News/Content Creation
Now hear this: Vermillio secures $16 million from Sony Music and DNS Capital
As artificial intelligence reshapes the creative industries, protecting intellectual property has become a critical challenge for artists and media companies. Vermillio's innovative approach to AI licensing and protection, backed by major industry players like Sony Music Entertainment, signals a shift toward more ethical and controlled use of creative content in AI development. The big picture: Vermillio has secured $16 million in Series A funding from Sony Music Entertainment and DNS Capital to protect creative rights as generative AI transforms artistic consent, credit, and compensation frameworks. Key details: The platform leverages TracelDTM technology to monitor IP and NIL content, manage takedowns,...
read Mar 4, 2025Spotify introduces AI-powered voice translation for podcasts in 100+ languages
Spotify's strategic push into AI-powered music features signals a significant evolution in how streaming platforms are approaching personalized listening experiences. As negotiations for "Streaming 2.0" unfold between artists, record companies, and streaming providers, Spotify's rumored Music Pro tier with AI capabilities could reshape how users interact with their favorite songs, while raising important questions about intellectual property rights in the age of AI-enabled music manipulation. The big picture: Spotify's history of successful AI implementation has helped transform it from a startup into a major competitor against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google. The company's rumored new Music Pro tier...
read Feb 26, 2025Hamas not feeling Trump’s AI-generated Gaza video
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has entered a new phase of public discourse as former U.S. President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting Gaza as a luxury resort destination. The video, which sparked immediate controversy, shows a dramatic transformation of the war-torn region into a Mediterranean paradise complete with Trump-themed imagery. Key context: The video emerges during a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, as negotiations continue for prisoner exchanges following the October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to Israeli military operations resulting in 48,000 Palestinian casualties. The ongoing ceasefire has facilitated exchanges...
read Feb 26, 2025Luma Labs now lets you add audio to your AI-generated videos
AI video pioneer Luma Labs has enhanced its Dream Machine platform with a new audio generation feature, marking a significant advancement in AI-generated content creation. The new capability allows users to add AI-generated soundtracks to their videos, either through custom prompts or automated suggestions, addressing a crucial gap in the AI video production landscape. The innovation explained: Dream Machine's audio feature introduces free AI-generated sound effects and ambient audio that can be seamlessly integrated with AI-generated videos. Users can either allow the AI to automatically generate appropriate audio or provide specific text prompts to guide the sound creation The feature...
read Feb 25, 2025Creative compliance: Adobe Firefly AI image generator avoids IP headaches, facilitates safe imagineering
Adobe's Firefly, launched in March 2023, represents a significant development in AI-powered creative tools, offering a suite of generative AI capabilities integrated into Creative Cloud applications. What distinguishes Firefly from other AI image generators is its exclusive training on licensed Adobe Stock and public domain images, making it particularly suitable for commercial use. Core functionality: Firefly's foundation consists of four generative AI models - Image, Vector, Design, and Video (beta) - that power various creative tools across Adobe's ecosystem. The platform offers both standalone web-based tools and integrated features within Creative Cloud applications Key features include text-to-image generation, Generative Fill...
read Feb 25, 2025Adobe unveils first Photoshop mobile app, including AI features from Firefly
As Adobe's Photoshop celebrates its 38th year, it maintains its dominance with over 90% market share among creative professionals worldwide. The company has now launched its first dedicated Photoshop mobile app for iPhone, marking a significant shift from the simplified Elements version released in 2022. Core offering and pricing structure: Adobe's new mobile initiative includes both a standalone app and an integrated Mobile and Web plan that enables cross-device editing capabilities. A free version provides full on-device editing tools but lacks cross-platform functionality Premium access is available for $7.99 monthly or $69.99 annually Current Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers receive mobile...
read Feb 25, 2025UK students explore AI’s role in modern workplaces to boost both career prospects and understanding
Since 2024, the University of Plymouth has been integrating AI education into its business and marketing curriculum to prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven workplace. Students are learning to leverage generative AI tools for tasks like content creation and business automation, marking a shift in how universities approach technological literacy in business education. Core curriculum focus: The university's Business and Marketing program now includes dedicated lessons on using generative AI software for automated content creation and business tasks. Students learn to create podcasts and social media content using AI-powered tools The coursework emphasizes proper prompt engineering techniques to generate text,...
read Feb 25, 2025Does AI enhance communicative clarity or crudely create clutter?
The rise of AI language models and digital communication has created an unprecedented flood of written content, with 376 billion daily emails expected in 2025. This explosion of text is challenging human cognitive limitations, which evolved for information scarcity rather than surplus. The information overload crisis: Knowledge workers spend significant time searching through digital clutter while struggling to distinguish valuable content from AI-generated filler. Professionals report spending 2.5 hours daily searching for information buried in emails and files AI-generated content faces growing skepticism due to perceived lack of human judgment and empathy Human attention has become an increasingly scarce resource...
read Feb 24, 2025AI musicians take center stage at Mip London Korea Showcase
The Korean entertainment industry continues to innovate in content creation, with studios showcasing diverse formats ranging from AI-powered productions to historical dramas at Mip London. The presentations highlighted how Korean studios are leveraging advanced technologies while maintaining their signature storytelling elements across multiple genres. Technology integration and cost efficiency: Studio Meta-K is pioneering AI-driven production methods to address the rising costs of K-drama production, which have tripled in the past three years. The studio employs digital doubles, game engines, deepfake technology, and generative AI to create entirely AI-generated worlds and characters Their "Season" project features AI virtual music artists based...
read Feb 24, 2025Protecting human intellectual property in the AI era
The entertainment industry is grappling with the impact of artificial intelligence on human creativity and content creation, particularly following the 2023 SAG strike. Now, a new study by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers is predicting significant revenue losses for human creators due to AI competition. Key findings and projections: The European study estimates that AI will reduce human content creator revenues by 21-24% by 2028, representing approximately €22 billion in lost earnings. The research examined the impact across various creative fields, including music, literature, visual arts, and storytelling Experts anticipate that tech companies will be the...
read Feb 24, 2025Hacker plays either humorous or offensive AI Trump, Musk video on HUD screens, raising cybersecurity concerns
Amid rising tensions between federal employees and new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk, a cybersecurity breach at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters displayed an AI-generated video prank involving former President Trump. The incident occurred as HUD employees were required to return to office work while facing potential mass layoffs. The incident: A hacker gained control of display screens throughout HUD's Washington, D.C. headquarters, playing a disturbing AI-generated video loop featuring Donald Trump and Elon Musk with provocative imagery suggesting a certain amount of overly deferential treatment of Musk on Trump's part. The unauthorized...
read Feb 24, 2025ROOP swoops into the face swap space with variety of impressive new features
The ROOP Unleashed software package represents a significant advancement in AI-powered face swapping technology, building upon its predecessor with enhanced capabilities for both photo and video manipulation. This latest version introduces VR support and improved multi-tasking features, making it accessible through a browser-based interface. Core Capabilities: ROOP Unleashed combines sophisticated facial recognition with real-time processing to enable seamless face swapping across multiple media types. The software supports simultaneous face swapping of multiple subjects within a single video Users can select specific faces, first-detected faces, or apply gender-based swapping criteria Real-time preview functionality allows users to review changes before finalizing outputs...
read Feb 22, 2025AI takes center stage at HPA Tech Retreat as entertainment execs ponder future of industry
The Hollywood Professional Association's 2025 Tech Retreat in Palm Springs highlighted the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in entertainment, coinciding with DNEG Group's acquisition of AI company Metaphysic through its Brahma AI division. The event showcased how AI tools are transforming visual effects, sound design, and creative workflows while raising important questions about industry jobs and skill development. Industry consolidation trends: The media and entertainment sector is experiencing significant convergence among AI companies, with implications for creative workflows and tool availability. I2A2 president Renard Jenkins highlighted potential challenges when favorite tools are acquired by companies that may restrict access or...
read Feb 22, 2025Notepad and Paint are still free, but Microsoft will charge you extra for AI features
Microsoft's Windows Notepad and Paint applications have historically been free tools included with the operating system, offering basic text editing and image manipulation capabilities. In February 2025, Microsoft implemented a significant change by introducing AI features to these applications while maintaining their core functionalities as free offerings. Key Changes to Windows Apps: Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into Notepad and Paint within Windows 11, transforming these traditionally free applications into hybrid tools with premium features. Notepad now includes AI-powered text rewriting capabilities, allowing users to modify content length, formality, and tone Paint has been enhanced with AI Image Creator functionality...
read Feb 20, 2025Avalanche of AI content leaves Reddit mods feeling chilly
The rise of AI-generated content has created new challenges for Reddit's volunteer moderators who maintain the quality and authenticity of discussions across thousands of communities. Reddit's unique value stems from its human-generated content and genuine conversations, which are now being tested by an influx of AI-created posts and responses. Current state of moderation: Reddit moderators across various communities are implementing bans and restrictions on AI-generated content to preserve the platform's authenticity and quality. Many subreddits have established strict policies against AI-generated content, viewing such posts as low-effort contributions that diminish the value of human expertise and authentic discussion Moderators face...
read Feb 20, 2025AI production studio Asteria hires VFX veteran and ‘Star Wars’ alum Benjamin Lock
For animation studio Asteria, the hiring of a top visual effects master is now a lock. The emergence of artificial intelligence in film production is taking concrete form with Asteria, a generative AI film and animation studio founded in fall 2024 by Bryn Mooser. The studio combines traditional film expertise with AI technology development, aiming to reshape how movies and TV shows are produced. Latest Development: Visual effects veteran Benjamin Lock joins Asteria to spearhead AI-driven workflow development and contribute to the company's proprietary AI model development. Lock brings over two decades of experience from prestigious studios including Framestore, Aardman,...
read Feb 20, 2025Google Ads now allows advertisers to generate realistic AI images of humans
Artificial intelligence tools for digital advertising continue to evolve, with Google Ads leading significant developments in automated creative content generation. In February 2025, Google expanded its AI capabilities to allow advertisers to generate realistic images of adult humans for various campaign types. Core functionality expansion: Google Ads has integrated Imagen 3 AI technology to enable text-prompted generation of human images across Performance Max, Demand Gen, Display, and Apps campaigns. The system can create diverse adult human images based on specific text descriptions and demographic details Built-in safeguards prevent generation of branded products, celebrities, politicians, minors, or sensitive content All AI-generated...
read Feb 20, 2025Pika’s AI video generator launches on iPhone with AI character generation and more
It's a Pika party, and everyone's invited. The mobile app market for AI tools expanded significantly in early 2025 with Pika Labs' introduction of their AI video generation software for iOS. Following the successful launch of their Pika 2.1 model, which improved video quality and motion physics, the company has made their suite of creative tools accessible to mobile users. Core Features and Capabilities: Pika's iOS app brings professional-grade AI video generation to smartphones, allowing users to create and edit videos through simple touch interactions. The app includes the full Pika 2.1 model, which produces high-quality videos with realistic movement...
read Feb 19, 2025GoPro enhances 360 MAX camera with AI-powered editing tools
The rise of 360-degree video content creation has driven demand for more sophisticated cameras and editing tools in both consumer and professional markets. GoPro, a leader in action cameras, has responded with a comprehensive update to its 360-degree video ecosystem, combining hardware improvements with AI-powered editing capabilities. Product Evolution: GoPro's refreshed MAX 360 camera introduces significant hardware upgrades while maintaining accessibility for content creators. The new MAX 360 camera now captures 5.6K spherical video, offering higher resolution footage for more detailed content A redesigned mounting system accommodates standard ¼-20 tripod mounts, increasing compatibility with existing photography equipment The MAX Enduro...
read Feb 19, 2025Brahma buys Metaphysic to boost AI content creation
The digital content creation landscape is undergoing significant transformation as AI companies consolidate their technologies and expertise. Brahma, an AI content technology company formed by the DNEG Group, has acquired Metaphysic in a deal that values Brahma at $1.43 billion. Deal Structure and Investment: The merger brings together two major players in AI-powered content creation, supported by significant financial backing and strategic partnerships. Abu Dhabi-based United Al Saqer Group (UASG) and the DNEG Group have invested an additional $25 million in the combined entity Metaphysic's existing investors, including Liberty Global, S32, Rakuten Capital, TO Ventures, and 8VC, will become Brahma...
read Feb 19, 2025Fiverr empowers freelancers to build custom AI models that include voiceovers, graphic design and more
The freelance marketplace Fiverr has expanded its platform capabilities to include AI model creation and training, marking a significant shift in how freelancers can monetize their expertise. This new feature allows creative professionals to develop custom AI models based on their own work, which clients can then purchase to generate content that combines AI efficiency with professional expertise. Key Development: Fiverr's new AI initiative, called Fiverr Go, enables freelancers to create and sell access to AI models trained specifically on their individual work portfolios. The platform will allow creators to maintain control over their creative process and rights while monetizing...
read Feb 19, 2025From patrons to platforms: AI sparks new era in Hollywood history
The film industry is experiencing a significant shift as traditional studio-backed moviemaking faces declining theater attendance and criticism for playing it safe with formulaic content. AI technology is emerging as a potential catalyst for independent filmmakers to bypass traditional studio systems and create innovative content. The current state of Hollywood: Traditional moviemaking in 2025 faces significant challenges with average film budgets ranging from $100 to $150 million and decreasing theater attendance. Marvel's recent Captain America film has received criticism for its overly cautious approach and lack of artistic vision The 2024 Academy Awards faced criticism for being "worse than bad"...
read Feb 19, 2025AI-generated comics faceplant against the likes of Marvel
Content marketing and digital media professionals have been closely monitoring AI's impact on creative industries, particularly in visual storytelling and entertainment. Pocket Entertainment's recent launch of Pocket Toons represents one of the first major attempts to use AI for end-to-end comic book creation. The core technology: Pocket Entertainment's proprietary AI system called Blaze! aims to automate the comic creation process by handling backgrounds, scenes, coloring, and quality control. The company claims their technology can produce comics 20 times faster and at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional methods Blaze! is designed to handle both visual and narrative elements...
read Feb 19, 2025AI on the red carpet as Runway announces film festival jury for 3rd annual event
Runway, a prominent AI technology developer, continues to advance the intersection of artificial intelligence and filmmaking with its third annual AI Film Festival. The festival, which showcases AI-enhanced content, will feature screenings in New York and Los Angeles in June 2025. Event Details and Structure: The AI Film Festival will commence with a screening event in New York on June 5, followed by a Los Angeles showing on June 12. The festival represents a significant platform for showcasing how AI technology is being integrated into film and content creation Runway's co-founder and CEO Cristobal Valenzuela will serve as a key...
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