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Google’s free streaming service now lets you pick shows and movies to watch
Google has upgraded Freeplay, its free, ad-supported streaming service, to offer video on demand rather than just scheduled live-style channels. Users can now choose from more than 10,000 shows and films to watch whenever they like, bringing it closer in format to established free platforms such as Tubi and The Roku Channel. The move comes…
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Used EV buying guide: The $30,000 edition
Used electric vehicle prices are rising even as supply increases, driven partly by disruption linked to America’s latest conflict in the Middle East, according to analysts at Cox Automotive. Despite the higher prices, demand remains robust, with used EV sales up around 20 percent year-on-year overall, and buyers can find used EVs sitting on dealer…
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Authors face backlash for participation in 2022 Google AI study
Thirteen professional authors, including science-fiction writers Ken Liu and Robin Sloan, are facing online backlash after their participation in a 2022 Google research study resurfaced on social media. The Wordcraft Writers Workshop, run by Google’s DeepMind division, asked the writers to trial an AI-assisted editing tool built on the LaMDA language model, the predecessor to…
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Developer takes first step of scheme to build green belt homes in Handsworth in face of controversy – thestar.co.uk
A developer has begun the initial stage of a proposal to build homes on green-belt land in Handsworth, despite local controversy. The scheme matters because it highlights the tension between housing development and protecting land designated to limit urban sprawl. The supplied article text does not contain the reporting itself, only a Google consent page,…
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Former Sheku Bayoh inquiry chair paid more than £700k before quitting the role – as the probe costs keep rocketing
A former chairman of the public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh was paid more than £700,000 before stepping down from the role, it has emerged, as the overall cost of the probe continues to climb. The disclosure is likely to renew scrutiny of the inquiry’s expenditure and timescale, at a time when public…
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Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder to Perform One-Night-Only Stage Show as ‘Hacks’ Characters
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder will reprise their “Hacks” roles of Deborah Vance and Ava for a one-off live stage show, timed to celebrate the sitcom’s record-breaking 24 Emmy nominations for its final season. The event, titled “Deborah Vance & Friends & Enemies LIVE!”, marks the first time the pair have appeared in character outside…
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The Guardian view on AI money in US politics: not the way to hold an urgent democratic debate | Editorial
Amid public concern over the impact of new technology, Silicon Valley’s use of its wealth to influence specific election races is an unwelcome development As the huge societal ramifications of artificial intelligence have become clear, some of the tech industry’s most senior figures have taken to writing thinkpieces on what comes next. The latest to…
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Less than 2.5% of Taylor Farms’ recalled lettuce went to Taco Bells
A new FDA enforcement report reveals that Taco Bell received only a small fraction of the Taylor Farms lettuce recalled over Cyclospora contamination, despite the chain being the public face of the outbreak that has sickened more than 23,000 people across 47 US states. The bulk of the recalled produce actually went to Walmart, under…
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I’m boycotting Love and Deepspace for killing my virtual boyfriend, and so are 251,000 other loyal widows
Fans of the mobile romance game Love and Deepspace are organising a boycott after an in-game storyline apparently killed off a popular virtual love interest. The reaction highlights how strongly players can become attached to the game’s characters and how narrative choices can affect a live-service game’s community and reputation. The article says 251,000 players…
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Another OpenAI executive takes off
Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s special projects lead and former chief operating officer, has announced his departure after eight years at the company, saying he plans to pursue “something new.” In an internal memo shared on X, he said he had been considering “the next horizon” for the company and was leaving to help advance its mission…