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Over the past few months I've been heavily involved in the decompilation community. I've been hands-on decompiling a beloved game from my childhood (Star Fox Adventures). I started this journey with zero prior decomp experience—and to make things worse I had never really touched C nor assembly either.Learning how to decompile was challenging. It's difficult to find any good learning resources for it and any open-source projects for this are inactive and/or contain little actual learning material.So I put together Decomp Academy! Decomp Academy is an interactive way to learn how to decompile PowerPC assembly back into C. The site runs a live Metrowerks CodeWarrior GC/2.0 compiler, converts your C into assembly, and then checks how close your assembly matches the target. If even 1 instruction or bit is off, that's a fail. This is the gold standard for video game decompilation and this is much stricter than a normal decompile.As of writing there are 250+ lessons on the site and the lessons start at the very basics so anyone with a little programming experience should be able to jump straight in, even if you're not a C expert. Some lessons also have real functions taken from live open source decomp projects (Star Fox Adventures, Mario Party 4, Pikmin, Metroid Prime). The idea being you learn everything you need to know to be able to jump in and contribute to a real decompilation project when done.The site is completely free, open source and you have access to all lessons without having to sign up. All lessons are stored in markdown in the repo (src/curriculum), it's trivial to add or modify lessons. The site is very new and the lessons are rapidly changing every day with a whole C++ section on the way. The site has already been well received by the decomp community and I'm happy to share it with HN. I'm very keen on others to contribute to this project and I hope this becomes the best resource on the internet for learning the art of decompilation. Please let me know what you think!Source: https://github.com/JackPriceBurns/decomp-academy-fe Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48703412 Points: 4 # Comments: 1

OpenAI says ChatGPT has become less literal and more conversational after quietly updating GPT-5.5 Instant for everyone. Naturally, I wanted to know whether I could actually tell the difference.After spending the day chatting with the updated model, both by text and in Voice Mode, I came away with mixed feelings. Some conversations did feel more natural, but others reminded me we're still a long way from talking to AI as effortlessly as we talk to another person.Rather than making ChatGPT dramatically smarter, OpenAI says the update should make it feel easier to talk to. The AI is supposed to infer what you're trying to accomplish instead of taking every prompt literally, adapt more naturally when you change your mind, and keep track of the thread of a conversation without needing as many reminders.Fade into the backgroundNow, a lot of that will naturally fade into the background as you talk to ChatGPT, since none of it is designed to stand out, so it can be hard to quantify if the update is objectively better. In my own testing, I noticed ChatGPT felt quicker to adapt when I clarified what I wanted. Instead of sticking rigidly to its original interpretation, as it often does, it seemed more willing to adjust course as the conversation evolved.I still have to tell it if it's off the mark, but I get the feeling that it’s actually listening to me and is going to remember what I want and deliver it next time. It's not reading my mind. I still have to tell it when it's misunderstood me. The difference is that, once corrected, it feels more likely to carry that feedback through the rest of the conversation instead of slipping back into its original interpretation.In fact, I’ve been quite impressed by how much more insightful it appears when I bounce ideas off it. Instead of simply agreeing with my first suggestion, it's become a little more likely to ask whether I'd considered a different angle.Voice ModeOf course, because Voice Mode also uses GPT-5.5 it has also received an update. To test it out, I fired up ChatGPT Voice Mode on my iPhone and had a quick chat with the AI. Despite it telling me that it now had “more nuance and contextual awareness” I didn’t really notice a difference in this mode.I decided to try tripping it up with a bit of sarcasm. When I replied "No way!" after one of its suggestions, ChatGPT took me completely literally and assumed I wanted to end the conversation. So much for all that extra contextual awareness.Using ChatGPT in Voice Mode still feels a bit unnatural to me, just like it did before. I still prefer to ‘talk’ to ChatGPT via text.So, while the GPT-5.5 update means that ChatGPT may have just got a bit more natural to converse with, at least by text, I’d say we’re still a way off completely smooth human / AI vocal interaction. At least we’ve taken a small step in the right direction.

There's 50% off a ton of The Criterion Collection's 4K Blu-rays at Barnes & Noble, so I thought I would pick my six favorite discs, all of which I've tested as part of the Blu-ray Bounty. This is our monthly feature where I try the latest 4K releases, judging whether they make a worth addition to your collection. Criterion is a regular feature in the Blu-ray Bounty because it's superb at 4K restorations. Double Indemnity is still one of my top examples of what 4K can do for a classic movie, while Breakfast Club and Chunking Express are much more colorful, bolder movies that show off Criterion's 4K prowess. Dead Man is another black and white, contrast-rich move that looks staggering in 4K, and 3:10 To Yuma (1957) is another Western classic that shines in this image quality. Yi Yi is a quietly brilliant 4K restoration that has its moments where it will know you out, but looks great throughout. My 6 picks from Criterion's 50% off sale Criterion Collection Double Indemnity 4K Blu-ray Criterion Collection The Breakfast Club 4K Blu-ray Criterion Collection Dead Man 4K Blu-ray Criterion Collection Chungking Express 4K Blu-ray Criterion Collection 3:10 To Yuma (1957) 4K Blu-ray Criterion Collection Yi Yi 4K Blu-ray Double Indemnity (Image credit: Paramount Pictures / Future)Double Indemnity tells the story an insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) who conspires with the wife (Barbara Stanwyck) of a wealthy man to capitalize on his life insurance using a particular clause. Double Indemnity is an excellent-looking 4K disc. The restoration is fantastic, and has not only given textures a 3D-like effect, but contrast looks superb as well. Black tones are inky, whites have a nice, punchy brightness to them, and there's a great range of gray tones to give the picture more depth. There's still film grain present for cinephiles, but new life has been breathed into this movie. If you have one of the best TVs, this contrast-rich disc will look superb. Despite only having a monaural soundtrack, dialog is clear throughout and sound effects are accurately mapped to the action on screen. The score is delivered with real clarity too. A neo-noir that was a prototype for a lot of contemporary movies, Double Indemnity looks superb in 4K, with an excellent restoration. View DealBreakfast Club (Image credit: Criterion Collection / Future )The Breakfast Club is John Hughes' classic '80s coming-of-age story about five high school kids from different backgrounds serving a Saturday detention at the same time. Where The Breakfast Club really thrives in 4K is in its color reproduction. Reds in particular pop on screen, shown in the reds of Bender's plaid shirt and the glossy Coca-Cola cans as the gang eats their lunch. Textures have been upscaled nicely, giving skin a realistic look but there's still film grain retained to keep the movie's iconic look. The disc's DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack sounds great. While not an audio showcase, it delivers the smaller details with precision, such as the scratching of a pencil, the squeaking of Bender's leather boots or the incessant ticking clock in some scenes. John Hughes' iconic 80s coming-of-age movie looks brilliant in 4K, with crisp textures, bold colors and a detailed sound mix that sounds great through a surround sound system. View DealDead Man (Image credit: Criterion Collection / Miramax / Future )Dead Man tells the story of William Blake (Johnny Depp), a banker on the run who meets a Native American named Nobody (Gary Farmer) who believes he is the reincarnation of William Blake the poet. Dead Man looks awesome in 4K. With some of the richest contrast I've seen on a 4K Blu-ray before. Presented in black and white, white tones are stunning and black tones are deep and bold. This is balanced with a big range of gray tones to give the picture real depth. Textures are crisp and and look incredibly lifelike, especially in the marks on people's faces. Those with one of the best OLED TVs will be rewarded here. Equipped with a DTS-HD 2.0 MA soundtrack, speech is clear throughout and the chugging guitars of Neil Young's excellent soundtrack is refined, powerful and balanced. Other effects such as gunfire are clear too. Dead Man is gorgeous-looking disc with powerful contrast and impressive textures. With some truly beautiful cinemaphotography, the 4K restoration here is top-notch. While not as much of an audio feast, the sound mix is still very done. View DealChungking Express (Image credit: Criterion / Future)Chungking Express follows the story of two different policemen in Hong Kong, both of whom fall in love. One falls for a mysterious woman, while the other falls for a server at a restaurant he regularly visits. Chungking Express is a visually engaging movie that's given another dimension on 4K. While there's no HDR included, colors are still punchy and vibrant, whether it's the neon of the Hong Kong markets or Faye's bright yellow top. Textures have been upscaled here too, with details in the wrinkled shirt of the cop or in people's hair, it's a great-looking restoration. Throughout the movie, the DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack does a great job of capturing the immersive feel of Hong Kong's busy streets. Clinking plates, raised conversations and horns of passing traffic are all accurately placed and well-balanced, allowing each element to come through loud and clear. Through a great surround system, this will sound totally immersive. Chungking Express looks and sounds great on 4K Blu-ray. Punchy colors and strong contrast capture the look of Hong Kong, while the DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack captures the chaotic, busy nature of the city. View Deal3:10 To Yuma (1954)(Image credit: Criterion Collection / Future )3:10 To Yuma tells the story of rancher Dan Evans (Van Heflin) who is tasked with guarding and escorting an outlaw named Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) until the train to the town where his trial takes place arrives. 3:10 To Yuma (1957) is another superb Criterion restoration of a classic movie. Contrast is strong, again with punchy white tones, rich black tones and a full range of grays in between. Textures look detailed and realistic, with the deep frown lines on Dan Evans' head or the stubble and sweat on various character's faces showing the brilliance of this 4K disc. There are two soundtrack options but really it's the DTS-HD 5.1 MA mix that shines. There's deep, rumbling bass from the gallop of horses, precise placement of gunfire and clear speech throughout. The soundstage is wide enough that all these elements are given ample room, delivering an immersive sound overall. 3:10 To Yuma (1957) is another showcase of what Criterion can do for older movies. Textures are crisp, contrast is powerful and the disc's DTS-HD 5.1 MA soundtrack delivers a wide soundstage with plenty of detail and bass. View DealYi-Yi(Image credit: Criterion Collection / Future )Yi Yi follows the story of the Jian family, who are based in Taiwan, focusing on the perspectives of three family members in particular: N.J, the father; Ting-Ting, his teenage daughter and Yang-Yang, his young son. Yi Yi is a detailed and sometimes visually striking 4K disc. Textures such as hair and skin look realistic and the disc does a great job of showing off the more intricate details in environments. Every so often, the disc then hits you with a reference-level scene, namely the wedding at the start. The bold, punchy of the reds really pop on screen, and yet still manage to look natural. There's still a good amount of film grain retained, too. While there aren't many sound system-testing scenes, dialog is consistently clear and there is a good sense of space to the mix. One karaoke scene does a great job of utilizing every channel in a sound system, with the singer's voice from the center and the applause of audience from the reae speakers. Yi Yi delivers refined quality throughout with some occasionally brilliant moments, particularly in its suddenly, bold colors in some scenes. The DTS-HD 5.1 MA audio mix here is clean, detailed and well presented throughout. View Deal