
Technologyentertainment News
The latest technologyentertainment stories, summarized by AI
Featured Technologyentertainment Stories


"Napster: The Music Revolution 25 Years Ago"
Napster, launched 25 years ago by Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker, revolutionized the music industry by enabling free file sharing, which led to widespread online piracy. Despite its short-lived initial run due to legal battles with the recording industry, Napster's influence paved the way for modern music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Today, Napster operates as a subscription service, though it remains a minor player compared to its competitors.

More Top Stories
"New AI Streaming Service Lets Viewers Create Custom Shows"
Hollywood Reporter•1 year ago
Tech Giants Invest Big in Hollywood AI Partnerships
Yahoo Finance•1 year ago
More Technologyentertainment Stories

OpenAI's AI Voice Controversy Sparks Scarlett Johansson Comparisons
OpenAI denies intentionally imitating Scarlett Johansson's voice for its ChatGPT "Sky" mode, despite Johansson's claims and potential legal action. The company argues that the hired actress's natural voice coincidentally sounds similar to Johansson's. Legal experts suggest Johansson has a strong case based on precedents set by Bette Midler and Tom Waits, who won lawsuits over voice misappropriation. OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman apologized for communication issues and clarified that they later sought Johansson for the role, not initially.

Scarlett Johansson AI Voice Controversy Unfolds
Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of imitating her voice for ChatGPT's "Sky" feature after she declined an offer to be the voice for the AI. However, the agent for the actress who actually voiced "Sky" claims her client was not asked to imitate Johansson and was hired months before Johansson was approached. OpenAI has paused using the "Sky" voice and denied any intentional resemblance to Johansson's voice. Johansson is considering legal action.

"Apple's Attempt to Block Jon Stewart's Interview with FTC Chair Lina Khan"
Comedian Jon Stewart revealed that Apple asked him not to interview antitrust enforcer Lina Khan, who is now involved in a lawsuit against the tech giant. Stewart mentioned this during an interview with Khan on The Daily Show, stating that Apple specifically requested that he not speak with her.

"Jon Stewart Reveals Apple's Interference with FTC Chair Interview"
Jon Stewart claimed that Apple discouraged him from interviewing FTC Chair Lina Khan during his time with the tech giant, stating that they asked him not to have her on his podcast. Stewart expressed confusion over Apple's sensitivity and reluctance to engage in public conversations. While the FTC under Khan has not specifically targeted Apple, it has challenged other Big Tech firms, and the U.S. Department of Justice recently filed an antitrust suit against Apple.

"Adventurous YouTuber Explores Abandoned Train Bridge with Homemade Rail Go-Kart"
YouTuber Preston Summerrow, known as Prestongoes, built a rail go-kart to explore the century-old Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge in California. Using a homemade kart with a lawn mower engine and cheap wheels, he embarked on a journey to reach the inaccessible bridge, showcasing his creative engineering and adventurous spirit in a YouTube video.

"OpenAI's Sora: Revolutionizing Hollywood's Film Industry"
OpenAI is set to pitch its "Sora" software to Hollywood studios and talent agencies, with producer Tyler Perry already impressed by its capabilities. The text-to-video generator has the potential to revolutionize movie-making, but concerns about regulation and its impact on industry workers have been raised. OpenAI's deliberate strategy of iterative deployment aims to ensure safe implementation, with Sora expected to be released to the public later this year.

"Max Takes Action Against Password-Sharing to Boost Streaming Profit"
Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service, Max, plans to crack down on password sharing starting late 2024 into 2025, following Netflix's successful implementation. The company sees this as a significant revenue opportunity and aims to maintain consistent profits in its streaming segment through globalization, expanding advertising tiers, and improving content slate. Disney has also updated its subscriber agreement to ban account sharing and will introduce new capabilities for account-sharers to start their own subscriptions.

"Unveiling 19 Deceptive Downgrades Masked as Upgrades"
Many consumers feel that the rise of streaming services, exemplified by Netflix, has ultimately led to a downgrade in terms of availability, cost, and convenience compared to traditional rental stores, with the proliferation of streaming platforms leading to increased costs, decreased availability, and the reemergence of ads, essentially resembling the drawbacks of cable TV.

"Exploring Australia's Groundbreaking 'Hologram Zoo' Experience"
The world's first 'Hologram Zoo' in Brisbane, Australia, offers an immersive experience with life-like holograms of animals, suspended in mid-air, and a 4D element including wind, temperature, and smells. Axiom Holographics, the creator, believes holograms are the future of entertainment and plans to franchise the concept globally. The technology, voted one of the Best Inventions of 2023 by Time Magazine, provides tailored experiences for visitors and is designed to entertain people of all ages.

"MSG Sphere: Las Vegas' Futuristic Landmark Making Waves Online"
The Sphere, a giant spherical venue covered in programmable LED panels, has become a buzzworthy attraction in Las Vegas. Costing $2 billion, the 18,000-seat venue is set to host its first concert in September. While some see it as a technological marvel, others view it as a distracting billboard for drivers. The Sphere's interior offers 160,000 square feet of programmable space, allowing multilingual presentations without headphones or wires. Despite some concerns and legal issues, Madison Square Garden Entertainment plans to expand the concept by building another sphere in London.