The May 18th issue of the Chicago Sun-Times included a summer activities guide featuring several AI-generated fake books and fabricated experts, raising concerns about editorial oversight. Among real authors like Min Jin Lee and Rebecca Makkai, the guide listed fabricated titles not authored by them. Additionally, several articles cited experts and sources who do not appear to exist, including fabricated professors and nonexistent reports. The Sun-Times acknowledged the error, stating the content was not editorial and was licensed from a national content partner, 404 Media identified as Hearst. The newspaper is investigating how this content was published and is removing the section from digital editions while updating its policies to prevent similar incidents.
Huawei has unveiled the MateBook Fold, an exceptionally thin foldable laptop measuring just 7.3mm thick when unfolded and 14.9mm when closed. Featuring an 18-inch OLED display that folds to a 13-inch upper screen, it offers a 3.3K resolution and 1600 nits peak brightness. The laptop weighs 1.16kg and includes up to 32GB RAM and 2TB storage. Exclusive to China, it is priced around $3,300. This launch also marks the debut of Huawei's HarmonyOS 5 on PCs, following their shift from Microsoft Windows due to US sanctions. The OS is also available on the new MateBook Pro.
The highly anticipated antitrust trial between Meta and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began on April 14th in Washington D.C. The case centers on whether Meta (formerly Facebook) illegally monopolized the personal social networking market by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. The FTC initiated the lawsuit in 2020 but initially faced dismissal; however, a revised case was allowed to proceed. Over approximately two months, arguments focus on Meta's alleged monopoly practices and potential remedies, including the FTC's push to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp. This trial follows recent U.S. legal actions targeting Big Tech, including cases against Google. Key issues debated include competition from TikTok and other platforms, Meta's advertising strategies, and the impact of these acquisitions on the social media landscape. Testimonies from Instagram and WhatsApp founders, as well as Meta executives, reveal insights into Meta's growth strategies, competition concerns, and the evolving dynamics of social networking.
Google has officially released its NotebookLM mobile app for Android via Google Play and for iOS and iPadOS through the App Store. The app, announced by Google Labs product manager Biao Wang, has been one of the most requested features from users. It offers similar features to the desktop version, including uploading information sources for summarization and generating AI-created podcast-like Audio Overviews. Users can listen to these overviews in the background or offline, making it convenient for multitasking, such as catching up on performance reviews. The release precedes the Google I/O event, where AI innovations are expected to be a key focus. The iOS version became available on May 19th.
The web offers a vast array of content to explore, and effectively using Google Chrome's bookmarks can help you stay organized and efficient. As a frequent Chrome user with numerous bookmarks ranging from long reads, work-related news, gift ideas, apps to try, to important Slack channels and job content systems, I rely heavily on this feature synced across all my devices. Many users might be unaware of Chrome's powerful bookmark functionalities, which can save time and bring order to your browsing experience. To save a bookmark on desktop, click the star icon next to the address bar or use Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (macOS). On mobile, access the three-dot menu and select the star icon on Android or Add to bookmarks on iOS to save the page.
President Donald Trump has signed into law the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the distribution of nonconsensual intimate images (NCII), including AI-generated deepfakes. The law mandates social media platforms to promptly remove such images within 48 hours of notification and imposes penalties of up to three years in prison and fines for violators. While the bill received support from tech companies, advocates, and the first lady, critics warn the law's takedown provisions may backfire, potentially harming survivors and threatening privacy and free speech. Enforcement will be overseen by the Federal Trade Commission, with a one-year compliance deadline for platforms. Concerns include possible misuse for political suppression and the complexity of consistent enforcement.
SAG-AFTRA, representing voice and screen performers, has filed an unfair labor complaint against Epic Games over the introduction of an AI that mimics James Earl Jones' Darth Vader voice in Fortnite. The complaint cites Epic Games' failure to negotiate terms regarding AI use with SAG-AFTRA, despite established contracts allowing AI technology with protections for performers. The issue highlights ongoing tensions in the video game voice actor strike concerning AI and labor rights, as performers have been striking since July due to broken negotiations.
WizKids released a new D&D Icons of the Realms miniature collection based on Baldur’s Gate 3, but fans have criticized the figures for their poor likeness to the characters. The set, costing $50, features Shadowheart, Astarion, Karlach, Gale, Wyll, and Lae’zel, yet many buyers feel they look like unofficial knockoffs rather than the high-quality miniatures expected. Despite being officially licensed by Wizards of the Coast, the figures appear to have minimal effort in authenticity. Following negative feedback on social media and review sites, WizKids issued an apology, offering refunds or replacements to customers who purchased the miniatures either online or in stores.
Spotify has updated its iPhone app to allow users in the US to directly purchase audiobooks without going through the App Store. This change follows a court ruling that limits Apple's control over in-app purchases, enabling Spotify Premium subscribers to buy additional audiobook listening hours seamlessly. Previously, Spotify had removed audiobook purchases from its iOS app in 2022 due to disputes with Apple's App Store policies. Other apps like Kindle and Patreon have also benefited from this ruling. Spotify emphasizes that the update helps users easily access audiobooks while expanding opportunities for publishers and authors.
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