Microsoft has unveiled a new Xbox controller shaped like Deadpool's buttocks, called the "Cheeky Controller," to promote the upcoming Marvel movie Deadpool & Wolverine. This unique controller is available only through a sweepstakes, and additional Deadpool-themed gaming accessories are also being offered. The movie, set to debut on July 26, features new characters like Lady Deadpool and other members of the Deadpool Corps.
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.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that OpenAI's now-pulled "Sky" voice assistant bears a striking resemblance to Scarlett Johansson's voice, more so than 98% of other actresses analyzed. Despite OpenAI's claims that the similarity was unintentional, Johansson is outraged, especially since OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman had previously reached out to her to license her voice. The debate continues over whether the resemblance was a deliberate design choice or a coincidence.
Fable Studio has launched Showrunner, an AI-powered platform that allows users to create and watch AI-generated animated shows. The platform enables users to control various aspects of the content, such as dialogue and characters, with simple prompts. This development highlights the growing influence of AI in the entertainment industry and raises concerns about its impact on traditional content creators. Users can join a waitlist for a free testing version, and the best user-generated episodes may be included in the official catalogue with potential revenue sharing.
Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. are in talks with Hollywood studios to license content for their AI video generation software, offering millions of dollars for partnerships. While some studios are open to collaboration, others are cautious about content control and the impact on labor. Rival OpenAI is also pursuing similar deals, highlighting the growing intersection of AI and entertainment.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
