Latest news with #SteveCollins
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Unity CTO Steve Collins steps down after 6 months
Steve Collins, the CTO of the game engine developer Unity, is stepping down, a company representative confirmed to TechCrunch. He joined Unity just six months ago after serving as CTO of King, the mobile gaming company behind Candy Crush. According to Unity, Collins made the decision to leave the company of his own accord. "We can confirm that Steve Collins has decided to leave Unity for personal reasons," a company representative said. "We're grateful for his contributions. As we continue our transformation, we're confident our world-class tech team will keep driving the strategy forward." Unity has faced much internal strife over the last few years. In fall 2023, the company announced controversial changes to its pricing model that enraged the developer community. Though some of these changes were walked back, the company's CEO John Riccitiello resigned as a result. Months later, Unity laid off 25% of its staff, amounting to 1,800 jobs. Though Unity now has some distance from those events, some game developers remain distrusting of the company. Collins' departure is not necessarily related to Unity's struggles, but another executive shakeup could prove disruptive. Sign in to access your portfolio
TechCrunch
6 days ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Unity CTO Steve Collins steps down after six months
Steve Collins, the CTO of the game engine developer Unity, is stepping down, a company representative confirmed to TechCrunch. He joined Unity just six months ago after serving as CTO of King, the mobile gaming company behind Candy Crush. According to Unity, Collins made the decision to leave the company of his own accord. 'We can confirm that Steve Collins has decided to leave Unity for personal reasons,' a company representative said. 'We're grateful for his contributions. As we continue our transformation, we're confident our world-class tech team will keep driving the strategy forward.' Unity has faced much internal strife over the last few years. In fall 2023, the company announced controversial changes to its pricing model that enraged the developer community. Though some of these changes were walked back, the company's CEO John Riccitiello resigned as a result. Months later, Unity laid off 25% of its staff, amounting to 1800 jobs. Though Unity now has some distance from those events, some game developers remain distrusting of the company. Collins' departure is not necessarily related to the Unity's struggles, but another executive shakeup could prove disruptive. Techcrunch event Save now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These low-rate deals disappear when the doors open on June 5. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW
Irish Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Collins and Frampton said I can be next Irish star... I'm ready to prove it'
Steve Collins and Carl Frampton are both big admirers of Steven Cairns and the Corkman says he is ready to become a superstar of Irish boxing. 'The Irish Takeover' moved to 11-0 as a professional with the seventh stoppage victory of his career earlier this month when beating tough Mexican Francisco Javier Lucero at the National Stadium in Dublin, knocking him out in the third round. Frampton has been a long-time admirer of Cairns, stating after watching one of his fights last year that he could be Ireland's next big star. The 22-year-old also got praise from former middleweight and super-middleweight world champion Collins after his last fight and is now ready to prove both the 'Celtic Warrior' and Frampton correct. "That's the plan," said Cairns. "Getting words like that off him (Frampton) is what motivates me to keep pushing myself in the gym and after the fight I got to meet Steve Collins and he gave me some kind words. "He was saying I was definitely the best boxer on the night and he loved watching my style. "I said to him 'we've got the same initials and I hope I can do what you did one day' and he actually said to me; 'Trust me lad, you're a lot better than I was'. "It was class. Even when we were leaving the arena, he was driving out and he stopped to put down his window and shouted 'see you later Steven'. "It was a good buzz because I looked up to the likes of Steve Collins and Carl Frampton and for them to be impressed by my boxing, it's what I've worked hard for since I was a kid and I love it." The Queensberry-signed and Dave Coldwell-trained fighter is hoping to emulate the heroics of Collins and Frampton as he looks towards winning his first pro title in the coming months. "I think it shows I'm doing the right things," added Cairns. "Obviously from a young age, moving away from home and deciding this is what I want to do because I believed in myself and I knew I could get there. "I wouldn't do it unless I believed I was going to be world champion and my plan is to be the best Irish boxer ever and that is by beating the likes of Carl Frampton and Steve Collins, who were both two-weight world champions, and to beat them I have to become a three-weight world champion or the undisputed world champion so that's my goal. "I want to be known as, when I retire, the best boxer of Irish history, and I'm working towards that every single day, tirelessly every day."
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Something I'll always cherish' Cardiff record shop closing down after 30 years
A Cardiff record store is closing its doors this weekend after more than 30 years of serving music lovers. D'Vinyl in Roath has built a reputation stretching well beyond the city, attracting visitors from all over the globe with its vast collection of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and music memorabilia. Owner Steve Collins, who has spent decades curating the shop's impressive collection, will be saying goodbye to the business that became a staple for local music fans. Steve, a Cardiff native, opened D'Vinyl in 1994 alongside his brother Nigel. Before starting the shop, Steve had a 20-year career as a DJ in Cardiff's club scene. Reflecting on his decision to switch careers, he said: "I had enough of the late nights! It felt like a natural progression and it kept me connected to music – a bit of a selfish reason really!" READ MORE: Bodybuilder and Netflix star dies on treadmill at the gym READ MORE: Luke Littler threatens Roy Keane row after furious outburst as Ian Wright steps in Though the shop is small in size, it's known for its "TARDIS" effect—deceptively small on the outside but brimming with treasures inside. Once you step through the door, you're immersed in a world of media: from Star Wars memorabilia to albums by ABBA, ZZ Top and everything in between. The store is especially renowned for its collection of prog-rock, jazz, blues, folk and disco as well as rare 12-inch singles, live tracks, and demos. One standout item is the £300 signed CD of the Manic Street Preachers' 1992 single Little Baby Nothing, signed by the entire band, including Richey Edwards. "I don't specialise in anything in particular," Steve explained. "But we've always had a great variety of music here—across every genre—and the goal has always been to make people happy." One of his most memorable sales was a rare copy of Please Please Me by The Beatles on the Gold Label, which sold for £900. "I am a big Beatles fan," he said. "The Double White album stands to be one of my favourite albums ever." Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here Over the years, Steve has seen a steady stream of customers pass through his doors, forging lasting friendships along the way. "We've been lucky to build such great relationships with our customers," Steve said. "I've had former students come back with their families over the years, and the shop has become a bit of a tradition for them." Thanks to word-of-mouth, D'Vinyl has drawn visitors from around the world, making it not just a record shop but a community hub. "In the music scene, people talk and this place has been recommended to others from across the world. The connections we've made here, with people from all over, have been very special and are something I'll always cherish." Reflecting on the trends he's witnessed over the years, Steve noted the resurgence of vinyl. "I wasn't surprised when vinyl came back," he said. "We've always had them, and people love the sound. It's such a unique experience." He also mentioned the way the death of icons like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury led to a surge of interest in their music. "It's sad, though," he remarked. 'Why not buy it while they're still around making music?' Now, at 74, Steve is ready to retire. "I've done my time," he said with a laugh. "I need a holiday! I want to spend more time with my family and enjoy life a little." To announce his retirement Steve took to social media to thank his loyal customers, adding: "I've had so many messages from people wanting to say goodbye, but who couldn't make it last week. So, I decided to open for a few final days this week—Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday—while I wrap things up. Thanks again to everyone for an incredible 31 years." His post was met with much love from former customers, with one reminiscing: "Used to go here all the time when I lived in Roath. Got so many bargains here, but more than that, the personal service was always amazing. I was always blown away by asking Steve if he had a particular item, and he had his entire, immense stock all catalogued in his head. In the wall was a CD copy of the JEEP album, signed by Stereophonics. Always wanted it, but never got round to buying it. All the best for your retirement Steve, will definitely pop in for one last look around on Saturday!" Another added: "Hi Steve, big HELLOS from Miroslav (peace celebrator) from The Czech Republic, your 2009-2019 regular customer. All the best to you and your family! You were one of the two people because of whom I was coming back to Cardiff." Steve's last day of trading will officially be Saturday, April 5.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Unity-powered Mindshow puts animation directors on virtual sets
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Animation often requires a huge investment in time and money due to linear production constraints. Each step requires specialised animation software, from assets to previsualization to rendering, which can create bottlenecks. The production company Mindshow thinks it has a solution. It's launching its own Unity-powered enterprise-scale software. Mindshow merges real-time rendering with asset ingest and character animation tools to cover the entire production pipeline, from storyboarding to final pass, in a single platform. It allows directors to step into virtual sets using VR and mixed reality headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest, and it's designed to be able to integrate new virtual production capabilities rapidly as more cutting-edge tools reach market. Mindshow says its platform makes production more efficient, immediate and intuitive by enabling real-time animation that maximises the value of existing brand IP. Features include:Advanced Voice Integration: proprietary lip-sync technology converts pre-recorded audio into stylized animated facial performances and character movements. Virtual Studio Cameras: directors can capture unlimited angles with multiple cameras using industry-standard lens settings, enabling iterations for instant control and review. Motion Capture (mocap): generates real-time character expression leveraging industry-standard mocap suits to rapidly evolving camera tracking solutions like Meta Quest. Asset Integration Pipeline: existing character libraries are easily converted into 3D models that are rigged for performance, maximizing the value of brand assets. Powered by Unity's real-time engine, it puts enterprise-scale virtual production tools within reach of Unity's global developer community. "Unity's real-time 3D platform is designed to be scalable and flexible, giving creators the tools to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. Whether it's integrating advanced tech or adapting to new workflows, our platform helps developers create captivating and innovative experiences," says Steve Collins, Unity's CTO. "When partners like Mindshow deliver accessible virtual production tools through an intuitive interface, it demonstrates Unity's versatility in changing the game for animation, making studio-quality content easier to achieve." Meanwhile, streaming veteran David Baron has joined Mindshow as COO. A founding executive at Hulu, Baron also held leadership roles at Fox Digital Media, Paramount, and Microsoft. "Content distribution hit a historic inflection point when streaming put libraries of content at viewers' fingertips. Mindshow brings that same accessibility to creation,' he says. "Brands can now move from concept to delivery in one production cycle, turning characters into multi-platform properties across social, streaming, previsualization, and beyond. For the business of animation, this changes everything." Mindshow is already available for licensing to select entertainment companies, sports organizations and consumer brands while continuing to offer its full-service production suite through its Los Angeles-based studio. For others, there's a waiting list. To learn more, visit For inspiration, see our roundup of the best animation styles.
