Ultimidi is a piano-learning game built around using a piano as the controller, with the aim of teaching notes, chords, scales, and other skills through play. Its creator says an early idea for a more complex game proved difficult because players had to read music, play, and follow gameplay rules at once. The design instead combines basic beat-based note playing with piano-input minigames, including Sound Invaders, and offers songs in scrolling or sheet-music formats. Much of the content is free, with additional material in a Pro version.
A musician who makes ear-training games welcomed the project and offered a specific learning-design concern: a metronome that sounds different pitches on the downbeat and other beats could confuse beginners as they connect notes with pitches. The creator said they had not considered this and would change it. Their exchange highlights the main tension in the design: making piano practice engaging through game mechanics while avoiding sounds or rules that distract from musical learning. The creator also invited feedback on MIDI connections and note detection, while acknowledging that the game’s simple AI-generated art is a placeholder.
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From August 2028, universities in England will pay £925 ($1,200) annually for each international student above an exemption threshold of 220, including current and new students. The government expects the levy to raise revenue for education, while university leaders warn it could strain finances and push up tuition fees. (africa.businessinsider.com)
The Pentagon is developing a plan for major U.S. bases to sustain essential operations independently for 90 days, including power, water, fuel, and communications. Separately, Britain is advising households to keep enough food, water, and cash for three days of disruption; officials say the efforts are not coordinated and do not signal an imminent war. (fortune.com)
“Buy, borrow and die” lets wealthy investors hold appreciating assets, borrow against them instead of selling, and pass them to heirs, who may receive a higher tax basis. The strategy can reduce capital-gains taxes while creating demand for loans secured by investments. (wsj.com)
The US fired an estimated 609 missile interceptors defending Israel from October 2023 through September 2026, including 186 SM-3s and 378 THAADs. The analysis estimates the interceptors cost $11 billion, exceeding Israel’s own use of ballistic-missile defenses. (stephensemler.com)
Microsoft is offering voluntary exits to 60,000 employees at level 70 or below in the U.S., India, Canada, and the UK. The program has prompted speculation that further layoffs are coming, but the post does not confirm that connection. (twitter.com)
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