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Service Restored: AT&T Recovers from Nationwide Outage
Uncrowned Guard posted an article in Tech News
Network Recovery and Apology to Customers AT&T has successfully reinstated its mobile services after an extensive disruption that left countless customers across the United States without connectivity for the majority of Thursday. The telecommunications giant extended its apologies to its subscribers through a formal announcement on its website, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining reliable connections for its users. The company also assured its customers of its dedication to implementing measures aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Outage While AT&T's network is back to full operational status, the cause behind Thursday's significant service interruption remains a mystery. Reports from ABC News highlighted the commencement of investigations by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security into the possibility of a cyberattack targeting the carrier. As stakeholders await a detailed explanation, the demand for transparency and understanding of the incident's origins grows, underscoring the need for reassurance about the network's resilience. Regulatory Scrutiny and Competitors' Responses The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has indicated its involvement, investigating the outage's circumstances and coordinating with public safety officials. The disruption's impact was profound, affecting emergency services access and prompting local authorities to advise against test calls to 911 due to the outage. In contrast, AT&T's rivals, Verizon and T-Mobile, confirmed their network's unaffected status during this period, highlighting the unusual nature of AT&T's service interruption. The event marked a significant disturbance in comparison to previous outages experienced by other carriers, with AT&T's downtime occurring during critical business hours and affecting a broad user base. As AT&T moves forward from this episode, the focus remains on uncovering the cause of the outage and fortifying the network against potential future threats, ensuring the reliability and security of communications for its customers. -
Uncrowned Addiction YouTube Channel
Uncrowned Guard replied to Uncrowned Guard's topic in Promote Your Content
Most Streamed Songs of 2024 (Global/January) -
Uncrowned Addiction YouTube Channel
Uncrowned Guard replied to Uncrowned Guard's topic in Promote Your Content
Most Streamed Songs of 2024 (Global/January) -
Sequel Buzz Grows with Wahlberg's Facial Hair Preparations "Uncharted 2" is inching closer to reality, with Mark Wahlberg receiving the nod to begin physical preparations for his reprisal as Victor Sullivan, hinting at the film's progression. In a conversation with Screen Rant, Wahlberg revealed insights into the early stages of the sequel's development, emphasizing his unique challenge with facial hair for the iconic role. "I've been advised to start working on my mustache," Wahlberg shared, signaling that while the project might still have some distance to go before hitting screens, the wheels are definitely in motion. Script Developments and Story Teasers The sequel, following up on the successful 2022 film where Tom Holland starred as the adventurous Nathan Drake, is stirring excitement with talk of a finished script. Wahlberg, reflecting on the creative process, mentioned receiving a recent update about the screenplay's completion. "There's a script that's been turned in," he noted, expressing his curiosity and enthusiasm about the new adventures that await the beloved characters. Despite the lack of an official announcement, Wahlberg's discussions in December 2023 about script progress and the narrative direction—particularly the emphasis on his character's mustache—underline the sequel's forward momentum. Building on a Blockbuster Foundation The anticipation for "Uncharted 2" builds on the solid success of its predecessor, which made a notable impact with a $139 million global debut. The film not only entertained audiences but also established a promising franchise foundation for Sony Pictures, as highlighted by Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman's declaration of "Uncharted" as a new cinematic hit series for the company. The mention of Sullivan's mustache in the context of the sequel not only ties back to the video game source material, where an older Sullivan sports the look, but also signifies the filmmakers' commitment to bridging the narrative gap between the movies and the beloved games. With the combination of a strong box office performance, positive audience reception, and now the tease of character development and story continuation, "Uncharted 2" is poised to delve deeper into the thrilling escapades of Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan. Fans can look forward to another exhilarating journey, as Wahlberg and the team behind the sequel work to capture the spirit of adventure that defines the "Uncharted" saga. View full article
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Sequel Buzz Grows with Wahlberg's Facial Hair Preparations "Uncharted 2" is inching closer to reality, with Mark Wahlberg receiving the nod to begin physical preparations for his reprisal as Victor Sullivan, hinting at the film's progression. In a conversation with Screen Rant, Wahlberg revealed insights into the early stages of the sequel's development, emphasizing his unique challenge with facial hair for the iconic role. "I've been advised to start working on my mustache," Wahlberg shared, signaling that while the project might still have some distance to go before hitting screens, the wheels are definitely in motion. Script Developments and Story Teasers The sequel, following up on the successful 2022 film where Tom Holland starred as the adventurous Nathan Drake, is stirring excitement with talk of a finished script. Wahlberg, reflecting on the creative process, mentioned receiving a recent update about the screenplay's completion. "There's a script that's been turned in," he noted, expressing his curiosity and enthusiasm about the new adventures that await the beloved characters. Despite the lack of an official announcement, Wahlberg's discussions in December 2023 about script progress and the narrative direction—particularly the emphasis on his character's mustache—underline the sequel's forward momentum. Building on a Blockbuster Foundation The anticipation for "Uncharted 2" builds on the solid success of its predecessor, which made a notable impact with a $139 million global debut. The film not only entertained audiences but also established a promising franchise foundation for Sony Pictures, as highlighted by Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman's declaration of "Uncharted" as a new cinematic hit series for the company. The mention of Sullivan's mustache in the context of the sequel not only ties back to the video game source material, where an older Sullivan sports the look, but also signifies the filmmakers' commitment to bridging the narrative gap between the movies and the beloved games. With the combination of a strong box office performance, positive audience reception, and now the tease of character development and story continuation, "Uncharted 2" is poised to delve deeper into the thrilling escapades of Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan. Fans can look forward to another exhilarating journey, as Wahlberg and the team behind the sequel work to capture the spirit of adventure that defines the "Uncharted" saga. -
Intel Secures a Landmark $15 Billion Deal with Microsoft for Custom Chip Production In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to reclaiming its leadership in the semiconductor industry, Intel has inked a monumental partnership with Microsoft. This collaboration is set to see Intel manufacturing custom-designed chips for Microsoft, a project valued at over $15 billion. This announcement was a highlight of Intel's recent Foundry event, signaling a significant milestone in Intel's efforts to revitalize its chip manufacturing prowess. A Strategic Shift Towards Custom Chip Manufacturing Intel's venture into producing custom chips for Microsoft marks a pivotal shift in its business model, reflecting a broader industry trend towards bespoke semiconductor solutions. The chips, destined for an unspecified use, are speculated to power a range of applications from processors to AI accelerators, as Microsoft looks to internalize its chip design capabilities. This move is emblematic of a growing shift in the tech industry, with major players increasingly opting to design and produce their in-house silicon to meet specific needs. The Road Ahead for Intel's Foundry Ambitions Intel's 18A process technology will play a central role in this partnership, highlighting the company's technological advancements under the leadership of CEO Pat Gelsinger. Gelsinger's return to Intel was marked by a renewed focus on innovation and competitiveness, with the foundry services expected to be a cornerstone of Intel's strategy to regain its market dominance. This collaboration with Microsoft not only showcases Intel's foundry capabilities but also sets the stage for its ambition to become the go-to partner for companies seeking to custom-build their semiconductor solutions. Navigating Challenges and Setting Industry Standards Despite the promising outlook this deal presents, Intel faces several hurdles, including the delayed opening of its $20 billion chip plant in Ohio, now rescheduled for 2026. These challenges come amidst a broader slowdown in the chip market and delays in securing government grants. However, Intel's partnership with Microsoft could serve as a beacon for the semiconductor industry, demonstrating the viability and demand for custom chip production services. As Intel navigates these waters, its success in executing this high-profile partnership could redefine its position in the global semiconductor landscape, marking a significant step towards achieving its foundry aspirations. -
Intel Secures a Landmark $15 Billion Deal with Microsoft for Custom Chip Production In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to reclaiming its leadership in the semiconductor industry, Intel has inked a monumental partnership with Microsoft. This collaboration is set to see Intel manufacturing custom-designed chips for Microsoft, a project valued at over $15 billion. This announcement was a highlight of Intel's recent Foundry event, signaling a significant milestone in Intel's efforts to revitalize its chip manufacturing prowess. A Strategic Shift Towards Custom Chip Manufacturing Intel's venture into producing custom chips for Microsoft marks a pivotal shift in its business model, reflecting a broader industry trend towards bespoke semiconductor solutions. The chips, destined for an unspecified use, are speculated to power a range of applications from processors to AI accelerators, as Microsoft looks to internalize its chip design capabilities. This move is emblematic of a growing shift in the tech industry, with major players increasingly opting to design and produce their in-house silicon to meet specific needs. The Road Ahead for Intel's Foundry Ambitions Intel's 18A process technology will play a central role in this partnership, highlighting the company's technological advancements under the leadership of CEO Pat Gelsinger. Gelsinger's return to Intel was marked by a renewed focus on innovation and competitiveness, with the foundry services expected to be a cornerstone of Intel's strategy to regain its market dominance. This collaboration with Microsoft not only showcases Intel's foundry capabilities but also sets the stage for its ambition to become the go-to partner for companies seeking to custom-build their semiconductor solutions. Navigating Challenges and Setting Industry Standards Despite the promising outlook this deal presents, Intel faces several hurdles, including the delayed opening of its $20 billion chip plant in Ohio, now rescheduled for 2026. These challenges come amidst a broader slowdown in the chip market and delays in securing government grants. However, Intel's partnership with Microsoft could serve as a beacon for the semiconductor industry, demonstrating the viability and demand for custom chip production services. As Intel navigates these waters, its success in executing this high-profile partnership could redefine its position in the global semiconductor landscape, marking a significant step towards achieving its foundry aspirations. View full article
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YouTube Leads the Streaming Pack in the U.S. In a recent Nielsen report detailing the viewing habits across various platforms for January, YouTube emerged as the top streaming service on television screens in the United States, capturing 8.6% of TV viewing time. This achievement puts YouTube ahead of Netflix, which accounted for 7.9% of TV usage, underscoring YouTube's continued dominance in the streaming landscape. Remarkably, this marks the twelfth consecutive month that YouTube has secured the top position, highlighting its significant appeal to American audiences. The Rise of User-Generated Content YouTube's success on TV screens is partly attributed to a growing preference among U.S. viewers for user-generated content over traditional TV shows and movies. Google's streaming service reported that people now spend over 1 billion hours daily watching YouTube content on their TVs. This trend is particularly pronounced among Gen Z viewers, 61% of whom prefer user-generated videos to other types of content. Furthermore, YouTube creators are experiencing a surge in TV viewership, with the platform noting a more than 400% increase in the number of top YouTubers garnering most of their watch time from TV screens. One notable example includes HopeScope, a channel known for reviewing viral products, which saw its TV watch time jump by 172% in 2023. YouTube's Competitive Edge and Milestones Despite YouTube's stronghold in TV streaming, TikTok remains a formidable competitor, especially on mobile devices. TikTok has been exploring new territories by testing longer video formats up to 30 minutes and entering the spatial reality space with a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro. On the other hand, YouTube has not pursued a specialized app for the Vision Pro device but continues to celebrate various achievements. These accomplishments include reaching 100 million subscribers for YouTube Music and YouTube Premium, surpassing 8 million subscribers for YouTube TV, and achieving over 70 billion daily views on YouTube Shorts. YouTube's commanding presence in the U.S. streaming market, driven by a strong preference for user-generated content and significant viewership on TV screens, highlights the platform's adaptability and enduring appeal. As viewing habits evolve and competition intensifies, YouTube's innovative strategies and diverse content offerings continue to play a crucial role in its success. -
YouTube Leads the Streaming Pack in the U.S. In a recent Nielsen report detailing the viewing habits across various platforms for January, YouTube emerged as the top streaming service on television screens in the United States, capturing 8.6% of TV viewing time. This achievement puts YouTube ahead of Netflix, which accounted for 7.9% of TV usage, underscoring YouTube's continued dominance in the streaming landscape. Remarkably, this marks the twelfth consecutive month that YouTube has secured the top position, highlighting its significant appeal to American audiences. The Rise of User-Generated Content YouTube's success on TV screens is partly attributed to a growing preference among U.S. viewers for user-generated content over traditional TV shows and movies. Google's streaming service reported that people now spend over 1 billion hours daily watching YouTube content on their TVs. This trend is particularly pronounced among Gen Z viewers, 61% of whom prefer user-generated videos to other types of content. Furthermore, YouTube creators are experiencing a surge in TV viewership, with the platform noting a more than 400% increase in the number of top YouTubers garnering most of their watch time from TV screens. One notable example includes HopeScope, a channel known for reviewing viral products, which saw its TV watch time jump by 172% in 2023. YouTube's Competitive Edge and Milestones Despite YouTube's stronghold in TV streaming, TikTok remains a formidable competitor, especially on mobile devices. TikTok has been exploring new territories by testing longer video formats up to 30 minutes and entering the spatial reality space with a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro. On the other hand, YouTube has not pursued a specialized app for the Vision Pro device but continues to celebrate various achievements. These accomplishments include reaching 100 million subscribers for YouTube Music and YouTube Premium, surpassing 8 million subscribers for YouTube TV, and achieving over 70 billion daily views on YouTube Shorts. YouTube's commanding presence in the U.S. streaming market, driven by a strong preference for user-generated content and significant viewership on TV screens, highlights the platform's adaptability and enduring appeal. As viewing habits evolve and competition intensifies, YouTube's innovative strategies and diverse content offerings continue to play a crucial role in its success. View full article
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Nationwide Cell Service Disruptions Impact Major Carriers Early Thursday morning, thousands of Americans found themselves without cell service as widespread outages hit major carriers, with AT&T users reporting the most significant impact. According to data from the outage-tracking website DownDetector, the disruptions peaked in the early hours, affecting not only AT&T but also Verizon and T-Mobile customers. AT&T Customers Hit Hardest AT&T experienced a substantial spike in service disruptions, with over 31,000 outage reports filed around 4 a.m. ET. Although these numbers saw a slight decrease, with reports dropping to around 25,000, the impact was felt across the provider's network. The sudden loss of service left many customers searching for answers and alternatives to stay connected. Verizon and T-Mobile Also Affected While AT&T bore the brunt of the service issues, Verizon and T-Mobile customers did not escape unscathed. Both carriers saw around 1,000 reported outages during the same timeframe. The cause of these disruptions remains a mystery, as affected companies have yet to release official statements detailing the source or the full scope of the affected areas. Seeking Answers and Solutions As the day progresses, customers and industry watchers alike are eager for information. The lack of communication from the affected service providers has led to speculation and frustration among users. With the reliance on mobile connectivity for everything from business communications to personal connections, the demand for a swift resolution and explanation is high. As of now, the specific cause of the outage and the timeline for a full restoration of services remain unclear. Customers are advised to stay tuned for updates from their respective carriers. View full article
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Major Cell Service Outage Hits AT&T: A Nationwide Disruption Unfolds
Uncrowned Guard posted an article in Tech News
Nationwide Cell Service Disruptions Impact Major Carriers Early Thursday morning, thousands of Americans found themselves without cell service as widespread outages hit major carriers, with AT&T users reporting the most significant impact. According to data from the outage-tracking website DownDetector, the disruptions peaked in the early hours, affecting not only AT&T but also Verizon and T-Mobile customers. AT&T Customers Hit Hardest AT&T experienced a substantial spike in service disruptions, with over 31,000 outage reports filed around 4 a.m. ET. Although these numbers saw a slight decrease, with reports dropping to around 25,000, the impact was felt across the provider's network. The sudden loss of service left many customers searching for answers and alternatives to stay connected. Verizon and T-Mobile Also Affected While AT&T bore the brunt of the service issues, Verizon and T-Mobile customers did not escape unscathed. Both carriers saw around 1,000 reported outages during the same timeframe. The cause of these disruptions remains a mystery, as affected companies have yet to release official statements detailing the source or the full scope of the affected areas. Seeking Answers and Solutions As the day progresses, customers and industry watchers alike are eager for information. The lack of communication from the affected service providers has led to speculation and frustration among users. With the reliance on mobile connectivity for everything from business communications to personal connections, the demand for a swift resolution and explanation is high. As of now, the specific cause of the outage and the timeline for a full restoration of services remain unclear. Customers are advised to stay tuned for updates from their respective carriers. -
Walmart Enhances Media and Entertainment Portfolio In a strategic move to diversify its offerings and enhance its advertising capabilities, Walmart has announced the acquisition of TV manufacturer Vizio for an estimated $2.3 billion. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Walmart's footprint in the home entertainment sector, integrating Vizio's SmartCast Operating System and extensive advertising network into Walmart's ecosystem. Strategic Implications for Walmart's Advertising Business Walmart aims to leverage Vizio's SmartCast OS and its over 500 direct advertiser relationships to offer new in-home entertainment experiences and innovative advertising solutions. This acquisition is expected to provide Walmart with a competitive edge in the smart TV market, positioning it against other affordable smart TV providers like Amazon and Roku. Furthermore, the acquisition is poised to enhance Walmart Connect, the retailer's advertising arm, by integrating a scaled, connected TV advertising platform. Vizio: A Complementary Addition to Walmart's Electronics Lineup Vizio's incorporation into Walmart's portfolio is seen as a complementary expansion alongside Walmart's existing Onn brand of affordable TVs. The deal is expected to enable Walmart to deliver a broader range of smart TV options and in-home entertainment solutions to its customers. Vizio, known for its SmartCast OS and strong advertiser partnerships, brings valuable technological innovation and market presence to Walmart's electronics offerings. Regulatory and Market Implications The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. It includes a provision for termination within a 45-day period should Vizio receive a superior offer. This strategic move by Walmart comes at a time when Vizio recently updated its TV software, emphasizing the importance of software differentiation in the competitive smart TV market. A Vision for the Future of Home Entertainment Vizio CEO William Wang expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating that joining forces with Walmart will drive innovation and create additional value for customers. This partnership is expected to catalyze the development of advanced in-home entertainment technologies and advertising solutions, further solidifying Walmart's position as a leader in the retail and digital advertising sectors. -
Walmart Enhances Media and Entertainment Portfolio In a strategic move to diversify its offerings and enhance its advertising capabilities, Walmart has announced the acquisition of TV manufacturer Vizio for an estimated $2.3 billion. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Walmart's footprint in the home entertainment sector, integrating Vizio's SmartCast Operating System and extensive advertising network into Walmart's ecosystem. Strategic Implications for Walmart's Advertising Business Walmart aims to leverage Vizio's SmartCast OS and its over 500 direct advertiser relationships to offer new in-home entertainment experiences and innovative advertising solutions. This acquisition is expected to provide Walmart with a competitive edge in the smart TV market, positioning it against other affordable smart TV providers like Amazon and Roku. Furthermore, the acquisition is poised to enhance Walmart Connect, the retailer's advertising arm, by integrating a scaled, connected TV advertising platform. Vizio: A Complementary Addition to Walmart's Electronics Lineup Vizio's incorporation into Walmart's portfolio is seen as a complementary expansion alongside Walmart's existing Onn brand of affordable TVs. The deal is expected to enable Walmart to deliver a broader range of smart TV options and in-home entertainment solutions to its customers. Vizio, known for its SmartCast OS and strong advertiser partnerships, brings valuable technological innovation and market presence to Walmart's electronics offerings. Regulatory and Market Implications The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. It includes a provision for termination within a 45-day period should Vizio receive a superior offer. This strategic move by Walmart comes at a time when Vizio recently updated its TV software, emphasizing the importance of software differentiation in the competitive smart TV market. A Vision for the Future of Home Entertainment Vizio CEO William Wang expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating that joining forces with Walmart will drive innovation and create additional value for customers. This partnership is expected to catalyze the development of advanced in-home entertainment technologies and advertising solutions, further solidifying Walmart's position as a leader in the retail and digital advertising sectors. View full article
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Holistic, Organic, Secular & Tolerant (HOST)
Uncrowned Guard replied to ZandraJoi's topic in Forum Addicts's Your Forums
Looks like some nice growth and community building! -
Borderlands Film Unveils Character First Look Ahead of 2024 Premiere The much-anticipated film adaptation of the popular video game "Borderlands" has finally given fans a glimpse into its star-studded cast in character, promising an exciting blend of fidelity and fresh interpretation of the beloved universe. Star-Studded Cast in Iconic Roles The "Borderlands" movie, directed by Eli Roth, showcases a dazzling array of talent, including Cate Blanchett as Lilith, Kevin Hart as Roland, and Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Patricia Tannis. Joining them are Jack Black, lending his voice to the humorous robot Claptrap, Ariana Greenblatt as the explosive expert Tiny Tina, and Florian Munteanu as the formidable Krieg. A recent reveal by People presented the ensemble cast ready for action, peering intriguingly down a hole, fully garbed in costumes that echo their video game counterparts—from Tiny Tina's distinctive bunny ears hat to Lilith's unmistakable spiky hair. Faithful Yet Fresh Adaptation Director Eli Roth has been open about striking the right balance between staying true to the original game's aesthetics and exploring new creative directions. In discussions with Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford, Roth was encouraged to view the adaptation much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe—where the film serves as a parallel canon to the games. This approach has allowed Roth and his team the creative freedom to reimagine elements of the "Borderlands" universe while keeping core aspects familiar to fans. Anticipation Builds for Premiere With an expected release date of August 9, 2024, anticipation for the "Borderlands" film is ramping up. Lionsgate, the studio behind the adaptation, has been sparing in releasing details, but the recent visual teasers have sparked excitement and speculation among the franchise's fanbase. As the premiere approaches, audiences are eager for more sneak peeks into the adaptation's interpretation of the "Borderlands" saga, hopeful for a cinematic experience that captures the essence of the game's unique blend of humor, action, and adventure. View full article
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Borderlands Comes to Life: First Look at Star-Studded Cast
Uncrowned Guard posted an article in Entertainment News
Borderlands Film Unveils Character First Look Ahead of 2024 Premiere The much-anticipated film adaptation of the popular video game "Borderlands" has finally given fans a glimpse into its star-studded cast in character, promising an exciting blend of fidelity and fresh interpretation of the beloved universe. Star-Studded Cast in Iconic Roles The "Borderlands" movie, directed by Eli Roth, showcases a dazzling array of talent, including Cate Blanchett as Lilith, Kevin Hart as Roland, and Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Patricia Tannis. Joining them are Jack Black, lending his voice to the humorous robot Claptrap, Ariana Greenblatt as the explosive expert Tiny Tina, and Florian Munteanu as the formidable Krieg. A recent reveal by People presented the ensemble cast ready for action, peering intriguingly down a hole, fully garbed in costumes that echo their video game counterparts—from Tiny Tina's distinctive bunny ears hat to Lilith's unmistakable spiky hair. Faithful Yet Fresh Adaptation Director Eli Roth has been open about striking the right balance between staying true to the original game's aesthetics and exploring new creative directions. In discussions with Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford, Roth was encouraged to view the adaptation much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe—where the film serves as a parallel canon to the games. This approach has allowed Roth and his team the creative freedom to reimagine elements of the "Borderlands" universe while keeping core aspects familiar to fans. Anticipation Builds for Premiere With an expected release date of August 9, 2024, anticipation for the "Borderlands" film is ramping up. Lionsgate, the studio behind the adaptation, has been sparing in releasing details, but the recent visual teasers have sparked excitement and speculation among the franchise's fanbase. As the premiere approaches, audiences are eager for more sneak peeks into the adaptation's interpretation of the "Borderlands" saga, hopeful for a cinematic experience that captures the essence of the game's unique blend of humor, action, and adventure. -
Uncrowned Addiction YouTube Channel
Uncrowned Guard replied to Uncrowned Guard's topic in Promote Your Content
Most Streamed Songs of 2024 (January) -
Uncrowned Addiction YouTube Channel
Uncrowned Guard replied to Uncrowned Guard's topic in Promote Your Content
Most Streamed Songs of 2024 (USA/January) -
Are you allowed to use smartphone at work?
Uncrowned Guard replied to Heatman's topic in Off-Topic Discussion
We are allowed to as long as it is not around any equipment that is sensitive to radio waves and doesn't interfere with work. -
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Native plants are a huge perk. We have a lot of fruit trees and berry bushes, so animals are quite common. We also have bird feeders out to try and distract the birds from the berries.
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I couldn't even imagine what he paid for that ad (well, I doubt he paid the bill). It would be curious to see if the ads get more and more political.
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A Breakdown in Negotiations Universal Music Group (UMG), home to stars like Taylor Swift, The Beatles, and Ariana Grande, announced its decision to remove its vast music catalog from TikTok. The move comes as a result of unsuccessful negotiations with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, regarding royalties. UMG's existing licensing agreement with TikTok is set to expire at the end of January, with plans to discontinue content licensing to TikTok and its dedicated music service, TikTok Music, due to disagreements over fair compensation for music usage. Dispute Over Fair Value UMG criticizes TikTok for not offering adequate payment rates to artists and songwriters, contrasting TikTok's proposal with the more favorable terms provided by other major social platforms. Despite TikTok's significant ad revenue, reported to be around $20 billion last year, UMG claims that TikTok's contributions to its total revenue amount to only about 1%. UMG accuses TikTok of attempting to profit from music-based content without duly compensating the creators. TikTok's Response and Copyright Concerns In response to UMG's allegations, TikTok expressed disappointment, accusing UMG of prioritizing greed and neglecting the interests of artists and songwriters. TikTok highlighted its role as a promotional platform, citing successful partnerships with other labels and publishers. The disagreement also extends to the handling of AI-generated recordings using UMG's properties and TikTok's alleged inadequacy in removing copyright-violating content promptly. Implications and TikTok's Music Ambitions UMG's withdrawal from TikTok could have significant implications for the platform, which increasingly focuses on music curation and creation. TikTok Music aims to compete with giants like Spotify and Apple Music, while initiatives like the "AI Song" feature and exclusive distribution deals through ByteDance’s SoundOn service underscore TikTok's investment in becoming a key player in the music industry. However, TikTok's aggressive strategy, including testing the removal of major record company music in markets like Australia, indicates a complex relationship between the platform and the music industry. As the situation unfolds, the music and tech industries will closely watch the impact of UMG's catalog withdrawal on TikTok's content and its ambitious music-related endeavors.
