10 AI-Created Avatars Compete as Beauty Pageants - 1

10 AI-Created Avatars Compete as Beauty Pageants

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Organized by the World AI Creators Awards (WAICAS), the Miss AI pageant features 10 finalists created by artists around the globe. These artists used advanced AI programs ( like DALL-E, Midjourney, or Stable Diffusion) to generate images of women.The winner will be announced on July 8th and will receive a $5,000 cash prize along with public relations support. The contestants are judged on three criteria: aesthetics, technical skill used in creation, and online influence.

For example, Kenza Layli , who has almost 200,000 followers, was noted for “contributing to the empowerment of women in Morocco and the Middle East.” Olivia C from Portugal, is a “traveler” showcasing how technology can “enhance the human experience, not replace it.” Meanwhile, Aiyana Rainbow has been shortlisted for representing a message of inclusivity, showcasing LGBTQIA+ pride.

Despite these claims, a 2024 research paper casts a shadow on these seemingly progressive concepts. The researchers warn that AI models used to generate images can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and gender biases. The study found that these models tend to depict women in stereotypical ways, both in terms of appearance and profession.

In response to criticisms on this subject, in an email to TIME WAICAS team emphasized their focus on “celebrating diversity and realism.” They stated, “This isn’t about pushing unrealistic standards, but realistic creators that represent real people. Traditional pageantry took decades to evolve and be more representative—whilst AI can do this in fast forward which is really exciting”.

Whether AI-generated beauty pageants signal the future of the industry remains to be seen. However, the Miss AI pageant undeniably marks a turning point, raising questions about beauty standards and the role of AI in creative fields.

Valve and Hori Collaborate to Launch Steam-Focussed Wireless Controller - 2

Valve and Hori Collaborate to Launch Steam-Focussed Wireless Controller

  • Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Controller manufacturer Hori announced the launch of a new officially licensed gamepad for Steam last week. Scheduled to launch on October 31 in Japan (for now), the Wireless Horipad for Steam is the first controller licensed by Valve since it discontinued its Steam controller in 2019.

The PC and SteamOS controller includes all the menu and share buttons found on the Steam Deck, including the touch-sensitive stick tops that can activate gyroscope sensors. Unlike its predecessor, it hosts a variety of options that can be customized using Hori’s software, including four built-in programmable buttons similar to those on the Steam Deck.

For Steam specific mode, the console includes two dedicated buttons — quick access and big picture mode. As for connectivity, it supports both Bluetooth wireless and wired USB connections, similar to other popular controllers from Xbox and PlayStation.

According to The Verge , while Horipad shares many similarities with Steam Deck — “it lacks rumble, a matching set of four back buttons, and [its] signature trackpads.”

The product is currently available for pre-order exclusively on Hori’s Japan website in white, midnight black, neon yellow, and violet. It is currently priced at ¥7,980, which is approximately $50 USD at the time of writing.

There has been no announcement regarding a wider release. According to The Verge, this limited availability may be due to the rising popularity of PC gaming and console hardware in Japan. Data from Kadokawa ASCII Research Laboratories revealed that PC gaming in Japan saw a significant annual increase of 43%, reaching US$1.3 billion, while the console hardware segment grew by 3.4%, reaching US$1.4 billion in 2022.

Interestingly, on the same day Hori announced the launch of its Steam-centric controller, Valve published an article which discussed statistics on the rising use of controllers in Steam. The article also included a recent update on controller support implemented by Valve in Steam.