What new features does the Saros update introduce to Returnal?

housemarque Unveils Saros: A Refined Returnal Experience with Hub, Customization, and Adjustable Difficulty

Housemarque’s critically acclaimed roguelike shooter, Returnal, is evolving. The developer has officially unveiled “Saros,” a significant free update designed to address player feedback and enhance the overall experience. This isn’t a sequel, but a ample refinement of the original, bringing a suite of new features focused on accessibility, progression, and player agency. Saros aims to make Selene’s cyclical struggle on Atropos more inviting to a wider audience while still retaining the core intensity that defined Returnal.

The Saros Suite: Key features

The Saros update centers around three core pillars: a dedicated hub area, expanded customization options, and adjustable difficulty settings. These changes represent a direct response to the community’s desires for more control and a less punishing initial experience.

* The House: A central hub area,“The House,” provides a safe haven for Selene. This persistent space allows players to:

* Review unlocked Lore entries.

* Interact with new NPCs offering insights into the world and Selene’s story.

* Access Daily Challenges for additional rewards.

* Strategize and prepare for the next cycle without the constant pressure of immediate danger.

* expanded Customization: Players will gain more control over their builds before embarking on a run.

* Artifacts: A new system allows players to equip Artifacts in The House, providing passive bonuses that persist throughout a cycle. These can be strategically chosen to complement playstyles.

* Adornments: Cosmetic customization options are being expanded, allowing players to personalize Selene’s appearance.

* Weapon Loadouts: While the core random weapon generation remains, players will have more influence over the types of weapons they encounter.

* Adjustable Difficulty – suspension Mode: Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of “Suspension Mode.” this allows players to fundamentally alter the difficulty of Returnal.

* Suspend/Unsuspend Cycle: Players can suspend the cycle at any time, saving their progress and returning to The house.

* Persistent progression: Items and unlocks acquired during a suspended cycle are retained,even after returning to a full cycle.

* Difficulty Scaling: Suspension Mode effectively allows players to break down the challenge into more manageable segments, making the game more accessible to newcomers or those struggling with the original’s demanding difficulty.

Impact on Gameplay & Progression

Saros isn’t simply about making Returnal easier; it’s about offering players more choices.The update fundamentally alters the flow of the game. Previously, a single death meant losing all progress and starting from the beginning.Now,players can mitigate risk,experiment with different builds,and gradually unravel the mysteries of Atropos at their own pace.

The addition of The House as a persistent space is a game-changer. It provides a much-needed respite from the relentless action and allows for a deeper engagement with the game’s lore. The ability to review collected Lore fragments in a dedicated space encourages exploration and rewards players for their curiosity.

Benefits for Different Player Types

The Saros update caters to a broad spectrum of players:

* New Players: Suspension Mode provides a gentle onboarding experience, allowing newcomers to learn the game’s mechanics and systems without being overwhelmed by the punishing difficulty.

* Experienced Players: Veteran Returnal players can still opt for the conventional, unforgiving experience. Suspension Mode is entirely optional, and those seeking a challenge can continue to play without interruption.

* Lore Enthusiasts: The expanded Lore system and the dedicated space in The House will appeal to players who are invested in the narrative and world-building of Returnal.

* Build Experimenters: The Artifact system and increased customization options allow players to fine-tune their builds and explore different playstyles.

Real-World Development Insights

Housemarque has a strong track record of listening to its community. Following the initial release of Returnal, the developers actively engaged with players on social media and forums, gathering feedback on areas for advancement. The saros update is a direct result of this ongoing dialog. In a recent developer blog post, Housemarque stated that their goal with Saros was to “preserve the core essence of Returnal while making it more approachable and enjoyable for a wider audience.” This commitment to player feedback is a testament to Housemarque’s dedication to its fanbase.

Practical Tips for Utilizing Saros Features

* Experiment with artifacts: Don’t be afraid to try different Artifact combinations to find synergies that suit yoru playstyle.

* Utilize The House for Lore Collection: Regularly check The House for new Lore entries and insights into the story.

* master Suspension Mode: Learn to strategically suspend and unsuspended cycles to maximize your progress and minimize risk.

* Explore Daily Challenges: Daily Challenges offer a great way to earn additional rewards and test your skills.

Saros represents a significant evolution for Returnal, solidifying its position as a standout title in the roguelike genre. By addressing player feedback and introducing a wealth of new features,

How can I run large language models offline on a Dell Intel Core Ultra PC using the DIY AI Cookbook?

Run LLMs Offline on Dell Intel core Ultra PCs with Our DIY AI cookbook

The demand for Large Language Models (llms) is soaring, but reliance on cloud connectivity presents limitations – latency, data privacy concerns, and cost. Fortunately, recent advancements in processor technology, particularly with Dell’s integration of Intel Core Ultra processors, are making offline LLM execution a viable reality for many users. This guide, our “DIY AI Cookbook,” will walk you through the process.

Understanding the Hardware: Intel Core Ultra and Dell PCs

Dell’s latest lineup featuring Intel Core Ultra processors (Meteor lake architecture) represents a meaningful leap forward for on-device AI processing. These processors boast a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) alongside the CPU and GPU.

* NPU Benefits: The NPU is specifically designed for AI tasks, offering significantly improved performance and power efficiency compared to running LLMs solely on the CPU or GPU. This translates to faster inference speeds and longer battery life.

* Core Ultra Specs to Consider: Look for models with higher NPU execution throughput (measured in TOPS – tera Operations Per Second). More TOPS generally mean faster LLM performance. Also, prioritize models with ample unified memory (LPDDR5X) as LLMs are memory intensive.

* Dell PC Options: Dell’s XPS and Inspiron series are leading the charge, offering configurations with Intel Core Ultra processors. Consider the cooling solution – sustained LLM inference can generate heat.

Choosing the Right LLM for Offline use

Not all LLMs are created equal when it comes to offline execution. Several factors influence suitability:

1. Model Size: Smaller models (parameter count) generally require less processing power and memory. Models like TinyLlama, Phi-3 Mini, or even quantized versions of larger models (see “Quantization Explained” below) are excellent starting points.
2. Quantization: This process reduces the precision of the model’s weights, significantly decreasing its size and computational requirements with minimal impact on accuracy. Tools like llama.cpp and GPTQ-for-LLaMa are crucial for quantization.
3. Framework compatibility: Ensure the LLM you choose is compatible with frameworks optimized for Intel Core Ultra NPUs, such as openvino.
4. Licensing: Always verify the licensing terms of the LLM before deploying it.

Setting Up Your Environment: Software & tools

Here’s a breakdown of the essential software and tools you’ll need:

* Operating System: Windows 11 (recommended for optimal Intel Core Ultra NPU support) or a Linux distribution like Ubuntu.

* OpenVINO Toolkit: Intel’s OpenVINO toolkit is key to leveraging the NPU. Download and install the latest version from the Intel Developer Zone (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/developer/tools/openvino-toolkit/overview.html).

* llama.cpp: A popular library for running LLMs, especially quantized models, on CPUs and GPUs. It now includes experimental NPU support via OpenVINO integration. (https://github.com/ggerganov/llama.cpp)

* Python: Essential for scripting and interacting with the LLM.

* Text Editor/IDE: VS Code, PyCharm, or your preferred development environment.

A step-by-Step Guide: Running an LLM Offline

Let’s walk through a simplified example using llama.cpp and a quantized model:

1. Download a Quantized Model: Hugging Face (https://huggingface.co/) is a great resource. Search for quantized versions of models like TinyLlama or Phi-3 Mini in GGUF format.
2. Install llama.cpp: Follow the instructions on the llama.cpp GitHub repository for your operating system. Ensure you build with OpenVINO support enabled.
3. Convert the Model (if necessary): Some models may require conversion to a format compatible with llama.cpp.
4. Run the Model: Use the llama.cpp command-line interface to load the model and start interacting with it. Specify the OpenVINO device for NPU acceleration. Example: ./main -m /path/to/your/model.gguf -d openvino
5. Experiment with Parameters: adjust parameters like context length, temperature, and top_p to fine-tune the LLM’s output.

Quantization explained: Making llms Smaller and Faster

quantization is a critical step for running LLMs offline. it reduces the precision of the model’s weights from, for example, 32-bit floating point to 8-bit integer or even lower.

* Benefits of Quantization:

* Reduced model size (up to 4x smaller).

* Lower memory requirements.

* Faster inference speeds.

* Reduced power consumption.

* Quantization Methods: GPTQ, AWQ, and GGUF are popular quantization methods.GGUF is particularly well-suited for llama.cpp.

* Trade-offs: Quantization can slightly reduce accuracy, but the performance gains frequently enough outweigh this loss, especially for smaller models.

Real-World Applications & Use Cases

Offline LLMs on Dell Intel Core Ultra PCs unlock a range of

How did wastewater surveillance detect Vermont’s first measles case in 2026?

Vermont’s First Measles Case of 2026 Detected via Wastewater Monitoring

Vermont health officials have confirmed the state’s first case of measles in 2026, a significant advancement detected through proactive wastewater surveillance. This marks a crucial moment in public health, demonstrating the growing effectiveness of this innovative monitoring technique. The case, identified in Chittenden County, underscores the continued risk of measles outbreaks, even with high vaccination rates, and highlights the importance of maintaining robust surveillance systems.

The Power of Wastewater Surveillance for Measles Detection

Traditionally, measles detection relies on clinical reporting – waiting for individuals too exhibit symptoms, seek medical attention, and receive a confirmed diagnosis. This process can be slow, allowing the virus to spread before public health interventions can be implemented. Wastewater surveillance offers a powerful alternative.

Here’s how it works:

* Sample Collection: Samples are regularly collected from wastewater treatment plants.

* Viral RNA Detection: laboratories analyze the samples for the presence of measles virus RNA.

* Early Warning System: Detection of the virus in wastewater signals potential community spread before clinical cases are reported, providing an early warning system.

* Geographic Specificity: Wastewater data can pinpoint areas where the virus is circulating, allowing for targeted public health responses.

this method isn’t new; it gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now being adapted for other infectious diseases, including polio and now, measles. Vermont’s success demonstrates the feasibility and value of expanding this approach.

Details of the Vermont Case & Public Health Response

The individual diagnosed with measles is an adult who was unvaccinated.Contact tracing is underway to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. The Vermont Department of Health is emphasizing the following:

* Vaccination is Key: The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles.Two doses are recommended for all individuals.

* Symptoms to Watch For: Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash develops several days later, usually starting on the face and spreading downward.

* isolation Protocol: Individuals suspected of having measles should isolate themselves to prevent further spread.

* Healthcare Provider Notification: Healthcare providers are urged to promptly report any suspected cases of measles to the Vermont Department of Health.

The wastewater monitoring program, initiated in late 2025, was instrumental in identifying the potential outbreak early, allowing for a faster response than would have been possible with conventional methods.

Why is Measles Resurging?

Despite being declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, measles continues to pose a threat. Several factors contribute to its resurgence:

* Decreasing Vaccination Rates: Vaccination rates have declined in recent years, leaving more individuals susceptible to infection. This is often linked to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

* International Travel: Travelers can bring measles back from countries where the virus is still endemic.

* Imported Cases: Even a single imported case can trigger an outbreak in an unvaccinated community.

* Suboptimal Herd Immunity: herd immunity – the protection conferred to unvaccinated individuals when a large percentage of the population is vaccinated – is compromised when vaccination rates fall below the necessary threshold (around 95%).

Benefits of proactive Wastewater Monitoring

Investing in wastewater surveillance offers numerous benefits for public health:

* Early Outbreak Detection: As demonstrated in Vermont, it provides an early warning system, allowing for rapid response.

* Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to widespread clinical testing, wastewater monitoring can be a more cost-effective way to track disease prevalence.

* Real-Time Data: Provides near real-time data on viral trends, enabling informed decision-making.

* Thorough Coverage: Captures data from the entire community, including individuals who may not seek medical care.

* Versatility: The same infrastructure can be used to monitor for multiple pathogens concurrently.

Practical Tips for Vermont Residents

To protect yourself and your community:

* check Your Vaccination Records: Ensure you and your family are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine.

* Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Vermont Department of Health regarding the measles situation.

* Practise Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and cover your coughs and sneezes.

* Be Aware of Symptoms: Know the signs of measles and seek medical attention if you suspect you might potentially be infected.

* Support Public Health Initiatives: Advocate