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Everything posted by Trendingger
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Spotify, the world's most popular music streaming platform, has decided to place its lyrics feature behind a paywall. This strategic move has sparked a flurry of reactions from its user base, with many voicing their discontent. The company’s decision to monetize lyrics access is seen as an attempt to convert free users into paid subscribers. Spotify’s lyrics feature, celebrated for its efficiency and user-friendly interface, has now become a premium-only offering. This change has left ad-supported users in a lurch, making their experience increasingly challenging. Last fall, Spotify was observed restricting lyrics access for nonpaying users. The company, however, clarified that it was merely a test involving a limited number of users. Fast forward to the present, and it appears that this ‘test’ has evolved into a full-fledged implementation. Despite the backlash, Spotify remains tight-lipped about the specifics of this change. The company’s cryptic response that its features can vary over time, between markets, and across devices has only fueled further speculation. The question that arises now is whether this move will indeed incentivize more users to opt for Spotify’s paid tier. With lyrics readily available on various other platforms, it remains to be seen if this paywall will prove to be a successful revenue-generating strategy. What are your thoughts on Spotify’s latest move? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://www.androidpolice.com/spotify-paywalls-lyrics-for-premium-only/ https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/02/spotify-is-quietly-moves-lyrics-behind-a-paywall/ https://www.joe.co.uk/music/spotify-users-threaten-to-leave-platform-after-new-premium-only-feature-434821 https://www.androidauthority.com/spotify-premium-lyrics-3439096/ Image: Sedovukr | Dreamstime.com
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Home Depot has announced the release of a 7-foot animatronic Darth Vader. This life-sized Sith Lord is set to become the latest sensation in home decor, combining the love for Star Wars with the festive spirit. The towering figure of Darth Vader, complete with LED effects, is not just a static decoration. It boasts lifelike movements and classic soundbites, making it an interactive addition to any Star Wars fan’s collection. The animatronic Vader is not just for show; it’s an experience. What sets this Darth Vader apart is its versatility. It comes with interchangeable accessories, making it suitable for multiple holidays. From a spooky Death Star jack-O-lantern for Halloween to a festive candy cane lightsaber for Christmas, this Darth Vader is ready to celebrate in style. Priced at $299, this 7-foot Vader is an affordable alternative to other life-sized Star Wars replicas. Despite its lower price point, it does not compromise on authenticity, featuring authentic quotes and sounds. This unique decoration is set to go on sale on Star Wars Day, May the 4th. However, supplies are limited, and a sellout is expected. So, if you want to be the first on your block to have Darth Vader standing in your yard, you’ll need to act quickly. If you could have any Star Wars character as a life-sized animatronic decoration, who would it be and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Read more: https://corporate.homedepot.com/news/products/may-fourth-be-you-halloween https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/7-foot-animated-darth-vader-decoration-coming-to-home-depot-for-star-wars-day-2024/ https://www.theflagshipeclipse.com/2024/05/02/life-size-animated-darth-vader-decoration-coming-to-home-depot-for-star-wars-day-2024/ Images: Home Depot
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The gaming world is witnessing an unprecedented crossover. The much-anticipated ‘LEGO Fortnite Star Wars’ trailer has finally been unveiled. This unique collaboration brings together three iconic franchises: LEGO, Fortnite, and Star Wars. The latest update, v29.40, introduces the Rebellion and Galactic Empire into the LEGO Fortnite universe. This integration is not just a simple addition of characters; it’s a complete immersion of Star Wars into the world of LEGO Fortnite. Players can now engage in survival crafting, a key feature of Fortnite, but with a LEGO-inspired twist. The update allows gamers to assist the Rebels in building up their village, facing off against Imperial soldiers and stormtroopers. The trailer showcases the introduction of new weapons like Thermal Detonators, E-11 Blasters, and Bowcasters. These tools will be instrumental in dealing with the Imperial forces. Moreover, the update also introduces the LEGO Pass: Rebel Adventure. Players can complete quests to earn builds and decor from the Mos Eisley Set. They can even upgrade their passes to instantly claim the Chewbacca outfit and LEGO Style. This collaboration is part of a larger suite of Star Wars updates coming to the wider Fortnite ecosystem. It’s a testament to the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, where boundaries are being pushed to provide players with unique and immersive experiences. Could this epic collaboration pave the way for more integrations between different franchises? Share your thoughts below! Read more: https://www.fortnite.com/news/lego-fortnite-star-wars-begins-in-v29-40?lang=en-US https://www.starwars.com/news/lego-fortnite-star-wars https://www.gamespot.com/videos/lego-fortnite-star-wars-rebel-adventure-cinematic-trailer/2300-6464011/ https://www.ign.com/videos/lego-fortnite-official-star-wars-rebel-adventure-cinematic-trailer
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After a months-long standoff, TikTok and Universal Music Group (UMG) are finally harmonizing to a new consensus. This agreement paves the way for UMG’s music to make a comeback on the popular short-form video platform. The dispute, which began over royalty payments and AI policies, has finally found resolution. As part of the settlement, both parties have agreed to deliver improved remuneration for UMG’s songwriters and artists. This agreement also promises new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings and songs. The companies have also committed to working together on AI development. They aim to explore new monetization opportunities through TikTok’s growing e-commerce capabilities. This collaboration is expected to support UMG’s artists across genres and territories globally. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the music industry, especially for UMG’s artists who had experienced a near-complete blackout of their music on the platform. With the dispute now settled, UMG’s roster will likely pursue TikTok campaigns to promote their music once again. What are your thoughts on this development? Share your views! Read more: https://musictech.com/news/industry/umg-returning-to-tiktok/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tiktok-universal-music-group-settle-royalty-dispute-new-licensing-agre-rcna150339 https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/umg-and-tiktok-end-battle-with-new-agreement-1235013809/ Image: Rafael Henrique | Dreamstime.com
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LinkedIn, the renowned professional networking platform traditionally known for job listings and career advice, has officially introduced a series of puzzle games. This announcement comes after leaks first surfaced online in March. The launch features three logic puzzles, namely Queens, Crossclimb, and Pinpoint. These games, designed to test users’ abilities in logic, trivia, and word association, are available globally starting today. Similar to the viral hit Wordle, each game can be played once a day. The introduction of these games aims to increase user engagement and attract more users. LinkedIn sees these games as a casual way to strengthen existing connections. The games were developed by the LinkedIn News team, signifying a strategic move to expand engagement on its platform. The games are not just about fun. They are also about connection. As Lakshman Somasundaram, LinkedIn’s Director of Product Management, revealed, “Games are all about connection for us. LinkedIn’s mission has always been to connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.” The games are now accessible on the LinkedIn Games site and the LinkedIn News section for PC users, as well as on LinkedIn’s My Network tab on PC and mobile. This move by LinkedIn is seen as a strategy to compete with other social media platforms that have cornered the market for younger users. LinkedIn’s foray into the gaming world marks a significant shift in its strategy. It will be interesting to see how this move impacts user engagement and the platform’s overall growth. Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bringing-professionals-together-games-daniel-roth-mxnfe/ https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/may/1/linkedin-launches-games-in-bid-to-keep-users-engag/ https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/83920/linkedin-gets-games-as-three-puzzlers-go-live-on-the-workplace-social-service/ https://www.engadget.com/linkedin-now-has-wordle-style-games-you-can-play-every-day-133035046.html Images: Lakshman Somasundaram/LinkedIn
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Red Bull has confirmed the departure of their esteemed F1 designer, Adrian Newey. This marks a pivotal moment in the history of the sport, as Newey’s innovative designs have been instrumental in Red Bull’s success over the years. Newey, who has been with Red Bull after 19 years, is set to leave the team after this year. His technical expertise and leadership have been crucial in transforming Red Bull from a midfield team to Grand Prix winners and world champions. The British engineer’s departure signifies the end of an era of exceptional technical leadership within F1. Under Newey’s guidance, Red Bull clinched its first Constructors’ title in 2010, followed by three more consecutive titles. His designs have not only supported Sebastian Vettel in earning four Drivers’ Championships but also played a crucial role in the team’s ongoing competitiveness in the hybrid era. The news of Newey’s departure had been floating around for a while, but it’s now been confirmed that he will be leaving Red Bull Racing in 2025. His contract was set to continue until the end of 2025, but an agreement for early termination was reached. What impact will Newey’s departure have on Red Bull’s future performance? And where will this legendary designer bring his expertise next? Share your thoughts below. Read more: https://www.redbullracing.com/int-en/adrian-newey-to-leave-red-bull-in-2025 https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-red-bull-confirm-legendary-f1-designer-newey-is-to-leave-the-team.3zzQGetyOSLSxMH6QeeA2P https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/f1briefings/news/f1-news-frede-bull-confirms-adrian-newey-leaving https://www.newsweek.com/sports/f1-news-red-bull-officially-confirms-adrian-newey-exit-1895806 https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/273049/newey-reacts-to-red-bull-departure.html Image: Marco Canoniero | Dreamstime.com
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TikTok, the wildly-popular social media platform, is reportedly found to be circumventing Apple’s App Store commission. The ByteDance-owned app is allegedly presenting a subset of its users with an alternative method to purchase 'coins’, the digital currency used for tipping creators on the platform. Traditionally, these coins are procured via in-app purchases, a process that mandates a 30% commission fee paid to Apple. However, TikTok seems to be testing a new approach, directing users to their website to buy coins, as seen in screenshots revealed by X user David Tesler. This innovative strategy could potentially save TikTok a significant amount in commission fees. The new option appears to be selectively available, possibly targeting high-spenders or a specific group of users. Users who choose this method are redirected to tiktok.com/coin, where they can make purchases using various payment methods, including Apple Pay. The website highlights that direct purchases with TikTok could “save the service fee.” This move by TikTok raises questions about its compliance with Apple’s App Store Guidelines. While Apple did revise its guidelines in January to allow developers to link to alternative payment systems in their apps, developers opting for this are still required to pay Apple a commission. Will this bold move set a precedent for other apps to follow? Or will it lead to a showdown between TikTok and Apple? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/30/screenshots-suggest-tiktok-is-circumventing-apple-app-store-commissions/ https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/30/tiktok-app-store-commission/ https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/30/tiktok-app-store-rules-tips/ https://www.techtimes.com/articles/304148/20240430/tiktok-coins-direct-purchases-violating-app-store-rules Image: Oasisamuel | Dreamstime.com
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Apple has unveiled its latest audio product, the Beats Solo Buds. This new addition to the Beats family is making waves in the audio market with its impressive features and affordable price. The Beats Solo Buds, priced at a competitive $79.99, offer an 18-hour battery life, setting a new standard for endurance in the wireless earbuds category. This remarkable battery life, combined with the buds’ truly wireless design, makes them an attractive option for consumers seeking both convenience and performance. Despite their lower price point, the Beats Solo Buds do not seem to compromise on sound quality. Each earbud features dual-layer transducers designed to minimize micro-distortions across the frequency curve, ensuring high-fidelity sound with clarity and detail. In addition to their impressive audio capabilities, the Beats Solo Buds also offer a range of user-friendly features. They come with four ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, and L) and offer “passive noise isolation”. The buds also feature a custom Beats chip inside that enables one-touch pairing across both iOS and Android. However, it’s worth noting that the Beats Solo Buds do not offer active noise cancellation. Instead, they rely on passive noise isolation to enhance audio quality. Despite this, the earbuds’ advanced noise-learning algorithm and custom-designed microphone is expected to deliver exceptional call quality. The Beats Solo Buds are set to hit the market in June. With their competitive pricing and impressive features, they represent a significant step forward in the affordable wireless earbuds market. What are your thoughts on the Beats Solo Buds? Do you think they will be able to compete with other wireless earbuds in the market? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240430448719/en/Introducing-Beats-Solo-Buds-Looks-Tiny-Sounds-Huge https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/beats-solo-buds-are-apples-first-sub-100-airpods-sort-of/ https://gizmodo.com/apples-new-beats-solo-buds-are-dirt-cheap-and-have-a-lo-1851446363 https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/04/30/new-beats-solo-buds-offers-budget-friendly-audio-in-a-tiny-case Images: Apple / Businesswire
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Instagram is revamping its ranking algorithm, to ‘reward’ original content. This shift, announced by Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, on April 30, 2024, is set to redefine the social media landscape. The new algorithm update prioritizes content created from scratch over reshared posts. This change is a significant departure from the previous practice, where marketers often relied on reposting content from other creators to maintain a consistent social media presence. However, the winds of change are blowing. Instagram’s new policy aims to reward creators who invest time and effort in crafting unique content. This move is expected to enhance user experience by reducing the redundancy of content in their feeds. Yet, the definition of ‘originality’ remains a gray area. Questions arise about content that is edited outside of Instagram or content that is reshared due to brand mentions. As Mosseri puts it, "Identifying ‘originality’ is hard though, so we will iterate over time". This algorithm overhaul is also set to impact aggregator accounts, which primarily repost other users’ work. Instagram is adjusting its ranking system to give smaller accounts more distribution. The company aims to correct its ranking system to give all creators a more equal chance of reaching new audiences. Reposted Reels will be replaced with the original clip in suggestions when identical content is detected. Accounts that share reposted Reels will be tagged, crediting the original creator. Aggregator accounts that repeatedly publish unoriginal content could face penalties, including a halt in recommendations. According to Mosseri, the new changes will roll out over the coming months. How will these updates impact your Instagram strategy? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Read more: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Y0tfRLyfa/?hl=en https://www.engadget.com/instagrams-algorithm-overhaul-will-reward-original-content-and-penalize-aggregators-130018977.html https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/30/instagram-is-updating-its-ranking-systems-to-surface-more-content-from-smaller-original-creators/ https://www.techtimes.com/articles/304135/20240430/instagram-algorithm-will-focus-more-original-content-straying-away-reposted.htm Images: Boumenjape and Artur Kutskyi | Dreamstime.com
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Walmart has launched ‘Bettergoods’, a private-label brand that is set to revolutionize the culinary experience for its customers. This innovative brand, the largest food launch by the retail giant in two decades, aims to make quality, chef-inspired food both approachable and affordable. ‘Bettergoods’ is not just another private brand. It’s a move aimed at helping the retail giant retain the customers it gained during periods of high inflation. The product range of ‘Bettergoods’ is thoughtfully curated by Walmart’s experienced product development team. Collaborating with suppliers across the globe, they have sourced quality, trend-forward ingredients and flavors. Unlike many private brands that provide direct alternatives to national brand offerings at a lower price, many ‘Bettergoods’ items are totally unique to Walmart. ‘Bettergoods’ is designed to delight, with 300 items spanning Walmart’s aisles, including frozen, dairy, snacks, beverages, pasta, soups, coffee, chocolate and more. The items fall within three distinct category pillars. The prices of ‘Bettergoods’ items range from under $2 to under $15, with most products available for under $5. What are your thoughts on this new private-label brand by Walmart? Do you think ‘Bettergoods’ will be able to deliver on its promise of providing an elevated food experience with affordability? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2024/04/30/walmart-launches-bettergoods-a-new-private-brand-making-elevated-culinary-experiences-accessible-for-all https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/walmart-rolls-out-new-grocery-brand-focused-on-chefinspired-foods-432SI-3406368 https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/nation/story/2024-04-30/walmart-launches-store-label-food-brand-as-it-seeks-to-appeal-to-younger-shoppers
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Disney has recently unveiled the official trailer of its highly anticipated prequel, "Mufasa: The Lion King". This cinematic spectacle is set to explore the early life of Mufasa, the beloved king of the Pride Lands. The trailer, released on April 29, 2024, offers a sneak peek into Mufasa’s complex relationship with his brother, Scar. The film, directed by Oscar-winning visionary Barry Jenkins, promises to blend live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery. The teaser trailer has already stirred excitement among fans, hinting at an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny. Adding to the anticipation, Disney has revealed an all-star roster of talent bringing new and fan-favorite characters to life. Notably, Blue Ivy Carter has joined the voice cast, alongside her mother Beyoncé who is the vocals of Queen Nala, marking a significant addition to the film’s star-studded ensemble. “Mufasa: The Lion King” is set to hit cinemas on December 20, 2024, inviting audiences to delve into the unlikely rise of the Pride Lands’ king. With its compelling narrative and stunning visuals, the film is poised to add a new chapter to Disney’s illustrious legacy. How will this prequel reshape our understanding of the original “The Lion King”? Share your thoughts and expectations in the comments below. Read more: https://press.disney.co.uk/news/mufasa-the-lion-king-teaser-trailer-poster-and-cast-roster-now-available-for-all-new-big-screen-adventure https://www.indiewire.com/news/trailers/mufasa-teaser-first-footage-the-lion-king-prequel-beyonce-blue-ivy-1234978683/ https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/545806/beyonce-blue-ivy-bond-impacted-co-stars-new-first-movie-mufasa-lion-king/ https://metro.co.uk/2024/04/29/blue-ivy-makes-movie-debut-new-lion-king-movie-mum-beyonce-20739380/ Image: Disney
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Tesla looks to be gearing up for the release of a new off-roading app for Cybertruck. This revelation was made through a video by Top Gear, which showcased the electric truck undergoing a series of off-road tests. The tests included a rock crawl, a “whoops” test, a jump, and a sand dune crawl. The application introduces four dedicated terrain modes: all-purpose, rock, gravel/deep snow, and sand. Additionally, drivers will have the ability to toggle between turning the locking differentials all on, only the rear on, or all off. The video provides a glimpse of the menus for accessing the new Cybertruck off-road features. Video: Top Gear / YouTube Tesla has been spotted conducting numerous off-roading demos since before the vehicle’s release. Despite some criticism for viral off-road tests that seemed to go wrong, Tesla has remained focused on improving the Cybertruck’s off-roading features. Video: Tesla/YouTube The exact release date for the new off-roading features remains unclear, but Tesla Cybertruck engineer Wes Morrill has been actively showing off the monster truck’s capabilities off the beaten track—so we're hopeful it will come pretty soon. Find out more: https://teslaweekly.com/2024/04/tesla-introduces-new-off-roading-app-for-cybertruck-in-exclusive-video-debut/ https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-cybertruck-off-roading/ https://arcoche.com/blogs/tesla-news/tesla-unveils-exclusive-video-showcasing-new-cybertruck-off-roading-app-debut Image: Mariusz Burcz | Dreamstime.com
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Twitter, the popular microblogging platform, experienced an outage on April 29, 2024. The interruption left users worldwide unable to access their feeds. Downdetector, an online service that provides real-time updates based on web users’ activity, showed a significant spike in problem reports. The outage was first reported around 3:06 AM EDT. Users attempting to access the platform were met with a message saying "Tweets aren’t loading right now. Try again". Image: Downdetector as of 4:32AM Eastern Time on Apr 29, 2024 Users on both mobile devices and desktop computers were met with blank feeds. Some users also reported that posts were loading slow or not at all. This outage is the latest of a string of downtimes experienced by some of the world’s largest social media platforms. Just last month, X/Twitter’s boss, Elon Musk, mocked Facebook & Instagram for going down with a post chirping “If you're reading this post, it's because our servers are working.” How has this outage impacted your daily routine or workflow? Share with us below. [UPDATE] Service appeared to have resumed slightly more than an hour later, with a sharp decline of downtime reports after 4:16AM ET. Image: Seemanta Dutta | Dreamstime.com
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EyeEm, the Berlin-based photo-sharing platform, will reportedly make available its users’ photos for training of artificial intelligence (AI) models. This move comes after the company’s acquisition by Spanish firm Freepik. EyeEm, once considered a potential rival to Instagram, has seen a significant decline in recent years. Despite this, the platform still boasts a library of 160 million images and nearly 150,000 users. The company’s new strategy involves adding a clause to its Terms & Conditions, granting it the rights to use user content for AI training. Users were given a 30-day window to opt out by removing their content from the platform. If they chose not to, they were effectively consenting to this new use case for their work. This move has sparked a debate about the ethics of using user-generated content in this manner. The CEO of Freepik, Joaquin Cuenca Abela, had previously hinted at plans to incorporate more AI into the platform. It now appears that this involves using user content to train AI models. What are your thoughts on EyeEm’s new strategy? Do you believe it’s a fair trade-off for users, or does it cross a line? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/26/photo-sharing-community-eyeem-will-license-users-photos-to-train-ai-if-they-dont-delete-them/ https://thezerobyte.com/13989/eyeem-to-license-user-photos-for-ai-training-unless-deleted/ https://photoarchivenews.com/news/eyeem-decides-to-license-images-for-ai-training/ Image: Mykhailo Polenok | Dreamstime.com
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Apple has reportedly eradicated some AI image generation apps, which are capable of generating fake nudes, from its App Store. The misuse of generative AI technology for creating deepfakes and nonconsensual pornography has been a growing issue. Despite the potential harm, Apple had previously been relatively passive in addressing this problem. The alarm was raised by 404 Media, who informed Apple of these apps’ existence. Marketed as capable of creating nonconsensual nude images, these apps were a ticking time bomb. Following the alert, Apple took action and removed three of these apps from the App Store. Despite the positive step, questions remain. Apple’s App Store Review process failed to identify these apps initially. It was only after third-party alerts that Apple took action. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Apple’s review process and its ability to prevent such apps from appearing on the App Store in the first place. While Apple’s decision to remove these apps is a step in the right direction, it also highlights the challenges tech companies face in policing their platforms. As AI technology continues to evolve, how can we ensure it is used responsibly? We invite you to share your thoughts below. Read more: https://www.404media.co/apple-removes-nonconsensual-ai-nude-apps-following-404-media-investigation/ https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/04/26/apple-finally-pulls-generative-ai-nude-apps-from-the-app-store https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/26/apple-pulls-multiple-ai-nude-image-apps-from-app-store/ Image: Bigtunaonline | Dreamstime.com
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Shein, the online fast-fashion retailer, is now subject to the European Union’s most rigorous digital regulations. This move comes as the EU’s Executive Commission formally classifies Shein as a “very large online platform” under the bloc’s Digital Services Act. This designation is a consequence of Shein’s meteoric rise in the West, where it has captivated younger women with its low-cost apparel and household items. The Chinese-founded company, now based in Singapore, primarily reaches its customers through its app. With more than 45 million European users, Shein is now obligated to adhere to the most stringent requirements by August. These include taking specific measures to protect online users and assessing and mitigating any “systemic risks” from their services, such as limiting the sale of illegal or counterfeit products. Shein’s obligations also extend to adjusting its user interfaces and recommendation algorithms to ensure consumer safety and well-being. Furthermore, the company is required to file annual risk assessment reports evaluating potential harm to consumers, especially children. This development places Shein alongside 22 tech giants, including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Amazon, and Google Search, which have been subject to the toughest tier of supervision since the Digital Services Act took effect last year. Violations of these regulations could result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual worldwide revenue. How will these stringent regulations reshape the landscape of online fast-fashion retailing? Will other online retailers follow suit? We invite you to share your thoughts on this topic. Read more: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_2326 https://www.newsday.com/business/Shein-European-Union-digital-services-act-fasion-online-j57961 https://www.politico.eu/article/chinese-fast-fashion-app-shein-will-face-tougher-eu-tech-rules/ https://apnews.com/article/shein-european-union-digital-services-act-fasion-online-56e51fec66278107e99f3e063a2987a4 https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/26/shein-dsa-vlop/ Image: Timon Schneider | Dreamstime.com
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Sprite has introduced a novel beverage, Sprite Chill, that promises to redefine the consumer experience. This innovative drink not only offers a unique cherry-lime twist to Sprite’s signature lemon-lime flavor, but it also features a proprietary blend of cooling agents that intensify the sensation of coldness as one continues to drink. Sprite Chill, available in both full sugar and zero sugar varieties, is designed to deliver waves of refreshment. Unlike traditional carbonated beverages that lose their freshness when exposed to air, Sprite Chill maintains its cooling effect from the first sip to the last. This sensation is akin to the whole-mouth cooling effect experienced when chewing a piece of cooling gum. The development and testing of Sprite Chill involved several rounds by Coca-Cola’s R&D team. The team aimed to elevate the crisp, refreshing taste Sprite fans expect with a first-of-its-kind cooling sensation. This marks a departure from the usual mint flavor used to deliver cooling sensations. Sprite Chill is rolling out to stores now, offering fans a limited-time opportunity to try and share this unique beverage experience. Will Sprite Chill set a new standard for carbonated beverages? How will this innovation influence the beverage industry? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below. Read more: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/media-center/introducing-sprite-chill-the-coldest-est-in-the-game https://www.tomsguide.com/tech/i-tried-the-new-sprite-chill-that-tastes-colder-as-you-drink-it-and-its-surprisingly-awesome https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2024/04/23/sprite-chill-launches-lto-with-unique-cooling-sensation
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Last year, Ohio-based company Throwflame unveiled the Thermonator, a flamethrower-equipped robot dog. This innovative product, touted as the first of its kind, is now available for purchase at a price of $9,420. The Thermonator is a quadruped robot that comes with an ARC flamethrower mounted on its back. This flamethrower, which can be fueled by gasoline or napalm, is capable of shooting flames up to 30 feet. The robot dog is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to be remotely controlled through a smartphone. It also features a LIDAR sensor for mapping and obstacle avoidance, laser sighting, and first-person view (FPV) navigation through an onboard camera. Interestingly, the Thermonator appears to integrate a version of the Unitree Go2 robot quadruped, a consumer-level bionic companion. The ARC flamethrower, a product of Throwflame, is attached to the back of the Thermonator. This flamethrower can be purchased separately for up to $899. Throwflame envisions a variety of applications for the Thermonator, including wildfire control and prevention, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, and even entertainment and special effects. However, it’s worth noting that flamethrowers can also double as weapons or potentially start wildfires. In the US, flamethrowers are legally unregulated in 48 states and are not considered firearms by federal agencies. This development comes after Elon Musk made headlines in 2018 for offering an official Boring Company flamethrower that reportedly sold 10,000 units in 48 hours. The Thermonator, with its unique combination of robotics and flamethrowing capabilities, seems set to ignite a similar buzz in the market. How will the availability of such devices shape our future? Will they prove to be useful tools or pose new challenges? We invite you to share your thoughts on this fiery topic. Read more: https://throwflame.com/products/thermonator-robodog/ https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/robot-dog-flamethrower-throwflame-thermonator https://www.tweaktown.com/news/92054/you-can-soon-buy-robot-dog-that-wields-flamethrower-shoot-streams-of-fire-30-feet/index.html Image: Throwflame
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Apple, the tech titan, has stirred up excitement in the digital world. The company recently dispatched digital invitations for a product unveiling event, intriguingly titled "Let Loose". This much-anticipated event is scheduled to be live-streamed at 10 a.m EDT on May 7. The last time Apple hosted a similar event was in March 2022. This year, the event has sparked widespread speculation, with many expecting the launch of new iPads. The iPad line-up did not see any new models in 2023, adding fuel to these predictions. These launch events by Apple are not just product announcements; they are global phenomena. Millions of tech enthusiasts and Apple fans tune in to watch these events live, making them a critical marketing channel for the company. As we count down to the event, one can’t help but imagine the potential innovations Apple might introduce. Will there be significant upgrades to the high-end iPad Pro? Or perhaps a larger iPad Air? And what about the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard? Only time will tell. What are your expectations for the ‘Let Loose’ event? Share your predictions and join the conversation! Read more: https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=48bfiihn https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/apple-sends-invites-to-may-7-launch-event-new-ipads-expected/3518067/ https://www.thestreet.com/technology/apple-just-announced-may-7th-let-loose-event-new-ipads https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/23/apple-announces-special-event-for-may-7-let-loose/ Image: Apple
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Coca-Cola and Microsoft have announced a five-year strategic partnership, worth a staggering $1.1 billion, set to revolutionize the former’s core technology strategy. The collaboration will leverage Microsoft’s cloud and generative AI capabilities, marking a significant step in Coca-Cola’s ongoing digital transformation. The beverage giant has chosen Microsoft Cloud as its preferred platform for cloud and AI. This decision is expected to catalyze the development of innovative generative AI use cases across various business functions. The partnership will also explore the potential of Azure OpenAI Service. This technology could significantly enhance workplace productivity, particularly with the help of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Coca-Cola has already migrated all its applications to Microsoft Azure, demonstrating its readiness to embrace this new era of AI. This strategic alliance builds on a relationship that began in 2020 with an initial investment of $250 million. The expanded partnership reflects Coca-Cola’s commitment to digital transformation. The collaboration will provide Coca-Cola with increased access to Microsoft’s cloud and Gen AI platforms, including Power BI, Dynamics 365, Defender, Fabric, and Microsoft 365. Coca-Cola is currently exploring the use of generative AI-powered digital assistants on Azure OpenAI Service. These digital assistants could help employees improve customer experiences, streamline operations, foster innovation, gain a competitive advantage, boost efficiency, and uncover new growth opportunities. What are your thoughts on this partnership? How do you think the use of AI will transform Coca-Cola’s operations and customer experiences? Read more: https://news.microsoft.com/2024/04/23/the-coca-cola-company-and-microsoft-announce-five-year-strategic-partnership-to-accelerate-cloud-and-generative-ai-initiatives/ https://consumergoods.com/coca-cola-sparks-ai-transformation-11b-microsoft-cloud-expansion https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202404237008/microsoft-coca-cola-in-strategic-partnership-focusing-on-ai-cloud-services
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TED Talks has recently partnered with OpenAI to create a captivating video. This collaboration utilized Sora, OpenAI’s unreleased text-to-video model, to envision what TED Talks might look like in 40 years. The video, done in a first-person view (FPV) drone-style journey, takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride through innovative research labs, bustling factories, and engaging lecture halls. There was even a cameo of a spacesuit-donning Elon Musk, the Tesla billionaire who recently had a public fallout with OpenAI and its co-founder Sam Altman. Despite the impressive visuals, the video also highlights the limitations of Sora. The people in the shots are on-screen for only a couple of seconds, and there’s plenty of uncanny valley nightmare fuel in the background. Yet, the exhilarating experience leaves the audience eager for more. The creation of this video involved LA-based director Paul Trillo. To achieve the final 1:33 clip, he had to create over 330 clips from text prompts and then edit them down. The final video was made up of a total of 25 clips, all generated by Sora. This collaboration between TED Talks and OpenAI offers a tantalizing glimpse into the possibilities of AI-assisted content creation. How will AI tools like Sora shape the future of public speaking and presentations? Read more: https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openais-new-sora-video-is-an-fpv-drone-ride-through-the-strangest-ted-talk-youve-ever-seen-and-i-need-to-lie-down https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/ai-image-video/openai-just-dropped-a-new-sora-video-to-promote-ted-talks-and-the-video-is-explosive Image: TED Talks / X
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In the heart of Rutland, England’s smallest county, a grand tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II has been unveiled. This seven-foot bronze statue, a first of its kind, was revealed on what would have been her 98th birthday. The monument, crafted by the talented sculptor Hywel Pratley, presents a majestic vision of the Queen in her state robes. The statue uniquely captures the Queen’s fondness for her corgis, with one at her feet and two more on the plinth. This detail pays homage to the monarch’s lifelong love for these spirited dogs. The Queen’s first corgi, Susan, who was an 18th birthday present, is often described as the matriarch of many of her other pets. The unveiling ceremony was a grand affair, attended by a 400-strong crowd, including several members of the Welsh Corgi League. The sculptor, Pratley, designed the plinth to be interactive, encouraging visitors to sit on it and pat the dogs. This feature is expected to be a hit with the Instagram generation. The statue was commissioned by Dr. Sarah Furness, the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. An engraving on the monument reads, “Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 - 2022. Erected as a tribute to her late Majesty through public subscription by Rutland people”. This statue is believed to be the first commissioned specifically as a memorial to her after her death. This monumental tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, complete with her beloved corgis, is a testament to her enduring legacy. It serves as a reminder of her 70 years of exemplary service and her deep affection for her corgis. Do you think this statue capture the essence of Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy? Share your thoughts below. Read more: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a60569992/queen-elizabeth-ii-corgis-statue-photos/ https://news.artnet.com/art-world/a-new-seven-foot-tall-sculpture-of-a-young-queen-elizabeth-ii-with-her-corgis-becomes-the-first-monument-to-the-late-monarch-in-england-2344764 https://people.com/queen-elizabeth-statue-unveiled-98th-birthday-corgi-gathering-8636820 Image: Rutland County Council
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Tinder, the world’s most utilized dating app, has introduced a new safety feature, 'Share My Date’. This innovative addition allows users to share their date plans with friends and family directly from the app, enhancing both safety and social interaction. The ‘Share My Date’ feature provides users with the ability to send a link that includes essential details about their upcoming date. These details encompass the match’s name, meeting location, date, and time. The feature also offers an option to include a personalized note. This development comes in response to data revealing that over half of singles under 30 share details of their dates beforehand. Tinder’s Global Relationships Insight Expert, Paul Brunson, suggests that sharing date plans should be part of a user’s 'date-ready checklist’. The ‘Share My Date’ feature is expected to roll out across multiple countries in the coming months. This strategic move by Tinder aims to address safety concerns associated with online dating, ranging from scams to stalking and even sexual assault. As we witness this significant shift in the online dating landscape, one can’t help but wonder: Will this new feature set a precedent for other dating apps to follow? How will this change the way we approach online dating safety? Share your thoughts below. Read more: https://www.tinderpressroom.com/2024-04-22-SHORTCUT-YOUR-DATING-ADMIN-THANKS-TO-TINDERS-SHARE-MY-DATE https://news.sky.com/story/tinder-adds-new-share-my-date-safety-feature-to-worlds-most-used-dating-app-13120889 https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/21/tinder-gets-a-share-my-date-feature-for-users-to-send-date-plans-to-their-curious-friends/
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Meta has announced the opening up of its Quest operating system to third-party hardware manufacturers. This strategic decision is set to revolutionize the mixed reality landscape, offering a more open computing platform for the metaverse. Meta’s Horizon OS, the mixed reality operating system that powers their Quest devices, is now accessible to external device makers. This initiative is expected to foster a new ecosystem of mixed reality devices. By extending the reach of their platform, Meta aims to bring the power of mixed reality to a wider audience. The company’s decision to open up its operating system is a significant step towards their vision of a more open computing platform for the metaverse. This move is also seen as a strategic maneuver in the escalating battle with Apple for dominance in the next frontier of computing. Meta’s Horizon OS combines core technologies that power today’s mixed reality experiences. The operating system features gesture tracking and high-resolution pass-through4, enabling developers to create immersive mixed reality experiences. Leading technology companies such as Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox are reportedly developing devices on the Meta Horizon OS platform. This collaboration is expected to expand the market to a wider range of users, much like what was witnessed with PCs and smartphones. How will this move shape the future of the metaverse? We invite you to share your thoughts and predictions. Read more: https://about.fb.com/news/2024/04/introducing-our-open-mixed-reality-ecosystem/ https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/22/meta-opens-quest-os-to-third-party-headset-makers-taps-lenovo-and-xbox-as-partners/ https://www.zdnet.com/article/meta-opens-its-quest-os-to-third-party-headsets-including-asus-and-lenovo/ https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-opens-up-its-vr-operating-system-to-third-party-hardware-makers/713924/
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Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is blasting up in laughter as Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman return in the new trailer of 'Deadpool & Wolverine’. This third installment in the ‘Deadpool’ series marks the first time these iconic characters are seen together in the MCU. Throughout the trailer, audiences witness a hilarious tug-of-war between Deadpool, portrayed by Reynolds, and Wolverine, brought to life by Jackman. Deadpool is seen persistently trying to persuade Wolverine to return to his superhero roots, while Wolverine resists. The trailer is a delightful mix of humor and action, with less emphasis on the storyline and more on the comedic interactions between the two characters. Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine continues to captivate audiences, while Reynolds’ Deadpool adds a layer of humor that keeps fans wanting more. The anticipation for this film has been building since the release of the first trailer during the Super Bowl, which broke records with an astounding 365 million views within 24 hours. This film also marks the return of Jackman’s Wolverine, who was last seen in the 2017 film 'Logan’. The film, directed by Shawn Levy, is set to hit theaters on July 26. It promises to be a thrilling ride, filled with raucous laughter and edge-of-your-seat action. How will the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine evolve in this film? Will Deadpool succeed in his mission to bring Wolverine back to his superhero roots? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Read more: https://nerdtropolis.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-movie-trailer/ https://variety.com/2024/film/news/deadpool-3-trailer-wolverine-1235942344/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/deadpool-and-wolverine-trailer-ryan-reynolds-hugh-jackman-1235878566/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13336637/Deadpool-Wolverine-official-trailer-Ryan-Reynolds-tries-help-Hugh-Jackman-return-former-glory.html Image: Marvel
