Author: alex

German court rules OpenAI used GEMA-managed song lyrics without license A German court has ruled that OpenAI reproduced song lyrics from works managed by GEMA without the required licenses, finding that the company’s use of those lyrics in ChatGPT constitutes copyright infringement. The decision marks a significant legal victory for rights holders and could force changes in how generative AI models are trained and how their outputs are licensed. According to coverage of the ruling, the court determined that ChatGPT’s reproduction of protected song lyrics requires proper licensing and remuneration to rights holders. This is one of the first court decisions in Europe to directly address whether generative AI systems can reuse copyrighted text like song lyrics without prior permission. What the ruling says (key points) The court found that…

Threads adds in‑chat audio previews for podcast links (Spotify first) Threads is rolling out features to make the platform more podcast‑friendly. Starting today, posts that include Spotify show or episode links will surface an audio preview directly in the thread, and creators can add a link to their show on their profile so related posts display the preview automatically. Key points: Audio previews in posts: Links to Spotify shows and episodes will show a playable preview inside Threads posts. Creator show links: Creators can add their podcast link to their bio, which helps their posts surface with audio previews. Platform support: The initial rollout supports Spotify only; Threads says Apple Podcasts support will arrive later. Availability: Previews are going live now and will reach all users over the coming weeks.…

LEGO teases The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time set for 2026 Nintendo and LEGO have teased a new collaboration: a LEGO set based on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, slated for release in 2026. The short X teaser shows a minifigure Link with his Master Sword and Hylian shield, a tiny Navi, and the ominous silhouette of what appears to be Ganon. The reveal is brief on details, but the imagery strongly evokes the Ocarina of Time era. Whether Ganon will be a larger build or a minifigure, and which other characters or iconic locations will be included, remains to be announced. More information is likely to arrive in the months before the 2026 launch. What we know so far Teaser elements: Link minifigure (Master Sword &…

Apple AirPods 4 hit a record low: $85 for the non‑ANC model Apple’s AirPods 4 (the non‑ANC variant) are on sale for a new low of $85, down roughly 34% from their usual price. If you don’t need active noise cancellation but want improved sound, comfort and Apple’s latest audio features, this model is one of the best budget AirPods picks this season. The AirPods 4 include Apple’s H2 chip and offer features such as Voice Isolation and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. The redesigned stem and earbud shape aim for a more secure, comfortable fit compared with earlier entry models. Key specs & features Chip: Apple H2 for improved audio processing. Audio features: Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking and Voice Isolation. Controls: Force sensor on the…

Audible Black Friday deal: 3 months for $3 — $1/month for audiobook fans Amazon is offering a limited‑time Audible promotion: three months of Audible for just $3 (effectively $1 per month). The deal runs through December 16 — an early Black Friday offer that’s worth considering if you want to load up on audiobooks for the season. The offer applies to Audible’s paid tier, which includes a monthly credit (one audiobook to keep), access to the Audible Plus catalog of thousands of titles, and discounts on additional purchases. After the 90‑day period the subscription will auto‑renew at the regular rate (about $15/month), so plan to cancel before renewal if you don’t want to continue. What you get with this deal Three months for $3: Big short‑term savings — ideal for…

Samsung SmartThings iPhone update: run routines with Siri, Apple Watch control and Live Activities improvements Samsung has updated its SmartThings app for iPhone to add compatibility with Siri Shortcuts, letting users invoke SmartThings routines via Siri voice commands. That means automations created in SmartThings can be dragged into Apple’s Shortcuts app and then triggered with a simple “Hey Siri” phrase. The update also brings tighter Apple integration: SmartThings devices and device groups can now be viewed and controlled from the Apple Watch, and iOS Live Activities will display your five most recently used SmartThings devices for quick access. Together, these changes make it easier to mix Galaxy‑brand devices with Apple ecosystems around shared home automations. What you can do now Trigger routines with Siri: Add SmartThings routines to the Shortcuts…

Proton VPN Black Friday deal: 2 years of VPN Plus for $59.76 Proton VPN is running a heavy early Black Friday discount: two years of the VPN Plus tier for $59.76 (about $2.49/month) — a 75% reduction from the regular $10/month rate. That’s an overall savings of roughly $180 and one of the better long‑term VPN bargains we’ve seen. The Plus tier unlocks wide coverage, fast servers and robust privacy features that make Proton a strong recommendation for users who want both performance and peace of mind. What you get with Proton VPN Plus Server access: ~15,000 servers across 120+ countries for global routing and geo‑options. Multi‑device: Secure up to 15 devices simultaneously. Performance: Small speed impact in tests (downloads ~12% down, uploads ~4% down) and reasonable global latency. Privacy:…

EcoFlow early Black Friday sale — deep discounts on Delta Pro 3, Delta Pro Ultra and Delta 2 Max EcoFlow has launched an early Black Friday sale across its portable power station lineup, with price cuts up to about 42% on select models. The headline deal: the Delta Pro 3 is listed at $2,299 (down from $3,699), while the Delta Pro Ultra and Delta 2 Max also see substantial markdowns. These power stations are popular for home backup, RVs and off-grid use thanks to high capacities, multiple outlet types and flexible charging options. Amazon is matching many of the sale prices, making it easy to compare options and grab the discounted units before they sell out. Key models & sale prices Delta Pro 3 — $2,299 (≈37% off). 4,096Wh capacity;…

Dyson’s early Black Friday sale: major discounts on V9 Motorbar, V11 Extra and 360 Vis Nav Dyson has launched an early Black Friday sale with steep discounts on several of its popular vacuum models. The headline deals include the Dyson V9 Motorbar for $270 (about $330 off), the V11 Extra for $400 (around $260 off), and the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum priced at $500 after a large markdown. These offers are time‑limited and stock can sell out quickly. Here are the key savings and features to know: Dyson V9 Motorbar: Now $270 (approx. $330 off). Good suction across floor types, designed to reach tight spots; battery life about 40 minutes — enough for a standard home if used efficiently. Dyson V11 Extra: Now $400 (approx. $260 off). Boosted suction…

Apple and ISSEY MIYAKE launch the limited‑edition "iPhone Pocket" — a knitted sleeve for iPhone Apple has partnered with Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE to release the iPhone Pocket, a limited‑edition 3D‑knitted textile sleeve featuring a ribbed open structure inspired by Miyake’s pleated fabrics. The accessory is designed to be flexible — it fits iPhones and other small everyday items and can be worn with a short or long strap. The short‑strap iPhone Pocket comes in lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon and black. The long‑strap version is available in sapphire, cinnamon and black. Apple says the colors were selected to mix and match with iPhone finishes for a coordinated look. Key details Design: Seamless 3D knit with ribbed open structure, made in Japan and influenced by ISSEY MIYAKE’s…