Dial into the latest news in the world of tech and media. From Spotify wrapped to Tesla’s Cybertruck and more, we have you covered. Check out this week’s blog for tech news you won’t want to miss!!
Spotify Wrapped 2023: Discover Your ‘Sound Town’ Through Your Music Preferences
Spotify Wrapped 2023 is now available, presenting users with a comprehensive breakdown of their music preferences, including top artists, songs, and podcasts. In a new twist, Spotify introduces a “sound town” concept, assigning users a city based on their listening habits. The Wrapped experience also includes a “me in 2023” feature, linking listening patterns to one of 12 characters crafted by Spotify. Additional enhancements feature peak listening months for top artists and a creative design for the top five genres, represented as sandwich ingredients. For artists and podcasters, Spotify offers a Wrapped experience showcasing their most popular content. Furthermore, Spotify plans Wrapped listening parties, allowing select artists to engage with fans, stream top tracks, sell merch, and more. The presence of Spotify’s AI DJ guides users through their Wrapped stats, providing commentary on favorite artists, genres, and songs, with this experience available for the first week of accessing 2023 Wrapped data.
Elon Musk Presents First Tesla Cybertrucks to Customers at Delivery Event
After a four-year journey marked by delays, the Tesla Cybertruck has finally made its debut. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, is overseeing a delivery event at the company’s Austin, Texas factory, scheduled for 12 PM PT / 2 PM CT / 3 PM ET. The event will witness the delivery of Cybertrucks to ten customers, and Tesla is anticipated to reveal updated specifications, pricing, and more details about the vehicle. Originally slated for production in late 2021, delays ensued due to supply chain challenges and manufacturing complexities. Although production is gradually increasing, only a limited number of Cybertrucks are expected to be manufactured initially. Prototype versions of the uniquely designed and divisive Cybertruck have been generating excitement throughout the year, with features like the distinctive windshield wiper adding to the anticipation surrounding the vehicle.
WhatsApp now lets you hide your locked chats behind a secret code
WhatsApp is enhancing privacy features by introducing a new method to conceal locked chats from casual observers. Instead of displaying the locked chats folder alongside regular conversations, users can now hide these chats behind a personalized secret code. This code, which can include letters, numbers, special characters, and emojis, is entered into the WhatsApp search bar to access the locked chats. This added layer of security aims to prevent others from realizing the existence of a locked chat folder on your phone. WhatsApp also allows users to opt for their locked chats to appear in the chat list if preferred. Initially introduced in May, locked chats enable users to secure conversations in a folder accessible only through fingerprint, face scan, or password. In addition to the secret code feature, WhatsApp now allows users to lock a chat by long-pressing on the conversation instead of navigating to the chat’s settings. Meta is gradually rolling out the secret codes, with global availability expected in the coming months.
Expanding its presence in the streaming realm, TikTok introduces new artist accounts
TikTok has launched artist accounts, enabling musicians to access tools that enhance fan outreach and engagement. The Music tab, a key feature, organizes artists’ catalogs and automatically adds new music to facilitate fan discovery. Additional features, such as “Behind the Song,” offer fans insights into the creative process and inspiration behind the music. Artist accounts also provide ways for musicians to promote their work, allowing them to pin a preferred post to the top of the discovery page and utilize tags like “Artist” for verification. Another tag, “New Release,” enables musicians to spotlight upcoming tracks before and after their release. These additions draw parallels with features seen on platforms like Spotify, aligning with TikTok’s broader push into streaming, evident with the earlier launch of TikTok Music, its subscription-driven streaming service. The recent “Add to Music app” feature further facilitates the integration of TikTok songs into users’ Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music playlists. Paul Hourican, TikTok’s global head of music partnerships and programming, expressed the platform’s commitment to empowering artists and enhancing fan connections through these new features.
Voicemod introduces the capability to generate and share personalized AI voices
Voicemod has introduced new features allowing users to effortlessly create and share their own customized AI voices. Popular among streamers and gamers, Voicemod’s AI voice-changing program previously offered over 100 options, including fantasy characters and celebrity voices. With the update, users can utilize the AI Voice Creator to craft unique synthetic voices. They can choose from various genders, ages, and tones. The Voicelab functionality enables fine-tuning of synthetic voices by adjusting pitch, volume, frequency, and adding audio effects. These creations can be shared on Community Voices, fostering a collaborative platform for user-generated voices. Jaime Bosch, Voicemod CEO, highlights the tool’s capacity to generate entirely new AI-powered voices. Given the non-copyrightable nature of voices, Voicemod’s approach minimizes legal concerns. Likewise, this contributes to the growing landscape of AI voice technology. Voicemod is compatible with both macOS and Windows 10 and 11.
Sam Altman officially resumes the role of CEO as Microsoft joins the board at OpenAI
Sam Altman officially reassumes the position of OpenAI’s CEO, as Microsoft secures a non-voting observer seat on the nonprofit board. The deal, announced after Thanksgiving, brings Altman back to the helm. Three of the four board members involved in Altman’s earlier dismissal have now departed. The current board comprises Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. Microsoft’s addition as a non-voting observer allows greater visibility into OpenAI’s operations without influencing significant decisions. The observer seat aims to strengthen collaboration between the entities. The memo emphasizes the organization’s commitment to its mission and gratitude for employee resilience during the challenging period.