A group of four journalists collaborated on a significant article published in The New York Times, delving into the discussions among OpenAI, Google, and Meta regarding strategies to circumvent trademark laws. The article highlighted the challenges posed by online content distribution, even when protected by firewalls, drawing comparisons to similar legal battles faced by Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times itself, which have been actively litigating against OpenAI. OpenAI’s defense against the accusation of content appropriation centered on the vast scale of their data processing, emphasizing that each query represents merely one among billions of data points. However, the argument that equal appropriation from multiple sources absolves them of wrongdoing was deemed insufficient. In response, OpenAI has initiated negotiations with prominent content creators such as Axel Springer, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
The launch of Udio AI Music Generator has garnered attention, securing $10 million in seed funding from a diverse group of investors and celebrities, including a16z, Mike Krieger (co-founder of Instagram), and musicians will.i.am and Common. Operating in a competitive landscape fraught with trademark complexities, Udio stands out for its ability to seamlessly generate song lyrics and musical compositions with efficiency and precision.
Bones, a pioneering AI printing software by Sprines, recently concluded a successful $6.5 million Seed Round. The Spines system offers a comprehensive suite of solutions across the printing workflow, resulting in a 30% reduction in costs and a significant decrease in production time from six months to a mere two weeks. The funding round, spearheaded by Aleph with contributions from existing investor M-Bank, renowned author Dan Senor of “Startup Nation,” and LionTree LLC, marks a significant milestone for the innovative printing technology.
The collaboration between Meta and acclaimed producer Eli Roth on the VR series ‘The Impersonal Lady’ has garnered rave reviews, with Variety writer William Earl describing it as “a captivating journey into immersive horror storytelling.” Positioned as the first scripted original VR live-action series of its kind, specifically designed for the Meta Quest platform, the series has received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling in a virtual environment.
The resurgence of interest in the Metaverse, particularly in the realm of 3D games, has gained momentum following the release of OpenAI’s Chat-GPT. Companies such as Spatial. dai, MeetKai, Vulcan Forged, and Supersocial are actively engaged in developing social platforms and gaming experiences within the Metaverse, signaling a renewed focus on immersive digital interactions and entertainment.
Fortnite enthusiasts can look forward to the return of Coachella within the gaming platform for the second consecutive year. Sahara Island, a virtual space within Fortnite, will host a unique music and gaming experience featuring tracks and imagery from renowned artists like Grimes and DJ Snake, offering players the opportunity to engage with the spirit of Coachella 2024 through interactive gameplay and musical performances. The event is scheduled to commence on April 11 at 8 PM ET and will run until April 18 at 8 PM ET, providing fans with a virtual festival experience unlike any other.
Sora, a music video creator, recently shared a heartfelt message accompanying a YouTube video showcasing his latest work. Artist August Kamp expressed deep emotional connection to the music video, describing it as a reflection of his innermost thoughts and experiences. Through the use of Sora, Kamp found a unique outlet for self-expression, allowing him to share his personal journey and emotions with a wider audience, emphasizing the transformative power of creative tools in shaping artistic narratives.
Zappar has introduced OpenBrush for Zapbox, enhancing the AR capabilities of the popular Zapbox device by integrating the renowned creative tool Tilt Brush. Priced at $100, Zapbox offers users a gateway to 3D spatial computing through head-mounted pass-through AR technology, complemented by a range of free apps for diverse experiences, including games, 3D modeling, and spatial TV.
Filmmaker Dave Clark recently unveiled a cutting-edge concept trailer paying homage to the legendary Gundam franchise. Driven by a deep-seated passion for Gundam’s rich universe, Clark collaborated with AI filmmakers Kavan the Kid and Artisdead_AI to create a visually stunning live-action interpretation of the beloved series. By leveraging a diverse set of creative tools and technologies, including RunwayML Gen2, Photoshop, DaVinci, and Premiere Pro, the team aimed to honor Gundam’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, offering fans a glimpse into a captivating new adaptation.
“This Week in XR,” a renowned column now available as a podcast, is hosted by author Charlie Fink, Ted Schilowitz (former studio executive and co-founder of Red Camera), and Rony Abovitz (founder of Magic Leap). The latest episode features Connell Gauld, CTO of Zappar, discussing the latest developments in augmented reality. The podcast can be accessed on popular platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube, providing listeners with insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of XR technology.
