Monthly Archives: March 2024

AI Marilyn Monroe adds to the list of dead celebrities digitally resurrected without consent

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There’s been a lot of discussion in recent years about the practice of capitalizing on celebrities’ digital likenesses without their consent, whether after they die or while they’re still alive. Zelda Williams, for one — the Lisa Frankenstein director and daughter of Robin Williams — slammed the “disturbing” trend of people trying to recreate the voices and faces of the deceased last year, as striking actors fought for, among other things, better protections around studios’ potential use of AI clones. Yet despite the obvious ethical issues, companies keep doing it. The latest? Soul Machines just unveiled “Digital Marilyn,” an AI chatbot designed to look and talk just like Marilyn Monroe.

The company, which specializes in what it refers to as Biological AI-powered Digital People, debuted the Marilyn bot at SXSW on Friday in a partnership with Authentic Brands Group. ABG owns the rights to Monroe’s likeness and those of numerous other celebrities both dead and living, including Elvis Presley and Shaq. Digital Marilyn, powered by GPT 3.5, is “hyper-real” and capable of responding with “emotions and nuanced expressions,” Soul Machines says in a press release. She can hold a roughly 20-minute conversation.

“More than just an impressive impersonation, Digital Marilyn is an autonomous Digital Person capable of engaging in natural, dynamic conversations that feel authentic and responsive,” Soul Machines wrote in a blog post. “It’s as if the spark of Marilyn herself has been translated into the AI age, offering a unique and deeply personal connection for both devoted fans and curious newcomers.” Anyone else’s skin crawling?

Soul Machines touts its digital celebrities (there are others, including an upcoming Carmelo Anthony bot) as a way for famous people to “engage 1-on-1 with their fans, without limits” and “deliver 24/7 connection.” Notably, all of the other AI celebrities the company currently offers chats with — Mark Tuan, Francis Ngannou and Jack Nicklaus — are men who are alive and thus able to weigh-in on their inclusion. Soul Machines introduced its Marilyn Monroe AI to the public with an Instagram post for International Women’s Day, because nothing says “celebrate women” like exploiting the likeness of a female celebrity who is no longer around to give permission.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai-marilyn-monroe-adds-to-the-list-of-dead-celebrities-digitally-resurrected-without-consent-184554216.html?src=rss

AI Marilyn Monroe adds to the list of dead celebrities digitally resurrected without consent

Posted on by

There’s been a lot of discussion in recent years about the practice of capitalizing on celebrities’ digital likenesses without their consent, whether after they die or while they’re still alive. Zelda Williams, for one — the Lisa Frankenstein director and daughter of Robin Williams — slammed the “disturbing” trend of people trying to recreate the voices and faces of the deceased last year, as striking actors fought for, among other things, better protections around studios’ potential use of AI clones. Yet despite the obvious ethical issues, companies keep doing it. The latest? Soul Machines just unveiled “Digital Marilyn,” an AI chatbot designed to look and talk just like Marilyn Monroe.

The company, which specializes in what it refers to as Biological AI-powered Digital People, debuted the Marilyn bot at SXSW on Friday in a partnership with Authentic Brands Group. ABG owns the rights to Monroe’s likeness and those of numerous other celebrities both dead and living, including Elvis Presley and Shaq. Digital Marilyn, powered by GPT 3.5, is “hyper-real” and capable of responding with “emotions and nuanced expressions,” Soul Machines says in a press release. She can hold a roughly 20-minute conversation.

“More than just an impressive impersonation, Digital Marilyn is an autonomous Digital Person capable of engaging in natural, dynamic conversations that feel authentic and responsive,” Soul Machines wrote in a blog post. “It’s as if the spark of Marilyn herself has been translated into the AI age, offering a unique and deeply personal connection for both devoted fans and curious newcomers.” Anyone else’s skin crawling?

Soul Machines touts its digital celebrities (there are others, including an upcoming Carmelo Anthony bot) as a way for famous people to “engage 1-on-1 with their fans, without limits” and “deliver 24/7 connection.” Notably, all of the other AI celebrities the company currently offers chats with — Mark Tuan, Francis Ngannou and Jack Nicklaus — are men who are alive and thus able to weigh-in on their inclusion. Soul Machines introduced its Marilyn Monroe AI to the public with an Instagram post for International Women’s Day, because nothing says “celebrate women” like exploiting the likeness of a female celebrity who is no longer around to give permission.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai-marilyn-monroe-adds-to-the-list-of-dead-celebrities-digitally-resurrected-without-consent-184554216.html?src=rss

What to consider when buying a 3D Printer in 2024

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Things to consider when buying a 3D printer

If you are considering purchasing a 3D printer this year or upgrading your existing one, new technologies are changing the way 3D printers function. This quick guide will provide a little more insight into the  wealth of choice and sophistication that is currently available  And things to look out for. Most makers and hobbyists and […]

The post What to consider when buying a 3D Printer in 2024 appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Activision’s union, with 600 members, is now the biggest one in video games

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The number of unionized workers for Microsoft's video game subsidiaries keeps growing, and the latest group to join the pool is the largest one yet. Approximately 600 quality assurance workers at Activision have joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), making them the biggest certified union in the US video game industry. They're also the first Activision workers to organize under the agreement between Microsoft and the CWA. If you'll recall, Microsoft agreed to respect the right of Activision Blizzard workers to unionize as part of its efforts to secure regulatory approval for its $68.7 billion takeover of the video game developer. 

CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. said Microsoft kept its promise to let workers decide for themselves whether they want a union. Part of Microsoft's pledge when it agreed to make a pact with the CWA was that it would take neutral approach during a union campaign, and the company said it didn't interfere or influence people's votes. 

Another element of their agreement was giving employees access to "innovative technology-supported and streamlined process for choosing whether to join a union," which includes not having to petition the National Labor Relations Board for an election. In this instance, the workers only had to sign a union authorization card or to vote online. According to The New York Times, 390 workers voted in favor of forming a union, while eight people were opposed to it. Around 200 more didn't cast their vote. 

In early 2023, Microsoft also recognized a union with 300 workers for Zenimax, the owner of Bethesda and another one of the company's video gaming subsidiaries, which was the largest one for the video game industry at the time. Those workers also unionized under the simpler process enabled by the company's agreement with CWA. By the end of the year, Microsoft agreed to hire 77 temporary QA contractors as full-time unionized Zenimax employees, which was a welcomed win for workers in an industry beset by layoffs.  

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/activisions-union-with-600-members-is-now-the-biggest-one-in-video-games-143000869.html?src=rss

Activision’s union, with 600 members, is now the biggest one in video games

Posted on by

The number of unionized workers for Microsoft's video game subsidiaries keeps growing, and the latest group to join the pool is the largest one yet. Approximately 600 quality assurance workers at Activision have joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), making them the biggest certified union in the US video game industry. They're also the first Activision workers to organize under the agreement between Microsoft and the CWA. If you'll recall, Microsoft agreed to respect the right of Activision Blizzard workers to unionize as part of its efforts to secure regulatory approval for its $68.7 billion takeover of the video game developer. 

CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. said Microsoft kept its promise to let workers decide for themselves whether they want a union. Part of Microsoft's pledge when it agreed to make a pact with the CWA was that it would take neutral approach during a union campaign, and the company said it didn't interfere or influence people's votes. 

Another element of their agreement was giving employees access to "innovative technology-supported and streamlined process for choosing whether to join a union," which includes not having to petition the National Labor Relations Board for an election. In this instance, the workers only had to sign a union authorization card or to vote online. According to The New York Times, 390 workers voted in favor of forming a union, while eight people were opposed to it. Around 200 more didn't cast their vote. 

In early 2023, Microsoft also recognized a union with 300 workers for Zenimax, the owner of Bethesda and another one of the company's video gaming subsidiaries, which was the largest one for the video game industry at the time. Those workers also unionized under the simpler process enabled by the company's agreement with CWA. By the end of the year, Microsoft agreed to hire 77 temporary QA contractors as full-time unionized Zenimax employees, which was a welcomed win for workers in an industry beset by layoffs.  

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/activisions-union-with-600-members-is-now-the-biggest-one-in-video-games-143000869.html?src=rss

How to Delete Your Google Gemini History

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Google Gemini, the innovative conversational AI chatbot developed by the search behemoth, meticulously records your dialogue exchanges to refine its response accuracy and deepen its comprehension of your unique preferences. This comprehensive history encompasses the questions you pose, the replies Gemini provides, and any subsequent inquiries you might have. This accumulation of data serves a […]

The post How to Delete Your Google Gemini History appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

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How To Organize A Successful Home Renovation

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Beginning a home renovation is thrilling yet daunting, demanding careful planning at every turn. Note that a successful renovation primarily depends on meticulous planning and organization. Here is a step-by-step comprehensive guide that will explore all the essential aspects of planning and organizing a home renovation or remodel.

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1. Create a Realistic Budget

The first step of any home renovation is establishing a realistic budget and organizing your finances. Gain an accurate picture by talking to contractors to know how much money will go into it. Make sure to avoid financial strain that may pose stress in the long run. Know the cost of labor, materials, contingencies, and unexpected plumbing and electrical expenses.

2. Get Inspired

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After establishing your renovation budget, make sure to go through design magazines and social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest for inspiring home projects. Take into account your house’s architectural style, be it traditional Victorian, modern, or contemporary, and draw inspiration accordingly.

3. Develop a Renovation Plan

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For significant renovations, it is important to create a comprehensive roadmap. Start by listing areas to update, and prioritizing projects based on urgency and season. The steps include drafting a preliminary design, setting a realistic timeline, discussing plans with a contractor, and remaining flexible to address unexpected obstacles. Make a note that your project plan should also comprise a list of tasks you can do yourself and those you intend to hire a professional for.

4. Collaborate with an Architect

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Careful planning and design are essential to prevent unexpected changes that may raise costs and extend the project duration. Collaborate with an architect or designer to develop comprehensive plans and drawings. This process enables you to envision the outcome, make well-informed choices, and receive precise cost estimates from contractors.

5. Appoint a Reliable Contractor

When choosing a contractor, never say yes to the first bid or the lowest bid. Obtain at least three bids, review contracts thoroughly, and ensure the contractor has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. This will surely help you to compare costs, and assess the skills and professionalism of the contractors.

6. Secure Permits

Before beginning major renovations, ensure you secure the necessary approvals and permits from local authorities. Failing to obtain these permits can lead to fines or project delays. Additionally, research your area’s building codes and zoning regulations to understand what is permissible. This step is crucial to ensure that your renovation complies with legal standards. Collaborate with your architect, designer, or contractor to grasp the specific permits and approvals needed for your project. With their expertise in local regulations, they can assist you in navigating the process and preparing the necessary documentation for permit applications.

7. Create a Timeline for Your Project

Once your budget and team are in place, establish a timeline. Choose a start date and work backward if you have a completion deadline. Collaborate with contractors to determine task durations and sequencing. Ensure your timeline includes clearing the project area, material delivery, contractor breaks, and buffers for unexpected issues.

8. Phase-wise Renovation

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Dividing your renovation into stages enhances cost and time management. Start with critical phases like structural work or major installations to prevent delays from unexpected issues during these crucial stages.

9. Explore DIY Opportunities

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Assess your skills and the project’s complexity to determine if you can handle certain tasks yourself. DIY endeavors, particularly for simpler tasks such as painting, landscaping, or minor repairs, can help in reducing costs.

10. Communicate

For successful home renovations, maintain regular communication with contractors. Set a plan for project updates and request immediate notification of any issues. Schedule walkthroughs to ensure specifications are met but avoid micromanaging.

11. Unforeseen Challenges

Prepare for challenges that may arise during your remodeling project by allocating a budget cushion and adding extra days to your timeline. Even the most detailed plans can encounter unexpected issues, but taking a proactive approach can help minimize stress and expenses. Keep in mind common renovation challenges such as foundation cracks, water damage, and outdated electrical work, and address them promptly with professional assistance to ensure the smooth progress of your project.

12. Step-by-Step Checklist for Renovation

Dividing your renovation into phases can improve cost and time management. Begin by prioritizing essential phases, like structural work or major installations, to address first. This approach helps avoid delays resulting from unforeseen issues that may arise during these critical stages.

• Planning and Design

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The first step is planning and design, where it is important to collaborate with your designer and builder to convey your requirements, obtain permits, and finalize drawings, layout, and any changes in walls, if necessary.

• Demolition and Reconstruction

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Demolition may involve tearing down walls and removing everything except key structural elements and exterior walls. The extent of this phase depends on your plan, ranging from extensive rebuilding to merely framing a few new walls.

• HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing

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This step includes elements and typically runs concurrently with rebuilding and framing. Anything that needs to go inside floors, walls, or ceilings will be completed in this step. It could include some minor plumbing and electrical adjustments or be a full rewiring or replumbing of your home.

• Walls

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After reframing and rebuilding, with all mechanicals and insulation in place, drywall is installed. It’s taped, mudded, dried, and sanded for smoothness. Then, the walls are ready for primer, paint, or other finishes. Many contractors prefer painting now to avoid drips or overspray on final touches.

• Window Installation

Installing windows is a crucial aspect of home renovation. While some may attempt DIY installation, it’s important to note that this could void the manufacturer’s warranty. Review warranty requirements carefully and consider professional installation to safeguard the warranty and prevent future issues.

• Flooring

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If you choose wooden flooring, it’s best to wait until the painting is done and dust settles before installing it. For tiles, you can install them before the painting starts. Keep in mind that laminate, solid hardwood, engineered wood, or carpet are suitable for living and bedroom spaces, while vinyl, tile, or marble are better options for bathrooms and kitchens.

• Install the Cabinets

The last step is putting in the kitchen cabinets, finishing up the kitchen, and making a big improvement to the entire space, so you can see how it’s all coming together. Install the kitchen appliances and make sure that there are adequate plug points for each appliance.

• Finishing Works

DIY tasks like painting walls, hanging wallpaper, and staining trim are common for homeowners. It’s best to schedule these tasks towards the end of the renovation to avoid damage. Deciding whether to paint before or after flooring installation requires careful planning to prevent mishaps.

• Exterior Paint

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As the interior of the house nears completion it is time to pay attention to the exteriors. With most of the house finished, it’s now safe to install gutters and siding alongside the external paint.

In conclusion, efficiently managing time and costs during a home renovation demands thorough planning, effective communication, and precise execution. By setting clear goals, establishing a realistic budget, and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a successful renovation.

The post How To Organize A Successful Home Renovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Refurbished Sonos Era 300 speakers are $90 off in a rare deal

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Sonos has been excluding its first music speaker designed for spatial audio from previous sales events since it was released last year, so listen up: The company is selling refurbished units of the Era 300 for $359, or $91 less than retail. Yes, it's not brand new, but Sonos' refurb program has a good track record. At the moment, only the white Era 300s are available at a discount — the black version is sold out — but if you don't care about color, then you will get three free months of Apple Music with your purchase. 

We found the Era 300 to be one of the best-sounding speakers Sonos has made when we reviewed it. The model's spatial audio experience can be a hit or miss in that sometimes, the Atmos versions of songs could sound like they have too much reverb that the vocals get lost in the mix. But overall, it exhibited excellent sound quality and can make songs shine by reproducing bass, vocal and instrumentation in great detail. It makes songs sound rich, crisp and vibrant. We advised not buying the Era 300 only for the sake of spatial audio in our review, since the library of tracks that support the feature remains quite small. That could change in the future, though, especially if Apple truly does start rewarding artists for offering their music in spatial audio.

It's worth noting that Sonos recommends pairing two Era 300 speakers for "mind-bendlingly realistic surround sound," and getting the cheaper versions would make that a more affordable prospect. The model is pretty easy to set up anyway — just add the speaker to your Sonos app and then pair it with your music services of choice — so having two or more won't be an issue. In case you're looking for something else, though, Sonos is selling more refurbished devices on its website.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/refurbished-sonos-era-300-speakers-are-90-off-in-a-rare-deal-120057132.html?src=rss

Refurbished Sonos Era 300 speakers are $90 off in a rare deal

Posted on by

Sonos has been excluding its first music speaker designed for spatial audio from previous sales events since it was released last year, so listen up: The company is selling refurbished units of the Era 300 for $359, or $91 less than retail. Yes, it's not brand new, but Sonos' refurb program has a good track record. At the moment, only the white Era 300s are available at a discount — the black version is sold out — but if you don't care about color, then you will get three free months of Apple Music with your purchase. 

We found the Era 300 to be one of the best-sounding speakers Sonos has made when we reviewed it. The model's spatial audio experience can be a hit or miss in that sometimes, the Atmos versions of songs could sound like they have too much reverb that the vocals get lost in the mix. But overall, it exhibited excellent sound quality and can make songs shine by reproducing bass, vocal and instrumentation in great detail. It makes songs sound rich, crisp and vibrant. We advised not buying the Era 300 only for the sake of spatial audio in our review, since the library of tracks that support the feature remains quite small. That could change in the future, though, especially if Apple truly does start rewarding artists for offering their music in spatial audio.

It's worth noting that Sonos recommends pairing two Era 300 speakers for "mind-bendlingly realistic surround sound," and getting the cheaper versions would make that a more affordable prospect. The model is pretty easy to set up anyway — just add the speaker to your Sonos app and then pair it with your music services of choice — so having two or more won't be an issue. In case you're looking for something else, though, Sonos is selling more refurbished devices on its website.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/refurbished-sonos-era-300-speakers-are-90-off-in-a-rare-deal-120057132.html?src=rss