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Week 14

30 Mar – 5 Apr · 20
AIFortune

Anthropic confirms Claude Mythos is real

Following a data leak, Anthropic confirmed its next-tier Mythos model. It represents a step change in reasoning and coding performance compared to current frontier models.

AIYouTube

Guide to running local AI models

A practical walkthrough for executing open-source AI models on local hardware like Mac Studios. Good for avoiding rising API costs and maintaining control over your workflows.

AITechCrunch

Sora shutdown is a reality check for AI video

Analysis of OpenAI's decision to discontinue Sora. It raises questions about whether this is a strategic pivot or a broader industry pullback on generative video technology.

DesignCgchannel

Tamga: lightweight 3D sculpting and painting

VFX TD Ahmet Levent Taşel released a minimalist sculpting tool for browser, desktop, and iPad. It focuses on simplicity and clay-like workflows rather than complex button memorization.

DesignThisiscolossal

Oversized food sculptures from precious stones

Kathleen Ryan uses beads and semiprecious stones to meticulously recreate the textures of decaying fruit. The larger-than-life pieces preserve the colors of mold and rot in impressive detail.

AILinks Tldrnewsletter

xAI doubles down on generative video

As OpenAI pulls back from Sora, xAI is embedding generative video natively into the X platform. They are leveraging SpaceX funding and existing distribution to scale.

DesignCreativebloq

Adobe Turntable brings 3D rotations to vectors

New AI-powered tool in Illustrator that lets you generate 3D rotations from flat 2D vector art. Looks like a solid time-saver for designers moving between dimensions.

DesignLinkedin

Claude takes autonomous control of Substance

Mohammed Anuz demonstrated giving Claude direct control over Substance Painter via MCP. The AI can build layer stacks, bake maps, and export textures from a conversation.

XRr/Spectacles

Spatial AI Kit for Snap Spectacles

An open-source developer kit that simplifies placing AI-generated 3D objects on physical surfaces. Integrates Snap3D, voice recognition, and Remote Service Gateway.

XRr/Spectacles

Smash AR: Mixed reality table tennis

A developer showcase of an AR-first table tennis experience built for Snap Spectacles. It focuses on physics-based play and spatial interaction on the device.

XRTechradar

Rec Room VR closure and the shift to AR

Following Rec Room's shutdown, speculation is growing that assets could fuel future AR initiatives. This marks another significant closure in the pure VR social space.

DesignThisiscolossal

Macro photography of colorful slime molds

Barry Webb captures the intricate structures and vibrant colors of amoeba-like organisms. Great for visual inspiration and observing natural geometric patterns.

AIMarktechpost

Google releases Veo 3.1 Lite video API

New model tier via the Gemini API designed for production-scale video generation. It offers developers a low-cost, high-speed alternative for AI-driven content production.

XRr/augmentedreality

YouTube launches native Vision Pro app

The official app update finally enables spatial viewing on Apple's headset. This unlocks 360-degree and VR180 immersive video content for Vision Pro users.

DesignFigprompt

FigPrompt: Generate Figma plugins from text

New utility that builds custom Figma plugins using natural language descriptions. Automatically packages and delivers ready-to-install tools in about two minutes.

AIOpenai

OpenAI raises $122B for AI superapp

OpenAI secured record funding at an $852B valuation. They revealed plans to consolidate ChatGPT, Codex, and autonomous agents into a single unified AI superapp.

XRArinsider Co

Google Search Live fuses AR and AI

Analysis of Google's visual search technology that combines real-time voice and visual inputs. This multimodal approach could be the primary interface for smart glasses.

DesignBlendernation

Node Runner: Export Blender nodes as text

Add-on for exporting selected node trees as plain text, supporting shaders and geometry nodes. Makes collaboration and version control much easier for technical artists.

Designr/MotionDesign

Joystix & Sliders in real life

A clever motion design piece that translates digital interface controls into a physical context. Great stylized animation showing interface concepts as physical objects.

AITheneuron

The 2026 AI Proficiency Stack Guide

A framework for moving from basic prompting to autonomous agent deployment. Practical strategies for managing projects and maximizing individual productivity with AI.

Week 13

23 Mar – 29 Mar · 20
DesignStashmedia Tv

Anna Ginsburg’s HAG wins at SXSW 2026

BFI-funded animated short HAG premiered at SXSW and secured two major awards. It is a poetic exploration of language and the fragile connections between culture and nature.

Designr/creativecoding

Still Life in p5.js

Visual artwork created through creative coding with the p5.js library. Simple but effective use of code to generate digital art.

AIThe Decoder

Luma Uni-1 challenges Google Nano Banana

New Uni-1 model from Luma Labs handles both image understanding and generation in one architecture. It is holding its own against Google's flagship and is cheaper to run through the upcoming API.

AITech Insider

Google Gemini hits 750M users

Gemini is expected to reach 750 million users by Q3 2026. Growth is being driven by deeper Android integration and the global rollout of AI Mode across Workspace.

AIr/comfyui

Raster to Vector SVG ComfyUI Workflow

Beginner-friendly workflow using the Flux.2 Klein model. It generates raster images and converts them to vector SVG outputs on the fly, including a prompt saver node.

AIForbes

Solo founders scaling via vibe coding

Founders are using AI to handle technical implementation while they focus on creative decisions. This shift is allowing solo makers to ship revenue-generating products faster than ever.

DesignBeforesandafters

Inside Wētā FX’s Oscar-winning Avatar tech

Behind the scenes of the VFX for Avatar: Fire and Ash. Wētā FX developed Kora for physics-based chemical combustion simulations and pushed multi-threading to handle over 1 billion render hours.

XRr/augmentedreality

AR GenAI: Image to AR 3D Model

Generate immersive AR experiences and 3D models from a single photo using AR Code's new generative AI tool. This approach is gaining traction for making spatial creation much simpler.

XRWebpronews

Snapchat hits 2 trillion snaps

Snap continues to grow its user base despite struggles with monetization. The report notes that while AR investments are impressive, hardware like Spectacles remains a niche part of the business.

DesignThisiscolossal

Capturing Hong Kong's 2,549 basketball courts

Photographer Austin Bell documented every single basketball court in Hong Kong. The project SHOOTING HOOPS provides a unique visual portrait of the region’s urban geometry.

DesignDesignboom

Ambitious handmade miniature New York City

Artist Joe Macken built an incredibly detailed miniature model of New York City. The piece is currently on display at the Museum of the City of New York.

DesignItsnicethat

Conor Kehelly's dizzying mixed-media animation

Animator Conor Kehelly blends 2D and 3D to create lively, expressive work. His style often involves putting silly faces on everyday objects for a unique visual sensation.

AIThe Decoder

Disney exits OpenAI deal as Sora app closes

OpenAI is shutting down the Sora app and API to refocus compute resources. Consequently, Disney has withdrawn from their billion-dollar partnership and character licensing agreement.

Design80 Lv

Free surface wrapping tool for Blender

Jörg Grubmüller released WrapKit, a Geometry Nodes tool for wrapping objects onto surfaces. It uses a procedural walker algorithm to avoid the distortion common with traditional Shrinkwrap methods.

DesignStashmedia Tv

BOL and Device explore memory in new short

Directors Pol Solà and Guille Comin teamed up with Device for a universal short film. It’s a beautifully animated exploration of solitude, memory, and light.

Designr/creativecoding

Interactive Dark Cubes Reflections

Creative coding project using interactive cube-based reflections. Includes a live demo and source code available on CodePen for inspection.

DesignBeforesandafters

LAIKA’s breakdown on animating water

Part of the Craft in Motion series, this video covers LAIKA's techniques for water. It looks at the interplay between practical stop-motion elements and digital VFX in their pipeline.

AIr/comfyui

ComfySketch Pro adds 3D pipeline and sync

Major update for the ComfyUI drawing node. Now supports 3D model imports (GLB, OBJ, FBX), viewport sync with Blender and Maya, and new spot healing AI tools.

AIBlog Google

Gemini adds chat and memory import tools

Google is making it easier to switch from other AI apps by allowing users to import their entire chat history and memory. A clear move to centralize user AI context in their ecosystem.

XRDevelopers Snap

AI Clips launches in Lens Studio

Snap's new plugin lets creators generate 5-second AI videos directly within lenses. It transforms a single user photo into a dynamic clip using embedded prompts and predefined concepts.

Week 12

16 Mar – 22 Mar · 29
AIr/creativecoding

Audioreactive MRIs

u/uisato's Audioreactive MRIs likely showcases a creative coding project. It probably features a visual effect responding to audio.

AIr/creativecoding

EverGreen Landscapes

u/Qotonana's EverGreen Landscapes is a creative coding piece. It offers visual inspiration from generative art, showcasing digital art.

AIJustainews

OpenAI Releases ChatGPT 5.4

OpenAI released ChatGPT 5.4, more capable and efficient for daily tasks. It shows a response plan before generating longer answers, helping guide the AI. GPT-5.2 retires on June 5, 2026.

Design80 Lv

Unity Adds Steam & Linux Support

Unity now officially supports Steam, SteamOS, and Linux. This means a native solution for bringing games to Steam and enhanced Linux runtime, making game development easier.

Design80 Lv

Godot Parallax Effect by Binbun

Binbun, known for Godot shaders, created a fascinating parallax effect. This visually appealing work uses textures to map parallax layers and create depth. The setup is available on itch.io.

DesignCreativebloq

KPop Demon Hunters Oscar Win

KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature at the Oscar. The award has significant implications for the animation industry.

AIDesignweek

AI in Branding: Clicks vs. Meaning

AI is good for clicks, humans for meaning, and brands need both. The article argues against a simple AI vs. human framing, urging an understanding of AI's strengths in specific contexts for marketing.

AIThe Decoder

Perplexity's 'Personal Computer' AI Agent

Perplexity AI's 'Personal Computer' offers a tireless AI assistant for $200 a month. It works 24/7, handling emails, presentations, and app control from a dedicated Mac Mini, controllable remotely.

DesignCreativebloq

Nvidia DLSS 5: Graphics Leap or Control End?

Nvidia's DLSS 5 is its boldest graphics leap, but also its most controversial. The article questions whether this new technology represents the future of game graphics or if it marks the end of artistic control.

Designr/blender

Human Loop Blender Animation

Human Loop is a Blender animation piece by u/morelebaks. The artist shares their work, providing links to their Instagram and YouTube for more details.

DesignDesignboom

David Hockney's Immersive Opera Stage Designs

David Hockney's immersive opera stage designs offer a fantastical world. These sets use the same colors and perspectives as his paintings, allowing actors to perform within his art.

XRUploadVR

Spacious Places VR Meditation App

Spacious Places is a VR health and wellness app for musical meditation. It allows users to relax, breathe, and play virtual musical instruments in calming natural environments.

DesignThisiscolossal

NeSpoon's Lace Murals in Urban Spaces

NeSpoon's patterned murals proliferate across urban spaces with white lace. Scaled-up needlework installations give new meaning to 'craft corner,' showcasing intricate urban art.

DesignItsnicethat

Small Prophets Animated Alchemy Breakdown

Mackenzie Crook’s Small Prophets animation involved animators Will Anderson and Ainslie Henderson. They brought the uncanny homunculi to life using stop motion, live action puppets, and CG, blending imagination with craft.

AIThe Decoder

OpenAI's Enterprise AI Adoption Challenge

OpenAI faces a problem getting companies to use its AI beyond ChatGPT. It pushes to integrate its AI into large companies through sales, partnerships, and a new deployment arm, but demand for its enterprise AI agent platform, Fron

DesignThisiscolossal

Ekow Nimako's Afrofuturistic LEGO Sculptures

Ekow Nimako's elaborate Afrofuturistic sculptures transform thousands of black LEGO bricks. This work, inspired by myth and masks, showcases unique material experimentation in art, creating fantastical forms.

DesignDesignboom

Space-Inspired Mini Apple Workstation

A space-inspired mini Apple workstation pays homage to classic LEGO computers. This device includes studs that function as a media control knob and a wireless charger for Apple Watch or AirPods.

XRr/WebXR

Open Metaverse Browser Initiative Launched

Open Metaverse Browser Initiative launched as an open-source project to build a native metaverse browser. It is built on OpenXR, glTF, and new NSO protocols, directly relevant to WebXR builders.

XRUploadVR

Horizon Worlds Drops VR Support

Horizon Worlds is dropping VR support, going flatscreen-only. Meta's platform will only be available as a flatscreen experience for the web and smartphones from June, indicating a strategic shift away from VR.

AINxcode

GPT-5.4 vs GPT-5.2: Upgrade Guide

GPT-5.4 is a significant upgrade from GPT-5.2, offering native Computer Use and expanding context to 1M tokens. GPT-5.2 retires June 5, 2026, making an upgrade essential, especially for production code.

AIr/comfyui

LTX-2.3 4x Keyframes (8GB VRAM) ComfyUI

LTX-2.3 4x Keyframes (8GB VRAM) is a ComfyUI workflow. This offers a solution for video generation using LTX 2.3 with limited VRAM, a useful creative AI workflow.

DesignFxguide

NVIDIA's New DLSS 5 Neural Rendering

NVIDIA's new real-time neural rendering with DLSS 5 redefines how final pixels are made. This technology combines conventional rendering with learned inference, changing the underlying process of visual creation.

DesignThisiscolossal

Pejac's Trompe-L'œil Graph Paper Art

Pejac transforms basic graph paper into detailed, trompe-l'œil tableaux. Pejac challenges perceptions of space and the 'blank slate' by creating intricate graphite drawings on graph paper.

DesignItsnicethat

Nippets Hand-Drawn Hidden-Object Game

Nippets is a hand-drawn, hidden-object game from Blinkink, designed to make you slow down and relax. This independently developed video game, produced by Blink Industries, functions as an interactive picture book.

XRr/augmentedreality

Smart Glasses Help Dementia Patients

Smart Glasses are changing lives for dementia patients through a new AI platform, CrossSense. This platform won a £1m prize for using smart glasses with an AI assistant, Wispy, to guide wearers through daily life and enhance indep

Designr/blender

3D Pixel Art of Childhood Building

3D Pixel, The old building where I lived in my childhood, is an animated 3D art piece created in Blender. This work embraces a realistic visual language with refined model details and handcrafted pixel-based textures.

AIMarktechpost

Google Colab Open-Source MCP Server

Google Colab now has an open-source MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server. This enables AI agents to interact directly with the Google Colab environment, providing programmatic access to create, modify, and utilize Colab runtimes wi

AIOpencode

OpenCode - Open Source AI Coding Agent

OpenCode is a new open-source AI coding agent. It helps write code in the terminal, IDE, or desktop, offering features like LSP support, multi-session capabilities, and integration with various LLMs and editors.

DesignItsnicethat

Laika's 20 Years of Stop-Motion

Laika's 20 years of stop-motion animation offer lessons in craft and storytelling. The studio celebrates its anniversary with a new feature, Wildwood, and a book reflecting on two decades of moviemaking, showcasing authentic craft

Week 11

9 Mar – 15 Mar · 16
Designr/blender

Free Blender procedural fantasy hut generator

A user released a free procedural fantasy hut generator made with Blender Geometry Nodes. It is a valuable tool for 3D artists and procedural content generation.

AIMotionographer

Black Math's art-first generative AI playbook

Black Math launched a brand relaunch. They formalized their 'Start with Art' framework for generative AI, as major tech and high-growth brands continue to work with them.

XRGlass Almanac

Snap spins off Spectacles, hires 100 staff

Snap is spinning off its Spectacles unit and adding nearly 100 hires in 2026. This is a significant strategic move for AR wearables and worth watching for industry trends.

Design80 Lv

TexturingXYZ's SKAP now released

TexturingXYZ's SKAP is available. It generates 16K textures from user input, making it a valuable tool for 3D artists and texturing workflows.

DesignBeforesandafters

VFX breakdown: The making of F1

This is a detailed VFX breakdown of the making of the F1 movie. It provides insights into high-end CGI and visual effects production.

AIBlog Comfy

ComfyUI: From Workflow to App Mode

ComfyUI introduced App Mode, App Builder, and ComfyHub. This system lets users turn complex workflows into distributable applications, a major advancement for creative AI.

DesignLoger Project Github

LoGeR: 3D from long videos by DeepMind

LoGeR from DeepMind and UC Berkeley scales 3D reconstruction for extremely long videos. It uses hybrid memory and attention for consistency, handling up to 19,000 frames without post-hoc optimization.

XRGlass Almanac

Meta's AR Glasses: Facial ID in 2026?

Meta is exploring facial recognition for its consumer smart glasses, planned for a 2026 launch. This raises serious privacy and regulatory concerns for AR/XR development and user identification in public.

DesignBlendernation

Best of Blender Artists: Nov 2026

BlenderNation spotlights top 3D art shared on the Blender Artists forum during November 2026. Always good to see what people are building with Blender.

DesignCgchannel

InstaMAT 2026: New Curves Brushes

Abstract released InstaMAT 2026 with new Curves Brushes. It's a free alternative to Substance tools for 3D texture painting and material authoring, especially useful for indie artists.

XRr/Spectacles

AR DJ app for Spectacles connects YouTube

u/rex_xzec is building an AR app for Spectacles that links to YouTube playlists for mobile DJing. Plans include Bluetooth to connect with physical DJ gear. That's a clever use of AR.

XR8thwall

8th Wall engine goes open-source

Goodbye 8thwall.com. Hello 8thwall.org - 8th Wall shut down its hosted WebAR platform but open-sourced its engine. The core architecture with AR features is now free for creators.

XRLinkedin

Realfiction DPT - displays as windows

Realfiction's Directional Pixel Technology (DPT) makes displays function as windows into other locations or people. This creates immersive communication and 3D collaborative spaces, changing how teams interact with information.

DesignItsnicethat

Procreate Dreams 2 - more expressive animation

Procreate Dreams 2 introduces highly requested tools like selections, transform, and expanded frame-by-frame animation. This aims to make animated storytelling more expressive.