General Motors is dealing with a lot right now: a slowing EV business, delays in battery manufacturing, a safety crisis with its robotaxi unit, Cruise, and financial headwinds from the monthslong autoworker strike. On top of it all, its stock price is still struggling to get back to where it was this summer before the strike started.
Technology
How to police Hollywood from swiping original creative work with AI
Imagine stumbling upon a video of yourself doing something you’ve never done or saying something you’ve never said. Scary, right? That’s the unsettling reality many face with the surge of deepfakes, and celebrities are the prime targets.
In an era swarming with unauthorized AI-generated content, one startup is stepping up to help celebs keep control of their own images, voices and performance data. Metaphysic, already recognized for its convincing deepfake videos, has launched a new tool, Metaphysic Pro.
This innovative feature allows individual performers to create an AI likeness and personally register their copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office.
CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER
Generative AI can create realistic looking video. (CyberGuy.com)
Credit: Metaphysic.ai
MORE: IS THE NEW APOLLO HUMANOID THE END OF JOBS AS WE KNOW IT?
The emerging conflicts of AI in creative industries
As AI technology seeps into every aspect of our lives, new conflicts within every creative industry are emerging. Intellectual property owners can now create without creators, sparking widespread disputes and concerns (think of an AI-generated song featuring Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan).
This dilemma is most notably seen in Hollywood, where writers have demanded greater protections and compensation for using their material and likenesses – one of the primary demands achieved that tentatively ended the current WGA strike.
Metaphysic’s new platform could potentially offer a secure, transparent environment for coordination between performers, IP holders and filmmakers to create AI content. Consent and compensation stand at its core, as emphasized by CEO Thomas Graham.
MEET THE WORLD’S FIRST AI MASSAGE ROBOT
Metaphysic is intended for creators who want to keep their personal data safe. (CyberGuy.com)
MORE: IS THIS NEW TECH GOING TO COST YOU YOUR JOB? HERE’S PROOF
A-list attention
The startup’s platform is already garnering attention from notable names. Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer and Paris Hilton are reportedly among the early users of Metaphysic Pro. This tool enables celebrities to upload images or sign up for full face and body scans, keeping control of the traits required to train an AI model on their likeness and voice.
5 TECH SHORTCUTS THAT ARE SURE TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER
Metaphysic is offering solutions for creators
While there’s a lot of confusion over how copyright laws apply to AI-generated content, Metaphysic is stepping up to offer real solutions for creators who want to keep their personal data safe. But it’s not all smooth sailing.
CREEPY CHATGPT ‘VOICE CONVERSATION’ MIMICS A HUMAN WITH A CONVINCING PERSONALITY AND KNOWS ALMOST EVERYTHING
Who actually owns AI-created content?
The big question is who actually owns AI-created content? Is it the AI, the person who made the AI, or nobody at all? This mess creates a whole heap of opportunities for unauthorized use.
And when it’s your personal data on the line, that’s a big deal. Sharing this kind of sensitive info with a company means there’s a risk it could get leaked or stolen, and you might find your likeness being sold on the dark web. Yikes.
OOPS! YOU CLICKED ON A SPAM EMAIL AND ADDED YOUR INFO TO WHAT LOOKED LIKE A LEGIT SITE
The question of who owns AI-created content is a point of contention. (CyberGuy.com)
MORE: AI REVEALS ANTI-AGING CHEMICALS THAT COULD STOP AGING IN ITS TRACKS
Metaphysic says it holds onto the user’s data for safekeeping
Metaphysic really wants people to know that they’re only holding onto the user’s data for safekeeping – they don’t own it. They’re all about making sure celebrities’ digital stuff is kept safe and sound.
With all the chatter going on about using AI to make digital lookalikes, this tool is jumping in as a solid move toward making AI practices fair and keeping personal data locked down tight, or at least we hope.
GET MORE OF MY TECH TIPS & EASY VIDEO TUTORIALS WITH THE FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER – CLICK HERE
Kurt’s key takeaways
In the whirlwind world of AI and deepfakes, Metaphysic is making a play with Metaphysic Pro, aiming to keep your personal bits and bytes under your control. It’s a bold move in a bold new world.
Like any uncharted territory, there are more questions than answers. The issues of copyright and ownership in AI-generated content are far from settled, and while Metaphysic is offering a tool, the broader conversation is just heating up.
Would you trust a company with your face, voice and more? How comfy are you with the idea of your digital twin out there? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25120464/Paint_Cocreator.png)
Microsoft is officially launching its Cocreator image-generating AI feature within the Paint app for Windows 11. The new integrated text-to-image generator, powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 model, was previously available only to Windows Insiders. As Windows Central points out, the new Cocreator button in Microsoft Paint has now been widely released, giving all users the ability to enter a description of something they’re visualizing and get three generated images to choose between.
As powerful and capable as Copilot is, it’s also kind of overwhelming. Microsoft has pushed Copilot onto countless offerings, from Windows 10 to Microsoft 365 services, and it’s starting to feel like an AI Kool-Aid Man bursting onto the scene. But Cocreator and Paint feel deliberate and like they intuitively belong together, another step toward a future where image generators are the new clip art.
Gift shopping, scammers, cooking the prime rib just right … There’s too much to worry about this time of year. Before you dive headfirst into the festive frenzy, I’ve got tech tips that’ll sprinkle a little magic on your celebrations.
As my holiday thanks to my loyal readers, I’m giving away an iPhone. Yep, you can win a new iPhone 15 (valued at $799). Enter to win now!
Cook up a storm with a digital cookbook
Picture this: All your go-to holiday recipes are neatly corralled in one digital cookbook. No more frantic shuffling, clicking through a million tabs or misplaced ingredient lists.
FIVE DUMB TECH SECURITY MISTAKES YOU’RE MAKING
If your recipes are printed or handwritten, snap a pic with your tablet. Add all the pics to one folder (or try the Notes app if you’re on an iPad) for easy swiping between them. Cooking from recipes you found online? Save the PDF versions and toss them in one spot. No iPad? Use your phone!
Bonus: An inexpensive cookbook holder will keep your tablet out of the mess of flour, stock and butter in the kitchen. (This one is gorgeous if you have a bit more to spend.)
Do cards the easier way
I’m giving you permission to go digital with holiday cards this year. Canva, Adobe Express, Paperless Post and Mailchimp are solid options. You can choose a template, whip up a greeting and send it off in just a few minutes — no trip to the post office required.
Unwrapping a gift (Cyberguy.com)
Spoiler-proof Amazon
Before you start buying holiday gifts in a frenzy, make sure your Amazon account is set up the right way.
- Hide and seek: Archive any orders you don’t want someone else to see. On a computer, hover your cursor over Account & Lists and click on Orders. Find the order you want to hide and click View order details, then Archive Order. Click Archive Order again to confirm.
- Banish the browser: Remove items from your browsing history to avoid revealing your gift ideas. Hover your cursor over Account & Lists and click on Browsing History. For each item that you want to hide, tap Remove from view.
Stop arguing about when to leave
The classic holiday battle: When should you leave the house to get to your destination on time and avoid traffic? Stop guessing and let traffic-predicting algorithms make your drive easier.
AREA CODES ARE NOW MORE OF A STATUS SYMBOL THAN A PRACTICALITY
You can get a pretty accurate traffic forecast for a future date based on what the conditions are like on that day and time. Then you can fine-tune your departure time to find the ideal time to hit the road.
Here’s how to set a planned time and date for a trip in Google Maps:
- Open Google Maps and tap on the Search here field.
- Enter a destination and select it from the results.
- Tap Directions and then tap the three-dots button to the right of the Your location field.
- Tap Set depart or arrive time.
- Select Depart at and enter a date and time, then tap Done. You’ll get various route options and details such as time and distance.
- Select a route and tap Start.
Steps are here to find out the best time to leave based on when you want to arrive — and steps to do both in Apple Maps.
Google Maps. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Say ‘Cheese!’ to better group pics
Remember the days of designating one unlucky soul to be the photographer? You know, the family friend or someone’s random date. Upgrade to your smartphone camera’s timer.
- On iPhone: Open your Camera app and tap the up-facing arrow at the top of the screen. Scroll right to the option that looks like a clock, then tap it. Select a 3- or 10-second delay.
- On Android: In the Camera app, select Timer and turn it on. Choose from a delay of 2, 5 or 10 seconds.
A SECRET PHONE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM IS SPYING ON MILLIONS OF AMERICANS
If someone insists on taking the pic, ask them to use burst mode. All they have to do is hold down on the shutter button to capture a ton of photos at once. Better chance you’ll get everyone smiling!
Smile! But do it the right way. Here’s how to look better in pics.
Remove the screen temptation
It’s not the weekend to be glued to your phone, scrolling headlines or social media. Need a little help disconnecting?
- On iPhone: Open Settings > Screen Time.
- On Android: Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing.
Rather than a blanket screen time limit, be strategic and limit the stuff that sucks you in. Maybe you set a 10-minute limit on Instagram, for example.
If you set your phone to Do Not Disturb, all good — just make sure you get the calls you want.
Keep your tech-know going
My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.
PODCAST PICK: Selfie-related deaths, TikTok Jesus scam & expired tech in your house
Plus, Gary Larock needed a kidney, so his family turned to Facebook. A stranger saw the post and stepped in with a life-changing decision. Apple is opening up to Android messaging, and the Feds want to monitor your car. Also, affordable home mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”
Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.
Copyright 2024, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25119874/1248230394.jpg)
With all that in mind, GM CEO Mary Barra hopped on a call with investors early Wednesday to address these compounding challenges and assure them that they have a number of fixes in mind. Costs will be reined in, factories will be delayed, and stock buybacks will recirculate cash to shareholders. It’s a crucial moment for GM, which is locked in a tight race with Ford, Tesla, and others to develop EVs and roll out autonomous driving safely and profitably.
Costs will be reined in, factories will be delayed, and stock buybacks will recirculate cash to shareholders
Barra said she is “disappointed” with the slow pace of its Ultium battery development, which is supposed to underpin the company’s forthcoming lineup of EVs. She is “not satisfied” with GM’s low stock price. And the Cruise “incident,” in which a driverless vehicle drug a pedestrian 20 feet after she was struck in a hit-and-run, is now under independent review, but the robotaxi company will be smaller and slower going forward.
“We will be very transparent with what our go-forward plan is,” Barra said. “But I think there’s been some concern about when that comes.”
Cruise, in particular, was under the microscope. The company has paused all robotaxi operations in the aftermath of the incident in San Francisco in October. Two top executives, CEO Kyle Vogt and chief product officer Dan Kan, have resigned, and the company has said that layoffs will be coming.
In the call, GM offered more details on Cruise’s uncertain future. The company hired two outside law firms to review Cruise’s safety protocols as well as determine whether Cruise purposefully withheld video footage from the California DMV of its driverless vehicle dragging the hit-and-run victim to the side of the road. The company issued a voluntary recall of all 950 Cruise vehicles earlier this month to update the software to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Photo by Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu via Getty Images
GM has lost $8.2 billion on Cruise since 2017 but expects to lose much less going forward. The automaker didn’t share specific cash reductions, but chief financial officer Paul Jacobson said it would likely amount to “hundreds of millions” of dollars.
“We are projecting to have a little bit of a narrower scope as we focus in on safety and scaling up in a much narrower view,” Jacobson said.
But unlike some of its competitors, GM is not pulling out completely from the autonomous vehicle business. “We’re going to be very deliberate about how we go forward,” Barra said, adding that when Cruise restarts its operations, it will be in only one city. The company also will need to “build trust” with local leaders and first responders, Barra said, in a nod to complaints from San Francisco officials that Cruise’s vehicles obstructed city operations.
“There’s been a lot of uncertainty in our industry and frankly, we didn’t execute well this year”
On the Ultium battery delays, Barra was blunt in her assessment. “There’s been a lot of uncertainty in our industry and frankly, we didn’t execute well this year, as it relates to demonstrating our EV capability and the capability of Ultium because of the module manufacturing automation equipment issues that we had,” she said. “So I’m disappointed in that. I think that has created some concern.”
Recently, GM said it would delay production of its upcoming slate of electric pickup trucks at its plant in Michigan’s Orion Township by “a few months.” Barra assured investors that the issues with Ultium manufacturing were being resolved.
“Our module production issue is not really related to Ultium,” she added. “As I’ve said before, it is really an automation manufacturing issue.”
Barra said that while EV growth has slowed, demand is still heading in the right direction, noting that US car buyers were on track to purchase 1 million EVs this year for the first time.
“There’s really no reason that EV demand won’t be higher in the years ahead,” she said. “Consideration is rising, the policy environment is favorable. The public charging infrastructure is growing and customer choice is expanding.”
She also acknowledged that the recent contracts with the United Auto Workers union are spooking investors because of their associated costs. GM estimates that the new contracts will result in added labor costs of around $500 per vehicle in 2024 and $575 on average over the life of the contract. The company also expects to raise battery costs by about $3 per kilowatt-hour, but it still expects to achieve “mid-single digit profitability” on its EV business by 2025.
GM expects to reduce net costs by $2 billion through 2024, which includes lower salaries, lowering marketing expenses, and additional overhead reductions. And tellingly, Barra also managed to slip in some praise for the company’s internal combustion engine vehicles, which continue to generate profits for the company at a time when costs are rising across the board.
“Our strong ICE business that frankly has gotten stronger, and we still believe there’s growth there,” Barra said.
GM has said it expects to go completely carbon neutral by 2040.
Ohio2 mins ago
Chemical firms to pay $110 million to Ohio to settle claims over releases of ‘forever chemicals’
Oklahoma5 mins ago
Led by Dillon Gabriel, 6 Oklahoma Sooners named to All-Big 12 team
Oregon7 mins ago
Oregon football let loss to Washington stew, improved since; will it be enough for Ducks to flip the script on Huskies?
Pennsylvania11 mins ago
Pennsylvania is trying to help voters avoid mistakes that would invalidate their mail ballot
Rhode Island13 mins ago
Did a BLM RI founder endorse Trump? There’s more to the story
Colorado1 year ago
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Midwest2 years ago
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
South12 months ago
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
South2 years ago
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
South12 months ago
At least 2 dead as tornadoes hit Alabama, damage homes across Southeast
News1 hour ago
U.S. v. Gupta Indictment
Politics2 hours ago
Ramaswamy’s New Hampshire-based political director joins Trump campaign
World2 hours ago
Brussels asks airlines to agree on standard luggage sizes
News3 hours ago
Potential tornadoes and damaging storms to target Texas, including Houston area | CNN
Politics8 hours ago
CIA reminds staff about social media posts after CIA officer shares pro-Palestinian image
-
Science1 week agoMystery dog disease reaches L.A.; county reports 10 cases of canine respiratory illness
-
Culture1 week agoCan You Name These Famous Short Stories Based on Their Descriptions?
-
Business7 days agoColumn: OpenAI’s board had safety concerns. Big Tech obliterated them in 48 hours
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago‘Rustin’ Movie Review: Should You Watch Colman Domingo’s Biopic?
-
Business1 week ago‘A Beautiful Place That Has a Dragon’: Where Hurricane Risk Meets Booming Growth
-
Business1 week ago
Column: Nonunion automakers are matching the UAW’s great contract, but that may be bad for the UAW
-
Movie Reviews1 week agoCricket commentary to movie reviews, this app makes English more accessible – Times of India
-
Business1 week agoWith OpenAI in chaos, the tech recruiting feeding frenzy is on
