News/Video
YouTube’s AI age verification restricts millions of accounts flagged as <18
YouTube has significantly expanded its AI-powered age verification system this week, with numerous users reporting their accounts have been restricted after being flagged as potentially under 18. The widespread rollout marks a major escalation from the limited testing that began in August, as Google leverages artificial intelligence to enforce stricter content controls for younger viewers. What you should know: YouTube's AI system analyzes account activity and longevity to estimate user age, automatically imposing restrictions on accounts it believes belong to minors. The age estimation model uses "a variety of signals such as YouTube activity and longevity of the account," according...
read Sep 23, 2025TikTok AI suggests shopping items on…Gaza war footage
TikTok is tagging videos from Gaza with AI-powered product recommendations, matching items visible in war footage with shop listings. The algorithm has been suggesting clothing items like "Dubai Middle East Turkish Elegant Lace-Up Dress" on videos showing Palestinian women searching for family members amidst rubble, highlighting the platform's failure to consider appropriate contexts for its new shopping feature. How it works: TikTok's new AI tool automatically scans video content to identify objects and suggest similar products from its shop.• When users pause a video, the system displays a "Find Similar" pop-up with product recommendations that match visible items in the...
read Sep 17, 2025Zoom launches camera-ready, non-bed head AI avatars that attend meetings for you
Zoom is launching photorealistic AI avatars that can attend meetings on your behalf, allowing users to appear polished even when they're not "camera-ready." The feature, rolling out to Workplace users in December, represents a significant step toward CEO Eric Yuan's vision of digital twins that can handle tasks like meetings and emails autonomously. How it works: Users can create AI avatars by uploading or capturing photos directly in the app, then customize them with professional outfits.• The avatar tracks your real-time movements and speech during meetings, creating a lifelike representation even if you just rolled out of bed.• This builds...
read Sep 16, 2025YouTube launches AI dubbing in Spanish, Japanese, Hindi and Korean
YouTube has launched multilingual dubbing for creators after nearly two years of testing, offering both manual upload options and AI-generated dubs powered by Google Gemini in languages including Spanish, Japanese, Hindi, and Korean. The rollout addresses the growing demand for global content accessibility while positioning YouTube to compete with similar features from Meta, Microsoft, and other platforms introducing AI dubbing capabilities. What you should know: Creators can now choose between uploading their own professionally created dubs or using YouTube's automated AI dubbing system. YouTube warns that AI-generated dubs may struggle with tone and local idioms, making human-created versions preferable for...
read Sep 12, 2025AI police reports via bodycam save 20 minutes per case but raise courtroom concerns
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office has completed a pilot program testing Axon's Draft One artificial intelligence technology, which creates initial police report drafts from body camera audio. The technology saves deputies an average of 20 minutes per report, freeing up hundreds of hours across the department for patrol duties and community engagement rather than paperwork. What you should know: Draft One uses AI to transcribe body camera audio into preliminary police reports, though multiple safeguards ensure human oversight remains central to the process. Deputies must modify at least 10% of the AI-generated draft before submission, and the software includes random...
read Sep 12, 2025Pickford AI casts 5 SAG actors including “Last of US” alum for interactive murder mystery series
Pickford AI has cast five SAG-AFTRA voice actors for "Whispers," an interactive murder mystery series that allows viewers to communicate directly with characters during the investigation. The project represents one of the first major productions to use SAG's newly established AI protocols, potentially setting a precedent for how talent is compensated as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in entertainment. What you should know: The interactive series breaks from traditional storytelling by letting audiences influence a murder mystery investigation in real-time. • Voice actors Stephen Chang ("The Last of Us," "Bosch Legacy"), Tohoru Masamune ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Never Have I...
read Sep 11, 2025Amazon Prime Video adds AI “Pocket Health” QB threat levels to NFL broadcasts
Amazon Prime Video has launched new AI-powered features for its Thursday Night Football broadcasts, including "Pocket Health," which analyzes offensive line data to visualize quarterback threat levels in real-time. The enhancements represent Amazon's continued investment in AI-driven sports analytics, building on existing machine learning tools to differentiate its NFL coverage and provide viewers with deeper tactical insights. What you should know: Amazon's latest AI features focus on providing tactical analysis that wasn't previously available to television audiences. Pocket Health uses AI to analyze "tens of thousands of data points" across the offensive line during plays, creating on-screen visuals that indicate...
read Sep 11, 2025PixVerse creator AIsphere raises $60M from Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba
AIsphere, the Beijing-based startup behind the popular AI video generator PixVerse, has raised $60 million in a funding round led by Alibaba Group Holding, the Chinese e-commerce and cloud computing giant. This marks the largest single funding amount raised by a domestic AI video generation company, reflecting the growing investment interest in China's AI video creation market as Big Tech firms seek to complement their offerings through strategic partnerships with specialized startups. Key details: The funding round included participation from Singapore-based venture capital firm Antler and the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund, though the company's valuation was not disclosed....
read Sep 8, 2025AMD driver update lets gamers force FSR 4 in 85+ titles
AMD's FSR 4 AI-powered upscaling technology is now available for most games that support FSR 3.1 with DirectX 12, according to the company's latest 25.9.1 driver update. The expansion significantly broadens FSR 4's reach beyond the 85+ officially supported titles, allowing gamers to access AMD's machine learning-enhanced graphics technology through a simple toggle in the AMD Software app. What you should know: FSR 4 can now be force-enabled in most FSR 3.1-compatible games through AMD's driver override feature. Users can flip a toggle in the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition app to override FSR 3.1 implementations with FSR 4. The technology...
read Sep 8, 2025Vodafone swaps humans for AI avatars in ads but tech flaws evident
Vodafone is experimenting with AI-generated avatars in its advertising campaigns, recently releasing a commercial featuring a synthetic spokesperson instead of a human actor. The telecommunications giant's test represents a notable shift toward AI-powered marketing by a major global brand, though the execution reveals the current limitations of generative AI technology in creating convincing human representations. What you should know: The AI avatar's artificial nature is immediately apparent through several telltale signs that undermine the illusion of authenticity. The synthetic spokesperson's hair appears unnatural, while physical mannerisms and speaking patterns feel mechanical and off-putting. A facial mole visibly shifts positions during...
read Sep 5, 2025Incumbent NYC mayor uses AI-generated videos in reelection campaign
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has integrated AI-generated photos and videos into his reelection campaign, marking one of the first major uses of artificial intelligence in American political campaigns. The technology has provided Adams with a cost-effective way to create promotional content and respond to opponents while facing fundraising challenges due to legal troubles and blocked campaign finance requests. What you should know: Adams is running as an independent candidate after facing legal issues, while the Democratic race features underdog Zohran Mamdani, who defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo for the nomination. Adams has used AI to create provocative content,...
read Sep 3, 2025Activist uses facial recognition AI to unmask ICE agents from arrest videos
A Netherlands-based immigration activist is using AI and facial recognition technology to identify masked US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents captured in viral arrest videos. Dominick Skinner's project has reportedly identified at least 20 ICE agents, turning surveillance technology against federal law enforcement in a striking reversal of conventional power dynamics. How it works: Skinner's team uses AI to reconstruct complete facial images from partially visible faces, then runs those images through existing facial recognition systems.• The process involves using AI to predict what the rest of an ICE agent's face likely looks like based on visible portions, then...
read Sep 2, 2025Dolby Vision 2 uses AI “content intelligence” to fix TV motion smoothing issues
Dolby has unveiled Dolby Vision 2, the next generation of its HDR format that incorporates AI-powered optimization and filmmaker-controlled motion smoothing features. The upgrade represents a significant evolution beyond traditional HDR by introducing "Content Intelligence" tools that automatically adjust TV settings based on viewing conditions and content type, while addressing the controversial motion smoothing issue that has long frustrated filmmakers. What you should know: Dolby Vision 2 introduces AI-driven features that go far beyond basic HDR tone mapping to optimize the entire viewing experience.• The new "Content Intelligence" tools automatically adjust TV settings based on what you're watching, your viewing...
read Sep 2, 2025Creative Runway AI expands into brass tacks robotics and self-driving car simulation
Runway AI, the $3 billion video generation company, is expanding beyond creative tools into robotics and autonomous vehicle training after receiving inbound interest from firms in those industries. The move leverages the company's existing world models to tap into rapidly growing simulation markets, with backing from major investors including Nvidia, Alphabet, and General Atlantic. The big picture: Runway's pivot reflects how generative AI is increasingly shaping robotics and self-driving development, positioning the company to capture demand in markets projected to grow from $16.5 billion combined in 2025 to over $51 billion by 2034. Market opportunity: The numbers underscore significant growth...
read Sep 1, 2025Google Photos uses AI to find the best moments in your videos
Google Photos is introducing a new "Key Moments" feature that uses AI to automatically identify and highlight the most engaging sections of user videos. The tool addresses a common problem with video sharing—lengthy recordings filled with uninteresting content—by allowing users to quickly find and extract compelling clips with a single tap. How it works: Key Moments analyzes videos that are at least ten seconds long, using AI to detect joyful, nostalgic, or visually rich segments.• The feature displays interactive "chips" on the video timeline that users can tap to save highlighted moments as separate clips or remove unwanted markers.• Google's...
read Aug 29, 2025Height of failure: NYPD facial recognition wrongfully arrests man 8 inches taller than suspect
The New York Police Department wrongfully arrested Trevis Williams after facial recognition software identified him as a suspect in a public lewdness case, despite him being eight inches taller and 70 pounds heavier than the actual perpetrator. The case highlights the dangerous combination of flawed AI technology and inadequate police protocols, particularly how algorithmic bias can lead to wrongful arrests of Black individuals. What happened: NYPD's facial recognition system generated six potential matches from grainy CCTV footage of a February incident, all of whom were Black men with facial hair and dreadlocks. Investigators acknowledged the AI results alone were "not...
read Aug 26, 2025Sneaky Peek: Halo X smart glasses record conversations without consent, raising privacy concerns
Harvard dropouts AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio have unveiled Halo X, AI-powered smart glasses that continuously record and transcribe every conversation while providing real-time AI insights to users. The device has sparked widespread backlash on social media, with critics condemning it as a dystopian surveillance tool that threatens privacy and could further erode critical thinking skills. What makes this controversial: Unlike Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, the Halo X deliberately omits visual indicators that would alert others when they're being recorded. Co-founder Nguyen told Futurism their core difference is "we aim to literally record everything in your life, and we think...
read Aug 22, 2025Too school for cool: Runway AI’s entertaining video models accidentally learned physics, now train robots
Runway's AI video models have evolved beyond creating special effects to accidentally learning the laws of physics through video training data. The company's technology now attracts robotics firms seeking realistic simulations for machine training, marking an unexpected shift from entertainment applications to real-world physics modeling. What you should know: Runway's Gen-4 model demonstrates an emerging ability to simulate complex physical phenomena without being explicitly programmed for physics. The models predict realistic movement of light, water, and other physical elements by analyzing patterns in massive video datasets. "The more we put compute and data behind scaling those models, the more capable...
read Aug 21, 2025ESPN launches AI-included $20-30 streaming service with 47K live events
ESPN launched its revamped streaming service today, marking a significant shift in how the sports media giant delivers content to cord-cutting audiences. The updated app integrates live streaming capabilities with ESPN's existing digital platform, offering sports fans a comprehensive alternative to traditional cable subscriptions. This launch represents ESPN's most aggressive push into direct-to-consumer streaming, positioning the network to compete directly with other sports-focused streaming services while capitalizing on the ongoing decline of traditional pay-TV subscriptions. Two-tier pricing structure targets different viewer segments ESPN's streaming service offers two distinct subscription options designed to capture both casual and dedicated sports fans. The...
read Aug 20, 2025Insta360’s $150 AI webcam uses gimbal tech to fix video calls
The remote work revolution has fundamentally changed how professionals present themselves on camera, making webcam quality a crucial factor in career success and business productivity. While most built-in laptop cameras deliver grainy, poorly lit video that can undermine professional credibility, a new generation of AI-powered webcams is changing the game entirely. Insta360, a company known for innovative camera technology, has developed the Link 2 4K webcam that addresses the core limitations of traditional webcams through hardware innovation rather than software workarounds. Currently available for $150 (down from its usual $200 price), this device represents a significant leap forward in how...
read Aug 20, 2025Meta launches AI tool that dubs and lip-syncs Reels in multiple languages
Meta has launched an AI-powered translation tool that automatically dubs and lip-syncs Reels videos in different languages, starting with English and Spanish translations. The feature, which was previewed at Meta Connect last year, aims to help creators expand their global reach by making their content accessible to international audiences while maintaining authentic voice characteristics and synchronized mouth movements. What you should know: The tool requires creators to have either 1,000 Facebook followers or a public Instagram account to access the feature. At launch, Meta AI Translations only supports English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English conversions, though more languages will be added in the...
read Aug 14, 2025GoPro creators can now earn 50% revenue from AI training footage. Here’s how to partake.
GoPro has built its reputation capturing extreme moments—mountain bikers bombing down alpine trails, surfers riding towering waves, and drone pilots weaving through forests at breakneck speeds. Now the action camera pioneer is offering creators a new way to monetize those adrenaline-fueled clips through an artificial intelligence training program that could transform user-generated content into steady revenue streams. The company recently launched an opt-in program allowing subscribers to license their cloud-stored footage to technology companies developing AI systems. Creators who participate receive 50% of the revenue GoPro collects from licensing deals, creating a potential income source from content that might otherwise...
read Aug 13, 2025Apple developing year-long battery cameras to challenge Ring and Nest in the smart home cul-de-sac
Apple is reportedly developing an ecosystem of home security devices including smart cameras and doorbell systems to compete directly with Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest products. The initiative represents Apple's broader push into AI-powered robotics and smart home automation, with plans for multiple hardware and software products designed to integrate seamlessly across the home environment. What you should know: Apple's home security ambitions extend far beyond the Face ID-enabled doorbell Bloomberg first reported in December.• The company is developing battery-powered security cameras that could last "from several months to a year on a single charge."• These devices will feature facial...
read Aug 12, 2025LG C5 OLED TVs hit record-low prices with up to $900 off
LG's premium OLED TV lineup just became significantly more accessible, with the company's latest C5 series hitting record-low prices across multiple screen sizes. The 55-inch model, originally priced at $1,800, has dropped to $1,299 on Amazon—a substantial $500 discount that represents the deepest price cut since the series launched earlier this year. This pricing shift extends across the entire C5 range, with savings reaching over $900 on larger models. The timing is particularly notable given that OLED displays, which use organic light-emitting diodes to create perfect blacks and vibrant colors, typically maintain premium pricing throughout their first year on the...
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