Everyone Hates TNT’s Drone Cam

Sports broadcasting is always trying new things. Sometimes these things work, such as the NFL’s Skycam. Other times, it takes a while for things to catch on, such as Fox‘s Cletus the Football Robot. There has also been the revelation of spring football leagues, where new tech is often trialed. The USFL has previously introduced innovations like helmet cams.

Basketball is a difficult sport to film, given the much smaller court and the need for quick and frequent transitions. In the past, broadcasters such as ABC have utilized a high-angle, track-mounted cam to be able to follow the action. But in Game 2 of the Sixers-Celtics series, TNT debuted a quadcopter drone to fly over the game at various points. Safe to say, people do not like this.

TNT Drone Cam Is Not A Hit

The drone cam footage, which obviously can only do so much given it’s about 10 feet off the ground and can’t get too close to the action, is just kind of weird. It gives the game an uncanny valley, NBA 2K-esque look. It doesn’t feel like you’re actually watching a basketball game. Even worse, you don’t even get to play the fake video game you’re watching. Furthermore, the footage is not of the same quality as the HD TV broadcast, making it jarring to switch between the two. While it’s kind of neat to see drone technology like this, what’s it really adding to the experience?

The general consensus on social media was that everyone hates the drone. This is mostly because it doesn’t add anything to the experience, and also looks bad. One Twitter user posted a picture of Hitchbot with the comment “When they try that drone came in Philly”. Hitchbot was a hitchhiking robot that successfully hitchhiked coast-to-coast in Canada. They tried the same experiment in the US, and Hitchbot was brutally murdered as soon as he reached Philadelphia. Another user expressed their sympathy for the media team, who presumably had the drone cam forced upon them. Again, drone cam sounds fun in theory but in practice, is a superfluous novelty that doesn’t actually add anything to the viewing experience.

[via]

TikTok’s Parent Company Aiming to Create AI Program to ‘Lower Music Creation Barrier’

tiktoklogo gettyimages 072121

Get ready for more AI. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is currently developing an AI program whose purpose is to “significantly lower the music creation barrier.”

MBW scooped two new positions added to the ByteDance site that is seeking a Product Manager to serve the company in “working on an AI-powered tool that provides intelligent music creation and audio editing capabilities.”

In speaking on the mission for the program, ByteDance has the vision to “to significantly lower the music creation barrier and inspire musical creativity and expression, further enriching the music content.”

The listing also encourages knowledge of algorithms, intelligence creation, and hopefully a merger of music. You can learn more about ByteDance’s plans here.

The post TikTok’s Parent Company Aiming to Create AI Program to ‘Lower Music Creation Barrier’ appeared first on The Source.

Social App Clubhouse Announces Layoff of 50% of Its Staff

Social App Clubhouse Announces Layoff of 50% Of Its Staff

Are you still on Clubhouse? The social platform has downsized, dropping 50% of its workforce to reset its purpose, and will use a “smaller, product-focused team.”

According to Music Business Worldwide, Clubhouse founders Paul Davison and Rohan Seth shot an email on the decision to lay off workers.

“Today we announced that we’re scaling back our org by over 50% and saying goodbye to many talented, dedicated teammates in the process. We’re deeply sorry to be doing this, and we would not be making this change if we didn’t feel it was absolutely necessary,” the founders said.

In their email, Clubhouse acknowledged how their platform was impacted by a post-COVID world, forcing an evolution. You can learn about the development here.

The post Social App Clubhouse Announces Layoff of 50% of Its Staff appeared first on The Source.

JoJo Says AI Music Should Be “Embraced”

The AI debate is one of the most controversial topics in tech right now. AI technologies, such as art generators and chatbots are becoming more and more prevalent. However, there is a growing opposition to the technology. Firstly, these AI tools work via machine learning. This means that they “learn” based off the contents of databases made available to them. However, the problem with this is that it means they are essentially mashing together elements of pre-existing works. To a lot of artists and writers, this is just stealing their work.

Furthermore, AI is now being used deceptively. An AI startup recently posted a clip of a song their software had created. The song was not just in the style of Drake, it had been created to intentionally sound like a Drake song sung by Drake. As AI regulation begins to gain steam, its proponents and supporters say the technology is inevitable.

JoJo Says If You Can’t Beat It Join It To AI music

Vermont-born singer JoJo has become the latest supporter of AI music. Speaking with TMZ, she called AI music technology “interesting” and argued that it could be used for “harmonies and backgrounds”. Additionally, she said that the use of the technology was inevitable and the music industry shouldn’t wait too long to embrace it. While a fair point, a lot of people said similar things about the metaverse and well, how’s that going for people?

However, JoJo is not the only musician who has been sharing their views on AI music. Khalid, also speaking with TMZ said he saw the potential benefits of AI but was afraid of what it meant for human performers. Moreover, this has been a valid concern across many AI fields. In one viral instance, an artist was working on a drawing on Twitch. A viewer took the drawing, fed into an AI to finish before the artist did, and demanded credit as if they were the original creator. AI clearly isn’t going anywhere for the time being. However, it appears that the music industry is split on whether it should be embraced or rejected.

[via]

[WATCH] AI Scammers Using Social Media Audio To Scam Loved Ones

scam

In recent years, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their techniques using AI technology (artificial intelligence)to lure unsuspecting victims into their schemes. One of the latest tools that scammers are using to trick people is artificial intelligence (AI).

In a scary turn of events, scammers are now creating deepfake videos. Deepfakes are videos that have been manipulated using AI to make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something that they didn’t actually do. Scammers are now using deepfakes to create videos that appear to show celebrities or other well-known figures endorsing a particular product or investment opportunity.

These videos can be incredibly convincing, and they can be used to trick people into investing in a fake company or buying a worthless product. In some cases, scammers have even used deepfakes to impersonate government officials, such as the president or a member of Congress, in order to trick people into giving them money.
AI has many legitimate uses, from helping companies to improve their products and services, to enabling researchers to make breakthroughs in fields such as medicine and environmental science. On the downside, it has also become a powerful weapon in the hands of scammers who use it to trick people into parting with their money.

One of the most common ways that scammers use AI is through chatbots. Chatbots are computer programs that can simulate conversation with human beings, and they are increasingly being used by companies to provide customer service. However, scammers have also started using chatbots to trick people into thinking that they are talking to a real person.

For example, scammers might create a chatbot that looks like a customer service representative from a bank or a credit card company. The chatbot might then ask the victim to provide personal information, such as their bank account number or their social security number, under the guise of verifying their identity. Once the scammers have this information, they can use it to steal the victim’s money or commit identity theft.

Another way that scammers use AI is through phishing scams. Phishing is a type of scam in which the attacker sends an email or text message that appears to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a social media platform. The message will often contain a link that the victim is encouraged to click on, which will then take them to a fake website that looks like the real thing.

Scammers are now using AI to make their phishing emails and text messages more convincing. For example, they might use AI to generate messages that are tailored to the victim’s interests or that appear to come from a friend or family member. This can make the message seem more trustworthy, and increase the chances that the victim will click on the link and fall for the scam.

In a nutshell, scammers are using AI in a variety of ways to trick people into parting with their money. My husband and I use code words and other confirmation to inform our child. From chatbots to phishing emails to deepfake videos, these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. It is important for people to be aware of these scams and to take steps to protect themselves, such as by never giving out personal information to anyone who asks for it online, and by being wary of any investment opportunity that seems too good to be true. By staying informed and taking precautions, people can protect themselves from these and other types of scams.

The post [WATCH] AI Scammers Using Social Media Audio To Scam Loved Ones appeared first on The Source.

Kai Cenat Wants To Speak On Nicki Minaj’s “Queen Radio” After Twitch Ban

Nicki Minaj is perhaps best known for getting into heated blowouts with enemies on social media. Still, the Queen of Rap is also known to give out flowers to those who deserve it too. Earlier this month, she did just that to streamer Kai Cenat, who was unfortunately banned on Twitch for “stimulated sexual activity” while playing GTA RP during one of his shows, something that others have faced similar punishment for in the past. While it’s certainly frustrating for one of the platform’s biggest names to be unable to create content for his fans, it helped him get the attention of Minaj, who’s expressed interest in working with him.

“I’m gonna get cute. I’m gonna dress up nice and cute and I’m gonna go on Live with him,” she told listeners on Queen Radio recently. “And speak to him if that’s cool with him. Let me reach out to him and stuff because I really like him. I really like him a lot.” Elsewhere in her broadcast, Minaj publicly pleaded with Twitch to remove Cenat’s ban, which was finally lifted earlier this week.

Kai Cenat Thanks Nicki Minaj for Speaking Out Amid Twitch Ban

Now that the 21-year-old is back doing what he loves, he took a moment to respond to the “Super Freaky Girl” hitmaker’s kind words and request to collaborate. “Auntie Nicki, I see what you said,” he exclaimed during one of his first shows back on the air. “Nicki Minaj said, ‘Why would y’all do that to that boy? Why would y’all ban him?’ She said she gotta get all nice and cute to come on a stream, but Twitch, hold on! This is chess, not checkers. Should I give y’all a big stream like that?” Cenat openly pondered.

“Should I let the Queen come on y’all platform? I’ll go to Queen Radio! If I’m invited, if they want to do anything,” he quietly added. “I’ll just talk to her, one-on-one, audio only.” Would you tune into a Nicki Minaj and Kai Cenat live stream? Leave a comment below with your answer, and tap back in later for more pop culture and hip-hop news updates.

[Via]

AI Biggie Covers Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind,” Twitter Is Divided

Some of our favourite artists have already dropped off noteworthy new music in 2023. Unfortunately, their releases as of late are chiefly being overshadowed by the songs coming out via artificial intelligence. From hearing Kanye West take on Hit-Boy’s “2 Certified” thanks to technology to heavy hitters like Drake and Michael Jackson covering Ice Spice’s “Munch (Feelin’ U),” the entertainment has been endless, albeit damaging to the music industry. Earlier this week, a video of the late Biggie Smalls rapping Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind” began circulating online, sparking plenty of debate amongst the hip-hop community,

The 1994 cut previously arrived on the New Yorker’s Illmatic album and remains one of the most popular in his discography to this day. Of course, The Notorious B.I.G. lost his life just three years after this, and though he and Nas had plans to collaborate (the latter previously revealed on The Breakfast Club that he “got too high” in the studio for anything to come to fruition), it ultimately never came to be. This is the closest we’ll probably ever to see to a joint effort, and while some users are loving Biggie’s flow on his friend’s song, others are frustrated with AI’s presence in the industry at the moment.

Biggie’s Unofficial “N.Y. State of Mind” Cover

“This made me realize Nas has the greatest flow of any rapper ever,” one Twitter user said, markedly praising the 49-year-old. Another, less pleased listener chimed in, “The gap between Biggie’s flow and Nas’ flow is f*cking me up right now. This sounds so much worse than his voice on his flow lol. Too much energy with the wrong tone.” Elsewhere, someone argued that the computer-generated audio fails to “capture Big’s essence one bit.”

Apart from the comedic, discourse-causing covers, we’ve also heard brand new lyrics written and beats crafted for Champagne Papi, The Weeknd, and more, rivalling some of their previous releases in the hearts of fans. In wake of this, music labels are beginning to take action in defence of their artists to protect their work and vocals. Keep scrolling to read Twitter’s reactions to the viral Biggie AI cover, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments afterward.

Social Media Reacts

[Via] [Via]

Spotify CEO Hints at Raise in U.S. Subscription Cost for First Time

spotify new

Get ready to pay a bit more to stream your favorite songs. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek revealed on Tuesday (Apr. 25) his desire to raise prices for American subscriptions for the first time.

“I think we are ready to raise prices, I think we have the ability to do that, but it really comes down to those negotiations,” Ek said.

“We did raise prices in 46 different locations and markets last year, and even in those markets we were still outperforming,” said Ek. “I feel really good about our ability to raise prices over time and we have lots of data now that backs that up. We may have been marginally helped by being a lower-cost provider, but it isn’t a primary part of our strategy and it’s not something that we’re thinking about.”

According to TechCrunch, Spotify currently boasts over 515 million monthly active users, an increase of 5% from the previous quarter. The number is also a 22% increase from the last year. Of that number, 210 million are premium subscribers.

The post Spotify CEO Hints at Raise in U.S. Subscription Cost for First Time appeared first on The Source.

Khalid Criticizes A.I. Generated Songs

Khalid is among many artists and creatives with mixed feelings about A.I.-generated songs. There has been a slew of tracks surfacing on the internet of big-name artists covering other artists’ songs. You’ve probably heard Ye or Drake over an IceSpice song once or twice on your TL. Khalid shared some of his concerns regarding the viral A.I. generated tracks.

In a recent interview with TMZ paparazzi, Khalid was asked about the recent waves of A.I. generated Drake tracks and more. Additionally, he was later asked if he would be okay with someone doing the same thing to his voice. “I have mixed feelings about it,” he told the paps. “I feel like A.I. is definitely going to be a helpful tool and it’s one of those things you can’t escape.” “Hopefully, you know, I still get to have my job for a really long time.” It’s fair to say we all hope to keep our jobs now that A.I. has crash landed on the scene. However, the American Teen songwriter was definitive in his criticism when asked about someone using his voice.

Khalid Sounds Off On A.I. Generated Music

Khalid performs during the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.
Khalid performs during the Hot 99.5’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Khalid was asked if he would work with any dead artists with the use of A.I., it was a hard pass for the Texas native. As detailed in the interview, Khalid mentions authenticity being taken away as these A.I.-generated tracks begin to take shape. Evidently, the authenticity in the art is lost when the actual humans whose voices are being emulated, are not involved in the creative process.

Khalid is one artist that prides himself on the authenticity and quality of his work. We wouldn’t have songs like “Location” or “Reasons” without authenticity. The human element is what makes music, music. While the A.I. voice emulators are cool and a great tool, it doesn’t beat the real thing, and Khalid agrees. What are your thoughts on A.I.-generated music? Will this be the new wave for music now? Let HNHH know what’s up in the comments section below!

[Via]

Elon Musk Drops Twitter Labels Amidst Backlash

Elon Musk has decided to drop Twitter’s media labels “State Affiliated” and “Government Funded” after receiving heavy backlash. Media entities such as NPR and PBS vehemently objected to the descriptions. Both networks halted the use of the social network owned by Musk in protest. However, this change has caused much controversy. The labels were designed to limit the spread of state-sponsored propaganda on the Elon Musk-owned social media site. Reportedly, by NPR reporter Bobby Allyn, Musk claimed that the decision to drop the media label was made by Walter Isaacson. Isaacson is working on a book about the Twitter owner.

Furthermore, NPR and PBS have not resumed the use of Twitter since suspending their activity earlier this month. Not only that, Twitter has since removed all “state-affiliated” and “government funded” labels from the site. Not to mention including accounts operated by huge news organizations like BBC, CBC, ABC, and a slew of others. Additionally, Elon Musk has been making more significant changes to the once popular bird app. Twitter recently removed “visibility filtering” restrictions on government accounts. According to NPR, from an ex-Twitter employee, at the direction of Elon Musk, Russia, Iran, and China were the three accounts to have visibility filtering removed.

Elon Musk Faces Backlash For New Changes To Twitter

Elon Musk changed his Twitter profile to “Chief Twit” and posted video of himself walking into the social network’s California headquarters carrying a sink, days before his contentious takeover of the company must be finalized. (Photo by various sources / AFP) (Photo by -/Twitter account of Elon Musk/AFP via Getty Images)

The restriction was designed to thwart the spread of state-sponsored propaganda from those regimes. Nonetheless, the controversy comes just after Elon Musk greenlit the addition of the new labels to several organizations that previously didn’t have such titles. After labeling NPR with such labels NPR said it was suspending Twitter activity. The media sited noted that the label “undermine[s] our credibility by falsely implying that we are not editorially independent.” Reportedly, less than 1% of NPR’s average annual operating budget comes from federal grants.

The label eradication came Friday the day after Musk revoked thousands of blue checks from a myriad of accounts of celebrities, influencers, and athletes. The move was designed to boost subscription rates and revenue. However, the Tesla tycoon conveniently framed it as democratizing the user-verification process (make it make sense). How do you feel about Twitter in the Elon Musk era? Are you buying a blue check? Let HNHH know in the comments below!

[Via]