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Musks X sues music publishers over alleged licensing conspiracy
MINT· 2026-01-09 20:20
Core Argument - X Corp has filed a lawsuit against 18 major music publishers and the National Music Publishers' Association, alleging a conspiracy to block competition and impose inflated licensing fees for musical works [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit was filed in federal district court in Texas, accusing major music publishers, including Sony Music, Universal Music, and Warner Chappell, of violating federal antitrust laws by refusing to negotiate individual licensing deals with X [2]. - The complaint states that publishers representing over 90% of U.S. copyrighted music have conspired against X through the National Music Publishers' Association [3]. Group 2: Impact on X Corp - X claims that the publishers have inundated the platform with weekly takedown notices targeting thousands of posts containing copyrighted music, which has pressured the platform to accept industrywide licensing terms [4]. - As a result of these actions, X has removed thousands of posts and suspended over 50,000 users, negatively impacting its user base and advertising revenue [4]. Group 3: Previous Legal Context - In 2024, X successfully had most of a lawsuit dismissed that was filed by 17 music publishers, including Sony and Universal, which accused it of copyright infringement on nearly 1,700 songs, seeking over $250 million in damages [5]. - X noted that some of the publishers involved in the previous lawsuit have shown willingness to negotiate settlements on individual terms [5].
Not walkthroughs, nor cheat codes: Ghost Player AI hints at a future where PlayStation games play themselves
The Economic Times· 2026-01-09 14:22
Core Concept - Sony is developing a system called "Ghost Player," which allows an AI agent to take over gameplay when a player is stuck, potentially changing the role of human players in gaming [1][8]. AI Modes - The patent outlines two operational modes: "Guide Mode," where the AI shows the player how to proceed, and "Complete Mode," where the AI takes full control and plays the game on behalf of the player [2][8]. Shift in Gaming Experience - This proposal shifts the traditional gaming experience by allowing AI to eliminate the struggle associated with gameplay, which has historically involved learning through repeated failures [3][8]. Existing Features and Criticism - The concept builds on existing accessibility features in modern games, such as difficulty adjustments and in-game tips, but critics argue that the AI's role would transition from advising to acting [4][8]. Industry Trends - Sony is not the only company exploring AI in gaming; Microsoft has introduced Copilot for Gaming, which provides coaching but does not control gameplay directly. This indicates a broader industry trend towards integrating AI into gaming experiences [5][8]. Divisive Opinions - The use of AI in gaming has sparked controversy, with many players opposing its application in creative tasks. Despite this, industry leaders, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, express optimism about AI's future role in game production [6][8]. Future Concerns - The introduction of AI that plays games instead of players raises concerns about player agency and engagement, with predictions that AI could become increasingly intrusive in gaming experiences by 2026 [7][8]. Current Status - As of now, Sony's Ghost Player remains a patent and not a confirmed product, but its development suggests serious consideration of AI agents that could fundamentally alter gameplay dynamics [7][8].
Manufacturing And Automotive Giants Continue Their Shift From Grease To Code At CES 2026
Forrester· 2026-01-09 10:22
Core Insights - The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has evolved beyond its original focus, showcasing a wide range of technologies including smart manufacturing, AI, and digital tools [1] Siemens - Siemens CEO Roland Busch delivered a keynote at CES, emphasizing the company's advancements in industrial AI and its partnership with NVIDIA [3][4] - The introduction of Siemens' Digital Twin Composer aims to enhance the integration of software and IoT capabilities with NVIDIA's Omniverse platform, facilitating the creation and maintenance of digital twins [5] - Siemens announced a collaboration with Sony to combine industrial design software with high-resolution extended reality headsets, and also introduced Meta's Ray-Ban AI Glasses for routine maintenance tasks on the shop floor [6] - The launch of Siemens' Industrial Copilot, in partnership with Microsoft, includes nine new AI copilots designed to address specific industrial challenges [7] Bosch - Bosch announced a $2.9 billion investment in AI research and development over the next two years, focusing on embodied AI and enhancing existing technologies for the automotive sector [8][9] NVIDIA - NVIDIA's CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the company's advancements in AI models for training robots and autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the open-source nature of their tools [10] Industry Trends - Other manufacturers, such as Hyundai and Hexagon, are also investing in AI and robotics, with Hyundai planning to deploy humanoid robots in its factories by 2028 [11] - Microsoft has emerged as a key strategic partner for many companies in the AI and cloud space, overshadowing competitors like AWS and Google [12] - The shift from traditional manufacturing to digital tools and AI is essential for industrial firms to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market [13]
CES 2026: What is the next big thing in tech?
The Economic Times· 2026-01-09 09:08
Entertainment - The competition in the TV market for 2026 is between Micro RGB and advanced OLED technologies, with a focus on achieving brightness levels that replicate natural light [1] - Samsung introduced a 130-inch Micro RGB smart television featuring a Timeless Frame design, powered by advanced AI technologies to enhance color and contrast [2] - LG showcased its OLED evo W6, a wireless Wallpaper TV that is only nine millimeters thick, featuring Hyper Radiant Color Technology and support for gaming technologies [3] Robotics - LG's CLOiD functions as an in-home secretary, managing tasks by analyzing the owner's schedule and environment, utilizing advanced vision-language technologies [4] - Boston Dynamics unveiled the Atlas humanoid robot, which boasts 56 degrees of freedom and tactile sensing capabilities [5] - Switchbot's Onero H1 is a humanoid housebot designed for household tasks, equipped with functional hands and advanced vision-language technology [7] Automotive & Mobility - The Afeela 1 prototype, a collaboration between Sony and Honda, is set to launch in late 2026 with a starting price of $89,900 [9] - Mercedes-Benz introduced the electric GLC, featuring an 800-volt charging system, 483 horsepower, and an estimated range of up to 713 kilometers, with sales expected in the second half of 2026 [10] - Verge Motorcycles announced the TS Pro model, the first production bike utilizing solid-state batteries, allowing for a 10-minute recharge and a range of approximately 370 miles [11] Health and Wellness - Sensura presented a non-invasive glucose monitoring platform consisting of a handheld device for quick checks and a wearable for continuous monitoring [13] - The Withings Body Scan 2 is a smart scale with 12 electrodes, measuring over 60 metrics, and is expected to launch in 2026 pending regulatory approval [14] - The SmartSleep system by a Chinese startup is an AI-driven mattress that adjusts firmness in real-time based on body pressure and movement [16] AI Companions - Fuzozo, an AI companion by Robopoet and Tuya Smart, features a cellular edition for constant online interaction [18] - Loona DeskMate is a robot-shaped wireless charger that transforms an iPhone into a desktop AI assistant, providing reminders and companionship [19] - The trend of developing robots for emotional support is a response to the global loneliness epidemic [17]
Sony (SONY) Loses 7.2% in 4 Weeks, Here's Why a Trend Reversal May be Around the Corner
ZACKS· 2026-01-08 15:35
Core Viewpoint - Sony's stock has faced significant selling pressure, resulting in a 7.2% decline over the past four weeks, but analysts anticipate better earnings than previously expected, indicating a potential turnaround for the company [1]. Group 1: Technical Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) for Sony is currently at 29.68, suggesting that the stock is in oversold territory and may soon experience a price reversal [5]. - RSI is a momentum oscillator that helps identify whether a stock is overbought or oversold, with readings below 30 typically indicating an oversold condition [2][3]. Group 2: Fundamental Indicators - Analysts covering Sony have raised their earnings estimates for the current year, leading to a 0.3% increase in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days, which often correlates with price appreciation [7]. - Sony holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, further supporting the potential for a near-term turnaround [8].
'GTA 6' Reportedly Not Yet Content Complete as Journalist Jason Schreier Addresses Release Timing and Delay Speculation
International Business Times· 2026-01-08 11:57
Core Insights - The development of "Grand Theft Auto VI" (GTA 6) is ongoing, with the game not yet content complete, leading to speculation about potential delays [1][3][5] - A November 2026 release is still considered plausible, but not guaranteed, as Rockstar may not finalize the date until later in the year [1][3][5] - Rockstar prioritizes perfection, indicating a willingness to delay the game to avoid releasing a buggy product, which is crucial for the stock performance of its parent company, Take-Two Interactive [3][5] Development Status - Developers are still finalizing missions and features for GTA 6, which is typical for a game of this scale, and does not necessarily indicate trouble [1][2][4] - The game has already experienced a significant delay from an initial 2025 release window to November 19, 2026, which has heightened expectations rather than dampened them [8][10] Industry Impact - Sony is treating PlayStation as the primary platform for GTA 6, planning its upcoming lineup around the game, which underscores its significance in the industry [4] - The anticipation for GTA 6 remains high, with expectations for it to be Rockstar's most ambitious open-world experience, featuring an expanded Vice City, deeper narrative choices, and dynamic NPC behavior [9][10] Release Considerations - While a delay is possible, development appears to be progressing normally for a project of this ambition, and patience is advised as fans await further updates from Rockstar [5][6] - The extended development time is expected to lead to a more polished product, with a focus on technical stability and refined mission design [9][10]
沪游简报|2025全球游戏产业大事记
Xin Lang Cai Jing· 2026-01-08 07:48
Group 1 - Sony has abandoned its live-service strategy after the failure of "Concord" and canceled two unannounced online service games, marking the end of a decade-long trend in the gaming industry [2] - Microsoft plans to port Xbox games to other platforms, with titles like "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" and "Halo: Campaign Evolved" launching on PS5 [4] - Warner Bros. Games announced the closure of several studios, including Monolith Productions, which had developed notable games over its 30-year history [4] Group 2 - Despite a decrease in overall layoffs in the gaming industry, several studios, including Ubisoft Leamington and a developer under NetEase, are facing closures [5] - U.S. tariffs announced by President Trump have raised concerns about the gaming industry's future, leading to price increases for consoles and accessories, and prompting companies like Sony to consider local production [5] - Apple is under pressure to open its payment systems, following a court ruling that requires it to stop restricting developers from directing users to external purchasing channels [7] Group 3 - Scopely acquired Niantic's gaming business for $3.5 billion, including popular titles like "Pokemon Go" [7] - Nintendo's Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025, selling over 3.5 million units in four days and reaching 10.36 million units in four months, double the sales of the original Switch [9] - The game "Peak" achieved significant success, selling over 10 million copies by the end of August 2025 [11] Group 4 - Microsoft initiated a large-scale layoff affecting about 4% of its workforce, with significant impacts on its gaming division, including the closure of The Initiative studio [17] - SAG-AFTRA ended an 11-month strike, securing agreements with major gaming companies to protect the rights of workers in the AI era [18] - The UK’s Online Safety Act came into effect, requiring strict age verification measures from gaming companies, leading to the removal of several adult games from platforms like Itch.org [18][20] Group 5 - EA announced its acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for $55 billion, pending regulatory approval [29] - AWS service disruptions affected numerous gaming networks, including Fortnite and PlayStation Network, causing widespread service interruptions [30] - Rockstar Games faced backlash after laying off employees attempting to form a union, leading to protests and government scrutiny [31] Group 6 - Take Two Interactive postponed the release of "GTA 6" to November 2026, sparking discussions about the implications for other game studios [33] - Valve released new devices, including the Steam Machine, which is set to launch in early 2026 [34] - Tencent completed a €1.16 billion investment in Ubisoft's Vantage Studios, which is known for major game franchises [37] Group 7 - Netflix is reportedly acquiring Warner Bros. for approximately $82.7 billion, with little focus on the gaming division [39] - Activision announced a strategic shift in its "Call of Duty" series, discontinuing future releases of "Modern Warfare" and "Black Ops" due to underperformance [42] - Larian Studios faced controversy over the use of AI in game development, leading to clarifications about its intentions [44]
Man sells 350 grams gold for Rs 11 lakh, income tax dept doubts it and sends tax notice for unexplained money; he wins case in ITAT Ahmedabad
The Economic Times· 2026-01-08 01:41
Additionally, his lawyer mentioned that during the period of his However, following an enquiry by the investigation wing, Ahmedabad with the buyer of this god, the transaction was treated as an 'accommodation entry' by the assessment wing of the income tax department. However, the Investigation Wing find any incriminating evidence or document against Soni from the gold buyer.This prompted Sony to file a case against the income tax department. He claimed that despite presenting all the required legitimate ev ...
Sony Electronics, ERI, T&N, and Friends of Hawaii Charities to Team Up for Free E-Waste Recycling Event in Honolulu
Businesswire· 2026-01-07 23:10
HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #ERI--Sony Electronics Inc.; ERI – the nation's largest recycler of electronics; and T&N – Hawaii's leading e-waste collection company – are joining forces this weekend to provide Hawaii residents with a convenient and free way to responsibly recycle unwanted consumer electronics. The free collection event will take place at Waikiki Elementary School's 'Going Green Day' in Honolulu. Residents will be able to drop off unwanted electronic items from 9 am – 1 pm, Saturday,. ...
Automakers Replace Drivers With Software at CES
PYMNTS.com· 2026-01-07 22:16
Core Insights - The automotive industry is shifting focus from driver-assist features to software that manages vehicle control, anticipating a future where humans may not always drive [1][5]. Group 1: Software and Control Systems - Nvidia introduced Alpamayo, a system designed to handle ambiguous driving situations by evaluating context and making decisions autonomously, moving beyond traditional driver-assistance systems [3][4]. - Alpamayo will be implemented in production vehicles, with Mercedes-Benz as an early adopter, indicating a shift towards software that resolves edge cases independently [5]. - Mercedes-Benz showcased its MBUX platform, which integrates navigation, driver assistance, and vehicle controls into a single system, reducing the need for manual driver input [6][7]. Group 2: Voice Interaction and User Experience - BMW presented its iX3 with an expanded conversational interface integrated with Amazon Alexa+, allowing drivers to use natural language commands for various functions [8][9]. - BMW's approach emphasizes voice interaction as the primary control method, reflecting a design that accommodates fluctuating driver attention [9]. Group 3: New Vehicle Designs - Sony Honda Mobility unveiled a new electric SUV prototype, the Afeela 1, which features a full-width digital display and is designed as a mobility and entertainment space [11][12]. - The Afeela 1 is expected to have a range of approximately 300 miles and aims to create an environment where occupants interact with screens rather than actively driving [12][13]. - Sony Honda's design integrates the assumption of reduced driver engagement directly into the vehicle's architecture, contrasting with other companies that layer software onto existing designs [14].