LeBron James’ Tattoo Artist Loses Lawsuit Against NBA 2K Game Publisher

The tattoo artist behind LeBron James ink tried to sue NBA 2K publisher Take-Two Interactive. Jimmy Hayden filed a suit against the video game company, alleging that 2K engaged in copyright infringement because his work on Lebron James has been featured in the game for six straight titles. Hayden had amended the lawsuit in 2019. Several of his claims were dismissed from the case, but Hayden kept his lawsuit going. He ended up still suing 2k over two tattoos that appear on LeBron James in the game.

Now, the lawsuit is dead. A jury sided with Take-Two Interactive on April 19th. LeBron James has been featured in “NBA 2K” since “NBA 2K4”. NBA players are known to have a ton of ink on their bodies. A ruling in favor of Hayden may have opened the floodgates for hundreds of other tattoo artists to make the same claims. Take-Two argued that their right to use LeBron James’s likeness also included The King’s various tattoos. The jury unanimously agreed with the video game publisher.

Read More: NBA Players Vote On Who Is The GOAT: LeBron James Or Michael Jordan?

LeBron James Tattoo Artist Isn’t Giving Up

Hayden isn’t quite finished. He still has other cases related to his work. He has cases involving his tattoos appearing in NBA 2K21 on players Danny Green, Tristan Thompson, and LeBron James once again. The Lawsuit isn’t some frivolous attempt at a cash grab. Take-Two has been in the hot seat before in their depictions of athletes’ tattoos. In 2020, Take-Two won a 2016 lawsuit against tattoo studio Solid Oak Sketches, which alleged similar infringement as Hayden. A judge awarded tattoo artist Catherine Alexander $3700 in damages in 2022 after Take-Two failed to show their use of WWE star Randy Orton’s ink was also fair use.

Tattoos, Athletes, and video games have a long legal history. The NFL requires its players to get waivers from their tattoo artists. This policy was made to stop murky legal situations about copyright from developing. The NBA probably needs to take note of the NFL and copy its policy. In any case, Hayden’s remaining lawsuits will move forward. There is a chance he will win against the giant video game publisher this time. 

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Tesla Recalls All Cybertrucks: What We Know

Despite only being on the road for a handful of months, the Tesla Cybertruck is currently experiencing a recall mandate. Tesla officially launched the trucks to the public in November 2023, teasing them as the future of the automotive industry and specifically championed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Despite Musk’s overt pushing for the Cybertruck, users across the web have maligned the vehicles for their angular style, which many have likened to a low-resolution texture pulled straight from a Playstation 2 video game.

Today, there are roughly 4,000 of these Tesla Cybertrucks currently on the road, and the recall impacts each and every one of them. Without any further preamble, let’s examine the situation with these T-1000 robots on wheels and uncover the truth about the nature of this total recall.

The Recall Centers On The Accelerator

If you or someone you know is a Tesla Cybertruck driver, it’s advisable to follow up on this recall as soon as possible, as it may pose a serious safety issue. News reports have revealed that the accelerator pedal can sometimes stick in place when drivers press down on it, making it difficult or impossible to come to a safe yield or full stop.

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this issue is caused by soap used in the pad lubricant, which inadvertently causes the gas pedal to become jammed. In an official recall order, the NHTSA wrote, “An unapproved change introduced lubricant (soap) to aid in the component assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal. Residual lubricant reduced the retention of the pad to the pedal.”

Tesla Is Under Fire

Obviously, this recall is a serious issue that impacts the public safety of everyone within the vicinity of a Tesla Cybertruck. Furthermore, Tesla’s recent months have seen several financial and personnel issues, with the company just announcing plans to lay off over 10 percent of its global workforce. Tesla has not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation with the Cybertruck recall, though safety regulators have directly blamed the company. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Austin assembly workers used wholly unauthorized soap in the Cybertruck pads.

Tesla explained their announcement of laying off droves of employees as a reaction to dwindling sales in the electric car market. As a dominant force in this market in the past years, Tesla’s low sales figures were quite surprising to many consumers. The electric car company is famously tight-lipped about their total units sold. With only 4,000 Cybertrucks on the road, this puts Tesla behind its competitors, such as Ford, who have managed to move over 7,500 F-150 Lightning electric trucks during the first quarter of the year alone.

The Recall Requires Immediate Action

Due to the nature of Tesla’s tech-forward vehicles, most Tesla recalls in the past have been fixable with quick and easy techniques, including software updates through the cloud. Unfortunately, Tesla will clearly require a more hands-on approach for this accelerator recall, meaning owners of the Cybertruck must bring their shiny new vehicles to a Tesla-authorized service center for the repair. Like other safety recalls, this repair comes at no additional charge to the customer.

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New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa

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Artificial Intelligence is getting smarter, funnier, and in some ways creepier. Arguably a photo of the most famous painting, the Mona Lisa is capable of doing more than just smirking, with the help of Microsoft’s brand new artificial intelligence technology.

Researchers at Microsoft detailed VASA-1, a new AI model they developed that takes still images of a face with an audio clip of anyone speaking, and it automatically creates a pretty realistic video of that person’s photo speaking. The videos are compelling, with lip-syncing, and natural face, and head movements—spooky stuff. 

Get this: in one demo video, the Microsoft researchers animated an image of the Mona Lisa to spit a comedic rap, originally by actor Anne Hathaway. Well at least it wasn’t a real artist, then we’d have more AI controversy on our hands. 

The output result may be entertaining but may also feel jarring in the product’s authenticity. It just feels too real for some. Now Microsoft said the tech could work within educational applications or, as they put it, “improving accessibility for individuals with communication challenges,” or even virtual companions for humans. Now, that all sounds good, but it may be used for impersonating people and other nefarious uses. Imagine this AI technology used to disrupt creative industries from film to advertising and more.

Microsoft says it is not releasing the VASA-1 model to the public just yet. “We are opposed to any behavior that creates misleading or harmful contents about real persons,” Microsoft researchers said in a recent blog post. They added that they have “no plans to release” the product publicly “until we are certain that the technology will be used responsibly and in accordance with proper regulations.”

The Mona Lisa rapping and all that is fun and games, but until this technology can be responsibly managed, it seems like it’s ripe for potential issues in a world where there’s already enough misinformation floating around. So, the jury is out on this one.

The post New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa first appeared on The Source.

The post New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa appeared first on The Source.

Tesla Cybertruck Recall: Thousands Of Vehicles In Needs Of New Accelerator Pedals

Some bad news for Elon Musk today as there was a massive Tesla Cybertruck recall. According to The Verge, almost every single Cybertruck has been hit with a recall. In total, this makes 3,878 Cybertrucks. The issue with the cars is that they could potentially have a fault accelerator pedal that gets stuck. Subsequently, this could lead to people getting into very serious accidents. Overall, it is not an ideal situation, and consumers want answers.

Moreover, this is especially disappointing for consumers considering how the truck took a long time to come out. Additionally, there have been numerous complaints about the car’s performance and whether or not it was worth the price tag. Tesla as a whole has been under scrutiny these past couple of years, and the Cybertruck situation will not help with that.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Thanks Drake For Putting Him On “Push Ups” Following Official Release

The Tesla Cybertruck Recall Affects Thousands

CHENGDU, CHINA – JANUARY 26: A Tesla Cybertruck is on display at Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu on January 26, 2024 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province of China. Tesla Cybertruck is set to commence its nationwide tour in China, officially named the ‘Tesla Cybertruck Off-Road Wagon China Tour’. The tour will cover eight cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Chongqing. (Photo by Chengdu Economic Daily/VCG via Getty Images)

Subsequently, it will be interesting to see how Tesla handles all of this. Their stock prices have been suffering, and public perception is not good. However, there are Tesla loyalists out there who will overlook these shortcomings.

Let us know what you think of this situation with the Tesla Cybertruck recall, in the comments section down below. Do you think that this is going to be a major problem for Tesla, moving forward? Have you even been interested in their cars? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the tech world. We will be sure to keep you informed on trending stories.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar Response To Drake Is Allegedly Like 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up,” Says Joe Budden Podcast Co-Host

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Susan Wojcicki Net Worth 2024: What Is The Former CEO Of YouTube Worth?

Susan Wojcicki is a titan of the tech industry. She is renowned for her role as the former CEO of YouTube, one of the most influential platforms in the digital age. As of 2024, Susan Wojcicki’s net worth is estimated at $500 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth. This substantial figure reflects her pivotal contributions to Google and YouTube. Her strategic vision and leadership have been critical in shaping the internet landscape. Wojcicki’s career at Google began in its nascent stages, showcasing her foresight in the potential of online platforms and her ability to drive exponential growth.

Leading Google’s Early Innovations

Susan Wojcicki
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 05: CEO of Youtube Susan Wojcicki speaks onstage during. YouTube Brandcast presented by Google on May 5, 2016, also in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic for YouTube)

Susan Wojcicki’s journey in the tech industry started when she rented her garage to Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. It would become the company’s first office. She soon joined Google as employee No. 16 and played a seminal role in developing Google’s original business model. Her creation and management of Google’s AdSense technology helped transform the advertising landscape. It turned Google into a powerhouse of internet advertising. Wojcicki’s innovative approach to business and advertising significantly boosted Google’s revenues and established her as a key player in the company’s rapid growth.

Transformative Leadership At YouTube

Susan Wojcicki
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 23: Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube doing a fireside chat at #VidCon at Anaheim Convention Center on July 23, 2015 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by FilmMagic/FilmMagic)

In 2014, Wojcicki took over as CEO of YouTube, a platform that Google had acquired under her recommendation in 2006. Her tenure at YouTube was marked by significant growth as she navigated the platform through the complexities of content management, advertiser relationships, and creator economy. Under her leadership, YouTube expanded its user base to billions globally, introduced new revenue models like YouTube Premium and YouTube TV, and significantly increased its market footprint. Her strategic initiatives expanded YouTube’s influence and solidified its status as an indispensable part of the digital media ecosystem.

Impact & Philanthropy

Susan Wojcicki
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 28: YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki speaks onstage during the. YouTube TV announcement at YouTube Space LA on February 28, 2017, also in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for YouTube)

Further, Susan Wojcicki has advocated for technology access, education, and the representation of women in tech. Her philanthropic efforts and public advocacy have addressed key issues in technology and society, influencing policy and practice within and outside Silicon Valley. Wojcicki’s impact on the tech industry is profound, as she continues to support various initiatives to expand the reach and positive effects of technology worldwide.

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Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder & More Call For Protection From AI

More than 200 major artists recently came together to sign an open letter requesting safeguards be put in place to protect artists from artificial intelligence. The letter notes the increasing use of technology to imitate performers’ voices and appearances. It also argues that it could have a detrimental impact on the music industry. Previously, artists like Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and many more have had their voices or likenesses imitated.

“This assault on human creativity must be stopped. We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists’ voices and likenesses, violate creators’ rights, and destroy the music ecosystem,” the letter reads. It was penned by The Artist Rights Alliance, a non-profit run by several music industry veterans. Johnny Cash’s daughter Rosanne, for example, is a board member.

Read More: Nicki Minaj & Cardi B Actually Agree On Something: A New AI Regulation Law

Artists Don’t Want To Be Replaced By AI

This isn’t the first time artists have come together to demand protection from A.I., however. Earlier this year, over 300 creatives joined forces to sign a letter in support of the bipartisan No Artificial Intelligence Fake Replicas And Unauthorized Duplications Act. 21 S*vage, Chuck D, CommonMary J. BligeMissy Elliott, Questlove, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and more signed the letter. “The No AI FRAUD Act would defend your fundamental human right to your voice & likeness, protecting everyone from nonconsensual deepfakes,” it says, also urging readers to, “Protect your individuality. Support HR 6943.”

“It’s time for bad actors using AI to face the music,” Representative María Elvira Salazar said when announcing the act. “This bill plugs a hole in the law and gives artists and U.S. citizens the power to protect their rights, their creative work, and their fundamental individuality online.” What do you think of various artists coming together to sign an open letter requesting protection from artificial intelligence? Do you stand with them? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Bobbi Althoff Reveals How She Found Out About AI Nude “Leak”

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Tyla Stars in New Beats by Dr. Dre and Alo Campaign

Tyla Stars in New Beats by Dr. Dre and Alo Campaign

Beats by Dr. Dre (Beats) and Alo Yoga (Alo) have joined forces to introduce the Beats X Alo Special Edition Fit Pro true wireless earphones. This exclusive collaboration combines a sleek black finish with polished chrome accents, offering a stylish yet functional accessory for workouts and daily wear.

Featuring a debossed Alo logo on the right earbud and pearlized “b” logos on both buds, these true wireless earbuds make a subtle yet fashionable statement. The custom Beats Fit Pro case boasts a high-gloss coating infused with shimmering sparkles, complemented by a reflective chrome-like finish inside.

The Beats Fit Pro earphones, renowned for their premium sound quality, include features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and the Apple H1 chip. They are also compatible with Android phones via the Beats companion app.

“The Beats x Alo collaboration felt truly predestined as both Los Angeles hometown brands have made a lasting impact on fitness and culture,” said Chris Thorne, Beats CMO. “Beats and Alo have a shared passion for high-performance products that allow our customers to express their unique and distinct personalities. We’re thrilled to join forces with Alo and bring the perfect tech accessory to the world of fitness.”

“We are thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between Beats and Alo Yoga, uniting the worlds of premium sound and mindful movement. This partnership is more than just a fusion of technology and fashion; it’s a celebration of the rhythm of life and the practice of being present. Together, we aim to inspire our communities to live their most authentic lives, amplified by the power of music and movement.” Said Danny Harris, Co-CEO and Co-Founder.

Beats x Tyla

To coincide with the launch, Beats and Alo enlisted GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Tyla for the campaign. Filmed in the Bahamas, the campaign immerses viewers in an sensory experience set to the track “Safer” from Tyla’s debut album, TYLA. For more information, visit beatsbydre.com.

“Partnering with Beats and Alo has been a dream collaboration for me,” said Tyla. “I’m so excited to join forces on this campaign and share a product I personally rely on day-in, day-out.”

You can see the campaign video below.

The post Tyla Stars in New Beats by Dr. Dre and Alo Campaign first appeared on The Source.

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‘HillTop Ave’ Unveils Comprehensive Array of Services Aimed to Empower Musicians

HillTop Ave Logo

In an innovative stride that promises to redefine the norms of the entertainment industry, HillTop Ave, a creative services pioneer, has unveiled a comprehensive array of offerings aimed at empowering musicians, entertainers, and content creators with full control over their brands. Integrating music and video production, mobile app development, strategic brand, media campaign services, and a groundbreaking partnership with a leading music licensing firm, HillTop Ave is not just facilitating creative expression but also ensuring that artists can navigate the digital landscape with unparalleled autonomy and efficiency.

Our goal is to dismantle the traditional barriers that separate creativity from commercial success,” explains Douglas Noga, founder of HillTop Ave. “We are committed to providing artists with the tools and strategic support needed to fully own their brand narratives, leveraging both our in-house expertise and key industry partnerships to make this vision a reality.”

Enriching Sound and Vision with Music and Video Production:

Central to HillTop Ave’s mission is its top-tier music and video production capability, designed to let artists’ unique voices and visions shine. With access to cutting-edge technology and a team of industry veterans, artists can collaborate to produce content that not only resonates with their audience but also stands out in a crowded market.

Fostering Direct Engagement through Mobile App Development:

Understanding the critical role of digital engagement, HillTop Ave offers bespoke mobile app development services, enabling artists to create a direct link with their audience. These apps go beyond content distribution, aiming to build community, enhance fan engagement, and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Strategic Brand and Media Campaigns / Building Lasting Connections:

HillTop Ave also specializes in developing comprehensive brand strategies and media campaigns tailored to each artist’s unique identity and goals. Through a data-driven and holistic approach, HillTop Ave crafts narratives that not only capture attention but forge enduring connections between artists and their audiences.

A New Era of Collaboration – The HillTop and Music Licensing Firm Partnership:

Elevating its service portfolio, HillTop Ave has announced a significant partnership with a renowned music licensing firm. This collaboration is aimed at expanding artists’ opportunities in music licensing and synchronization, enabling seamless integration of their work across various media platforms, and amplifying their reach and impact in the music industry. “This strategic alliance underscores our dedication to empowering artists, providing them with platforms to maximize both their creative and commercial potentials,” remarks Noga.

Leading the Charge in the Digital Transformation of Entertainment:

HillTop Ave’s comprehensive service offerings and strategic partnerships underscore its commitment to providing artists with the freedom and resources necessary to navigate the evolving digital landscape. “As the industry continues to transform, HillTop Ave remains dedicated to exploring new technologies and strategies to empower artists,” says Noga.

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected].

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DJs Are Making Money Helping Songs Go Viral on New Music Platform DJ Connect App

DJs Are Making Money Helping Songs Go Viral on New Music Platform DJ Connect App

Most upcoming artists understand the grind: mixing tracks into the wee hours, investing your essence into every beat, all while dreaming of that moment when the world finally hears your sound. Sadly, the music scene is crowded now with the digital explosion. For listeners, this is fantastic, offering a daily menu of fresh talents with the click of a button. But for artists? It’s an uphill battle.

Watching hard work get lost in the shuffle is tough, and it’s even more challenging when you hear about the big labels once the dream makers are cutting back and laying off. The truth hits hard: talent and hard work only sometimes guarantee success in this digital age. Unless you’ve got a mentor in your corner, a Mr. Miyagi figure for the digital age, teaching you to fight and win. That’s the role DJ Connect App proudly plays.

Imagine having a guide to navigate the chaos of the TikTok and YouTube algorithms. Someone who shines a light on your path, ensuring your music doesn’t just blend into the background but stands out, gets noticed, and gets played. That’s precisely what the DJ Connect App does. Unlike other platforms offering little more than streams, DJ Connect App is your industry sensei, using its $25 million valuation and vision to transform music careers.

As the platform’s founders observe, every artist faces two significant challenges: getting their music heard by the right people and making a living out of their passion. The industry’s saturated and traditional paths to success are narrowing. DJ Connect App tackles this head-on. How? By connecting you directly with music movers and shakers – top A&Rs, DJs, and label executives who can turn your music into the next big hit.

Instead of just throwing your music into a vast ocean and hoping for the best, this team goes out of its way to ensure you have a career—no more casting wide nets and hoping for a nibble. DJ Connect ensures your music reaches industry influencers who can propel your career forward. To them, it’s simple: Why gamble on marketing that might not hit the mark when you can get your tracks directly in front of industry professionals who can make a difference?

DJ Connect is more than talk. With a launch on the Apple Store, they’re ready to show just how much impact direct connections can make. As an insider discloses, they’re not just about helping artists and DJs break into the industry but about creating sustainable careers. This platform is designed to generate real income for DJs and artists, supporting the financial backbone of their careers.

DJ Connect is a testament to what’s possible when technology meets tenacity in a world where even the giants are stumbling. It’s a rallying cry for every artist tired of the traditional treadmill, offering a new way to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Joining DJ Connect isn’t just signing up for another service; it’s enlisting a champion in your corner, dedicated to turning your musical dreams into reality. With DJ Connect, your music does more than release—it resonates, reaches, and revolutionizes.

Why fight a losing battle when you can join a winning army? Where others see obstacles, the DJ Connect App sees opportunities. Welcome to the future of music and the DJ Connect App.

The post DJs Are Making Money Helping Songs Go Viral on New Music Platform DJ Connect App first appeared on The Source.

The post DJs Are Making Money Helping Songs Go Viral on New Music Platform DJ Connect App appeared first on The Source.

Elon Musk Shows Off First Demonstration Of Neuralink In Action

Elon Musk has released the first look at the Neuralink, the neural implant tech he owns, in action. Nolan Arbaugh, a 29-year-old quadriplegic, appears to control a remote digital touchscreen in order to play chess only using his neural impulses. At the very least, the footage appears to confirm that Arbaugh is alive and well, unlike the dozens of monkeys that reportedly died testing the implant. However, the footage is yet to be confirmed as genuine.

Furthermore, massive ethical issues surrounding Neuralink remain. While Arbaugh’s success, if confirmed, is great news for the industry, Musk is not the person many want leading the research breakthrough. Neuralink has been surprisingly covert for a Musk-owned company. However, many people believe that this is in order to mask transparency in hopes of increasing volunteer sign-ups. Neuralink is currently targeting those with severe, life-altering disabilities for human trials. Furthermore, there is no set timeline for a wider release of Neuralink.

Read More: Elon Musk Says He Doesn’t Play Grand Theft Auto As X Begs Rockstar To Publish GTA 6 Trailer On The Platform

Elon Musk Rants About Jeff Bezos’ Ex-Wife, People Call Him “The Most Divorced Man On The Internet

Elsewhere, People have labeled Elon Musk “the most divorced man on the Internet” after the X owner tweeted about the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos. Musk had gone after MacKenzie Scott for her charitable donations, writing “‘Super rich ex-wives who hate their former spouse’ should be listed among ‘Reasons that Western Civilization died’.” Scott, who has stated that she wants to “give away all of her money”, has given over $16.5 billion, with over half that going to charities focused on gender and race issues.

However, the internet has taken this as yet another opportunity to dunk on the South African-born billionaire. As mentioned, the label of “most divorced man on the internet” was once again raised for Musk. His posts have become increasingly bitter after his divorce from Grimes. It is worth mentioning that he has since deleted his post about Scott.

Read More: Alex Jones Returns To X After Elon Musk Poll

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