance AI capabilities across platforms like ChatGPT and DALL-E.