Category: Artificial intelligence

September 17, 2025
Tencent Hunyuan 3D 3.0: Realistic AI Model Generation for Creators
Key Takeaways
1. Improved Accuracy and Resolution: Hunyuan 3D 3.0 offers three times more accuracy than its predecessor, supporting resolutions up to 1536³ and voxel counts of 3.6 billion for detailed and realistic model generation.
2. 3D-DiT Hierarchical Carving: The advanced carving technique builds objects step-by-step, reducing common issues in AI-generated models like warped features and unnatural poses.
3. Enhanced Realism: The system produces more consistent human characteristics, believable textures, and natural poses, effectively managing occlusion to minimize gaps in models.
4. Refined Texturing Process: Textures are applied more accurately to geometry, allowing for realistic fabric draping and skin alignment, reducing the need for manual adjustments before production.
5. Accessibility and Future Developments: Hunyuan 3D 3.0 is available for free via the Hunyuan 3D platform, with plans for an open-source version (Hunyuan 3D Omni) to enhance customization for research and industry applications.
Tencent has just introduced Hunyuan 3D 3.0, the newest iteration of its AI-powered system designed for creating three-dimensional models, and the enhancements compared to the prior version are quite impressive. The company states that this model achieves three times more accuracy than its predecessor and supports resolutions reaching 1536³, with voxel counts hitting 3.6 billion. These advancements equip the system with the ability to produce assets that are much more detailed and realistic than those generated by earlier versions, making it ideal for both experimental and professional purposes.
Advanced Carving Technique
The system utilizes what Tencent refers to as 3D-DiT hierarchical carving, a method that constructs objects step-by-step rather than rendering everything in one go. It starts with basic outlines, which are slowly enhanced with layers of increasing detail. This organized approach helps minimize many common issues found in other AI-generated models, like warped facial features, unrealistic body ratios, or stiff and robotic poses.
Enhanced Realism in Output
Consequently, the figures generated by Hunyuan 3D 3.0 show more consistent human characteristics, believable skin textures, and poses that mimic natural human movement. The model is also optimized to manage occlusion better, anticipating hidden geometry when parts of a character or object are obscured or turned away. This feature cuts down on the gaps and nonsensical structures that have often hindered the effectiveness of automated generation.
Improved Texturing Process
The texturing method has also seen improvements in this version. Previous AI systems frequently created surfaces that seemed painted on without consideration for how they fit the object’s shape. With Hunyuan 3D 3.0, textures are applied more precisely to the underlying geometry, allowing fabric to drape more naturally, skin to align with body shapes, and surfaces to no longer look disconnected from the objects they represent. For creators, this means assets necessitate less manual adjustments before being production-ready.
Tencent has made this model accessible for free through its Hunyuan 3D platform, featuring an API that enables developers to incorporate it into their projects. For those who need a more comprehensive toolset, the company is currently testing Hunyuan 3D Studio, a production suite that facilitates tasks like UV mapping, rigging, and skinning. This studio edition is presently available only on an invitation basis, but applications can be submitted via Tencent’s platform.
Future Developments
Additionally, Tencent has revealed intentions to launch an open-source version called Hunyuan 3D Omni, which will offer researchers and businesses more control over model generation and customization. This option may make the system more applicable for industrial and research settings.
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Tags: Tencent
September 17, 2025
Tech Job Cuts Exceed 166,000 in 2025: What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways
1. In 2025, the tech industry has seen 166,387 job losses, with Intel facing the largest cuts at 34,000 positions.
2. Microsoft has conducted multiple layoffs, totaling about 19,215 positions by the end of 2025 for efficiency reasons.
3. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has laid off around 12,000 employees primarily due to cost-cutting and AI automation.
4. AI is a significant factor in layoffs, with an estimated 37,702 positions affected by automation.
5. The total number of tech layoffs could rise to 235,000 by the end of 2025, according to predictions by RationalFX.
For many of the big technology companies, the year 2025 has been quite good in terms of finances — with Intel being a clear exception. However, employees are feeling less secure in their jobs. An analysis from RationalFX shows that 166,387 workers in the tech industry have lost their jobs so far in 2025. The findings come from U.S. WARN notices, the job platform TrueUp, TechCrunch, and the layoff tracker Layoffs.fyi.
Intel’s Struggles
Leading the pack is Intel. The chipmaker, which is facing challenges, intends to eliminate around 34,000 positions this year as it aims to improve its operations and rethink its approach.
Microsoft’s Layoffs
Not too far behind is Microsoft. The tech giant based in Redmond has already conducted several rounds of layoffs: about 6,000 roles in April and another 9,000 in July. RationalFX estimates that by the end of 2025, at least 19,215 positions will be cut for the sake of efficiency.
Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) from India comes in third place, having laid off around 12,000 employees this year. This is mainly due to cost-cutting efforts and the implementation of AI-based automation.
The trend of job cuts continues across many major companies.
AI is becoming a significant factor in these layoffs. It is estimated by analysts that about 37,702 of the layoffs this year were connected to automation and the incorporation of AI tools that have taken over tasks previously done by humans.
Looking to the future, RationalFX predicts that the total number of tech layoffs could rise to 235,000 by the end of 2025.

Tags: Intel, Microsoft
September 16, 2025
Western Digital HDD Prices Rise Due to AI Demand
Key Takeaways
1. Western Digital (WD) is raising HDD prices due to increased demand, following similar moves by SanDisk and Micron.
2. The surge in demand for high-capacity storage is largely driven by investments in AI technologies by major tech companies.
3. WD plans to use more ocean freight for shipping to reduce emissions, which may extend delivery times by 6 to 10 weeks.
4. SanDisk has announced a 10% price increase for NAND flash products, while Micron has temporarily paused pricing for a week.
5. Consumers can expect higher costs for HDDs and possibly SSDs, along with longer shipping delays.
Following in the footsteps of SanDisk and Micron, Western Digital (WD) is making changes to its HDD pricing due to an increase in demand. Reports suggest that the company has informed its customers that there will be a gradual price rise on all HDD products starting immediately. This decision follows SanDisk’s announcement of a 10% increase in NAND prices and Micron’s temporary price freeze for a week.
Rising Demand for High-Capacity Storage
According to WD’s communication with customers, there has been an unmatched demand for HDDs across all sizes, attributed to the swift growth of AI technologies. A report from TechNews indicates that major tech companies are investing in their AI infrastructure, which has caused a surge in the need for high-capacity storage solutions. This heightened demand has resulted in depleted stock levels, consequently driving prices up.
Eco-Friendly Shipping Adjustments
In addition to pricing changes, WD has announced that it is increasing its use of ocean freight methods to decrease emissions. However, this shift could lead to longer shipping times, estimated to be an extra six to ten weeks.
The company is now the third significant hardware producer in this sector to alter its pricing strategy. SanDisk’s recent announcement involved a 10% price increase for NAND flash products across all platforms. Meanwhile, last week, Micron informed its clients that it would pause pricing on all its products for a week, halting quotes for distributors and OEM/ODM manufacturers regarding DRAM and NAND items.
Implications for End Users
For consumers, these changes will likely mean higher costs for HDDs and possibly SSDs, along with extended shipping delays. The exact timeline for when these new prices will take effect is still unclear.
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Tags: AI Demand, Western Digital
September 16, 2025
AI App Connects Foreign Influencers for Civic Solutions in India
Key Takeaways
1. Caleb Friesen, a Canadian YouTuber living in India, explores AI, startups, and Indian culture through his social media.
2. His Instagram post about a poorly maintained footpath gained significant attention, leading to local authorities taking action to fix it.
3. Influencers like Caleb have considerable impact, with their complaints often taken more seriously by authorities compared to local citizens.
4. A new app was created to leverage the perceived influence of foreign nationals, allowing users to report civic issues and generate images of a white man addressing them.
5. Caleb’s initial post sparked a broader conversation about social media’s role in civic accountability and the disparities in how complaints are handled based on nationality.
Caleb Friesen is a well-known YouTuber from Canada who now lives in India. His Instagram profile mentions that he focuses on “Exploring Indian AI and Startups.” However, Caleb doesn’t limit himself to just startups; he also dives into the rich culture, food, and other aspects of life in India.
Footpath Chronicles
On August 20, 2025, Caleb shared a reel on Instagram with the caption, “I tried to walk on the footpath from Domlur to Indiranagar. It didn’t go as I planned.” The title made it clear what the content was about. He walked along a poorly kept footpath and expressed his thoughts on social media.
The post quickly gained traction, racking up over 34,000 likes and nearly 590,000 views. Many commenters expressed their anger over the negligence displayed by local authorities. Not long after, the authorities took action to fix the footpath. Caleb documented this by revisiting the same pathway and sharing his updated opinions.
Influence and Accountability
Commenters pointed out that influencers like Caleb, who is both foreign and popular, wield a lot of influence. They believe that complaints from someone like him are taken more seriously by the authorities. This was supported by multiple comments on Caleb’s post, where users encouraged him to review additional pathways to ensure they are also repaired quickly.
In an unrelated incident, many Indians felt that authorities showed favoritism toward foreigners when a Greek individual lost his phone in a taxi, which was swiftly returned by local police. When this story circulated on social media via the Mumbai Police account, several Indian citizens remarked on the disparity, highlighting that their own complaints had gone unresolved for months.
Harnessing the “Superpower”
To take advantage of this perceived “superpower” that white foreign nationals have, a user on X, Raj Kunkolienkar (@kunksed), developed an app. The app allows users to upload pictures of dirty streets or footpaths and generates an AI image of a white man addressing the issues to local authorities.
The app quickly produced over a thousand images, leading to increased API costs. The app’s creator then stated, “If you want to help fund this project, DM me.” In response, another user on X, Anirudha Kulkarni (@4n1rudh4), offered financial support to keep the app going. As of now, the website remains active and functional.
Caleb Friesen also supported the app, happily sharing it from his X account @caleb_friesen2. What started as a simple reel about a bad footpath has sparked a larger conversation about how visibility and influence on social media can lead to quicker civic action in India. This ongoing discussion raises important questions about bias, accountability, and the significant role digital platforms play in managing everyday infrastructure.
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September 14, 2025
NASA’s GUARDIAN Detects Tsunami 40 Minutes Before Impact
Key Takeaways
1. An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering a tsunami detected early by NASA’s GUARDIAN technology.
2. GUARDIAN utilizes data from over 350 GNSS ground stations to identify disturbances in the ionosphere caused by tsunami pressure on the ocean surface.
3. The system can detect tsunami signs up to 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) away and analyzes data in about 10 minutes for quick response.
4. GUARDIAN successfully confirmed tsunami signals 30 to 40 minutes before waves reached Hawaii and other Pacific coasts.
5. Experts believe GUARDIAN represents a “paradigm shift” in tsunami monitoring and will improve existing early warning systems.
On July 29, an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale rocked Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. This seismic event led to the formation of a tsunami, which NASA’s GUARDIAN managed to detect early on. GUARDIAN (GNSS Upper Atmospheric Real-time Disaster Information and Alert Network) is a new technology being created at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
How GUARDIAN Works
GUARDIAN functions by evaluating information from over 350 GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) ground stations located across the globe. As a tsunami approaches, the ocean surface exerts pressure on the air above it. This pressure disrupts the air all the way up to the ionosphere, resulting in disturbances.
When disturbances occur in the ionosphere, the signals transmitted from GNSS stations become altered. This is the alteration that GUARDIAN is able to recognize. Notably, GUARDIAN has the potential to identify signs of a tsunami forming up to approximately 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) away from a given GNSS station.
Quick Response Time
GUARDIAN can analyze the incoming data about a potential tsunami in roughly 10 minutes. This rapid response gives experts sufficient time to take action, which may help avoid needless losses of life and damage to property.
In the case of the recent tsunami, GUARDIAN successfully confirmed its signals 30 to 40 minutes before the waves impacted Hawaii and other coasts along the Pacific. Prior to the tsunami event, an artificial intelligence (AI) system and a prototype messaging system were integrated into GUARDIAN. The AI system was instrumental in detecting tsunami patterns, while the messaging system was responsible for alerting experts.
The Future of Tsunami Monitoring
Bill Fry, who is the chair of the United Nations technical group that evaluates the circum-Pacific tsunami monitoring system, has referred to GUARDIAN as part of a “Paradigm shift.” GUARDIAN is set to enhance the existing early warning systems, contributing to better forecasting of tsunami events.
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Tags: NASA
September 12, 2025
ChatGPT vs Gemini vs Grok: AI Disinformation Doubles, Google Lies Less
Key Takeaways
1. Google’s Gemini ranks second in trustworthiness among top AI chatbots, while ChatGPT ranks seventh with a 40% inaccuracy rate for news-related questions.
2. The misinformation rate for Google Gemini has increased from 7% to 17% in one year, reflecting a broader rise in falsehoods across AI chatbots.
3. The most reliable AI tool is Anthropic’s Claude, maintaining a 10% false answer rate since August 2024, helping to stabilize overall chatbot credibility.
4. Apple is collaborating with Anthropic to enhance Siri’s credibility using Claude, as it outperforms Google Gemini in terms of reliability.
5. Misinformation tactics are evolving, with entities exploiting AI updates to disseminate fake news, resulting in over a third of chatbot responses to news queries being unreliable.
Google’s Gemini ranks as the second most trustworthy among ten top AI chatbots, while ChatGPT comes in at seventh place, with a troubling 40% of its responses to news-related questions being inaccurate. Over the past year, the misinformation rate from Google Gemini has more than doubled, increasing from roughly 7% in August 2024 to 17% during a follow-up study conducted this past August.
Rise in Falsehoods
The researchers, who routinely conduct credibility assessments of the ten leading AI tools, linked the significant increase in misinformation – 18% in 2024 compared to a staggering 35% now – to the heightened competition among AI chatbots. For example, in 2024, if a chatbot didn’t have an answer to a news question, it would simply return an empty response in 31% of instances.
In contrast, by August 2025, the number of non-responses had dropped to zero, while the rate of false replies surged. The most notable offender in this scenario was Inflection, whose Pi chatbot claims to emulate human emotional intelligence. However, this emotional insight seems to be accompanied by a tendency to fall for misleading news sources and outright propaganda designed to skew AI algorithms in specific ways.
Acknowledging the Disinformation Challenge
Sam Altman from OpenAI has recognized the misinformation issues surrounding ChatGPT in a recent interview. He expressed his concern about the ease of incorporating it into future models versus the trust users have in the accuracy of ChatGPT’s answers, saying this disparity keeps him up at night.
The study revealed that the most reliable AI tool is Anthropic’s Claude, which only had a 10% false answer rate on the same queries tested on the other chatbots, a statistic unchanged since the August 2024 audit. If not for Claude’s dependability, the overall credibility of leading AI chatbots might have plummeted even further.
Apple’s Collaboration with Anthropic
After extensive testing, Apple found that Claude provides the best credibility for powering its Siri virtual assistant. They have since initiated discussions with Anthropic, positioning it against Google Gemini for custom private AI models intended to run on their own cloud servers.
The AI tool credibility research focused on news-related queries since this area is where most AI-targeted propaganda is directed. Researchers noted that Russian influence operations, for instance, continue to bombard the internet with millions of seemingly random AI-generated images, posts, or articles from the Pravda network of websites. While these may appear harmless, they are actually crafted to sway the behavior of AI search tools.
Ongoing Misinformation Tactics
Numerous other entities are also attempting to sway AI chatbot responses. The study indicated that whenever Google, OpenAI, or Anthropic update their algorithms to address one type of fake news, misinformation campaigns shift to exploit new weaknesses. This creates a continuous game of cat and mouse. Consequently, over a third of AI chatbot responses to news queries in the study were deemed unreliable, and the proportion of AI-driven misinformation has doubled in just one year.
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Tags: ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini
September 12, 2025
Unitree G1 Robot Plays Table Tennis with Incredible Agility
Key Takeaways
1. Scientists at UC Berkeley developed a humanoid robot, Unitree G1, capable of playing table tennis nearly as well as a human.
2. The robot uses a system called HITTER, allowing it to maintain rallies of over 100 shots against a human player.
3. Humanoid robots struggle with fast-paced sports due to the need for quick reactions to fast-moving objects.
4. The researchers created a hierarchical framework that mimics human play, using a high-level planner and a low-level controller for movement.
5. The robot’s control system was trained on human movement data, enabling smooth and lifelike actions, paving the way for more advanced robotic systems.
A group of scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, has created a new system allowing a humanoid robot to play table tennis nearly as well as a human. The Unitree G1 robot, which operates using HITTER (Humanoid Table Tennis Robot), has been showcased in a video where it managed to keep rallies going for over 100 shots while competing against a human player. This video has gained a lot of attention online, thanks to Zhi Su, the head of the project, who shared it on X.
Challenges with Fast-paced Sports
Humanoid robots have made significant progress in tasks like walking and kicking, but they often have trouble with activities that demand quick responses to fast-moving objects in unpredictable settings. Table tennis exemplifies this, with balls flying at speeds greater than 5 meters per second. This means the robot needs to watch, anticipate, and react in mere moments.
Innovative Framework for Robot Play
To tackle this issue, the researchers devised a hierarchical framework that mimics how humans engage in the game. A high-level, model-based planner acts as the robot’s brain, utilizing 9 cameras to monitor the ball and decide the best course of action. Following that, a low-level controller converts the planner’s decisions into synchronized movements of the robot’s body.
The team indicates that they trained the robot’s control system using data from human movements, which helps its actions look more smooth and lifelike. As a result, the fully autonomous robot can grip and swing its paddle fluidly, and even execute side-steps and balance itself with its free hand, just as a human would do. The system, tested on the Unitree G1 robot, offers a model for creating even more advanced robots and systems in the future.
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Tags: humanoid robot, Unitree G1
September 11, 2025
Judge Halts Antropic’s $1.5B Settlement in AI Piracy Case
Key Takeaways
1. U.S. District Judge William Alsup expressed concerns about a $1.5 billion ruling against AI firm Anthropic for using writers’ works without permission.
2. The ruling requires a payment of approximately $3,000 for each of 465,000 affected works, raising questions about its fairness and effectiveness.
3. Alsup requested a detailed list of pirated books to avoid complications from potential new lawsuits.
4. Industry leaders criticized the court’s understanding of the publishing sector and the potential administrative burden on authors and publishers.
5. The lawsuit against Anthropic, which has backing from Google and Amazon, is considered a significant moment in U.S. copyright litigation history.
U.S. District Judge William Alsup raised alarms regarding the recent decision against the AI firm Anthropic. This ruling mandated a payment of $1.5 billion to writers who claimed their published works were used without permission to train AI systems.
Concerns Raised by Alsup
According to AP reports, Alsup found the ruling “full of pitfalls.” He set another hearing for September 25 to re-evaluate the situation. The decision, which allocates about $3,000 for each of roughly 465,000 affected titles, faced intense scrutiny. Alsup requested a “drop-dead list” detailing the total number of pirated books by September 15 to prevent the number from increasing due to potential new lawsuits “emerging from the shadows.”
Industry Reactions
Maria Pallante, the leader of the Association of American Publishers and the Author’s Guild, told Reuters that Alsup’s ruling showed a “lack of understanding” about the publishing sector.
“It’s vital that the total number of works in the settlement is finalized,” Pallante emphasized. “The Court’s hesitation to provide the parties with time for this — without any reasoning — is concerning.”
Criticism of the Court’s Approach
Mary Rasenberger, CEO of the Author’s Guild, expressed her “shock” over the court’s casual suggestion. She accused the groups involved of “acting behind the scenes in ways that could pressure authors,” which contradicts their proposed role as informational advisors.
“Pallante added that the Court appears to be imagining a claims process that would be administratively burdensome, making it unmanageable for the class members, which could lead authors and publishers into years of additional litigation.”
Anthropic, which has backing from Google and Amazon, faced a lawsuit last year from authors who contended that the company had downloaded and utilized pirated versions of their works to develop its Claude AI models. The settlement is thought to be the largest “publicly reported recovery in the history of U.S. copyright litigation.”
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Tags: AI models, Anthropic, copyright settlement
September 10, 2025
Energize Lab Confirms Eiliko’s Entry into Mass Production
Key Takeaways
1. Eiliko, the new charm bot from Energize Lab, has officially entered mass production, thanks to Kickstarter backers.
2. Energize Lab has a proven track record with their previous successful robot, Eilik, which gained over 300,000 users worldwide.
3. The company has built a vibrant international community and released popular follow-up products, enhancing user engagement.
4. Energize Lab focuses on developing emotionally connecting machines that bring happiness to daily life.
5. Updates on Eiliko’s production progress will be shared on Energize Lab’s social media.
Eiliko, the new charm bot from Energize Lab, has officially started its mass production phase, as announced on X (previously Twitter).
“Thanks to the incredible help from our Kickstarter backers, Eiliko is now in mass production! Quality control, assembly, and packaging are all underway, and we’re working hard to get you your new friend as soon as possible! We will keep you updated as production progresses,” Energize Lab shared on their social media account.
A Proven Team
Energize Lab consists of a skilled robotics team that previously created Eilik, a crowdfunded success that gained over 300,000 users globally.
The company explained: “Throughout the years, we’ve built a lively international community and released various popular follow-ups, such as Eilik DQ, Silver Edition, and the combat vehicle Panxer — each one enhancing how individuals play, connect, and engage with their robots. Supported by patented technology and a talented team of engineers and animators, we are committed to developing machines that emotionally connect and provide happiness in daily life — and we’re only just beginning.”
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Tags: Eiliko, Energize Lab
September 10, 2025
Konami Removes AI Voice-Over Videos from Yu-Gi-Oh! Event
Key Takeaways
1. Konami launched an AI live commentary feature for the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship, which led to controversy over voice similarities to actress Hibiku Yamamura.
2. Following Yamamura’s complaints, Konami removed the videos and clarified that they used the Anneli model from the AI voice generator Aivis Project.
3. The incident highlights ongoing debates about the use of generative AI in voice acting, with concerns about unauthorized use of actors’ voices.
4. Konami reassured fans that no uncredited AI-generated voices are used in Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel, but AI is applied in other projects like Shine Post: Be Your Idol.
5. Despite setbacks, the trend of using AI for voice-overs in gaming is likely to continue, potentially leading to more legal conflicts as technology evolves.
Konami recently rolled out an AI live commentary initiative that featured voice-overs for videos showcasing the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship, which took place on August 29th. Some viewers remarked that parts of the narration seemed to echo the voice of well-known voice actress and singer Hibiku Yamamura. Following her complaints, according to Automaton, Konami has taken down the videos.
Yamamura’s Response
Yamamura didn’t directly call out Konami in her posts on social media. Nevertheless, it’s hard to think she wasn’t hinting at the questionable Yu-Gi-Oh! footage. In their response, Konami clarified that they utilized the Anneli model, stemming from the AI voice generator Aivis Project. The creator of this software has now acknowledged that a character from another game, which Yamamura voiced, influenced the recordings. Because of this, the AI tools are currently unavailable while an investigation is underway.
The Growing Debate
The use of generative AI has sparked a lot of debate in areas like gaming, film, and television. A significant issue has emerged in the realm of voice acting. Firms like Konami are trying to cut down on expenses linked to hiring famous talents like Yamamura. Yet, several AI voice programs tend to use the voices of these actors and actresses without their permission, leading to a wave of lawsuits as courts examine the legality of such practices.
Konami has assured fans that there are no uncredited AI-generated voices in games such as Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel. However, the technology does play a significant role in its music idol simulator, Shine Post: Be Your Idol. Instead of recording numerous tracks with real-life singers, AI alters smaller audio samples as the talents of the idols grow. Some gamers are not thrilled with this method, and developers admit that the technology can be misused.
Future of AI in Gaming
Even with this hiccup, it’s improbable that Konami or other game developers will give up on the idea of AI-created voice-overs. As long as generative AI continues to learn from human voices, further conflicts are bound to arise.
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Tags: Konami