Tag Archives: Technology News | Digital Culture

TikTok Launches Beta for New Songwriter Features to Elevate Music Creators

TikTok Launches Beta for New Songwriter Features to Elevate Music Creators

TikTok has launched the beta version of its new Songwriter Features, a set of tools designed to highlight and give credit to the songwriters behind the music. These features aim…

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G Herbo’s Exclusive App Release Drives Over 100K Downloads, Tops Music Charts

G Herbo's Exclusive App Release Drives Over 100K Downloads, Tops Music Charts

Global recording artist G Herbo is redefining music distribution with an innovative, fan-centric approach that has yielded remarkable success. The rapper bypassed the traditional streaming-first model, exclusively releasing his latest…

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BigXThaPlug Rides AI-Powered Buzz to Top 5 Billboard Hit with “All The Way”

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Texas rapper BigXThaPlug is seeing the payoff of hustle and innovation, smashing into the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 4 with his country-rap crossover “All The Way” featuring Bailey Zimmerman.…

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How “Type Beat” Channels Are Redefining Music Discovery—And the Producers Leading the Wave

How "Type Beat" Channels Are Redefining Music Discovery—And the Producers Leading the Wave

In an industry once dominated by major-label budgets and exclusive studio access, a quiet revolution has taken hold. Today, artists no longer need deep connections or deep pockets to find…

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Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is Apple Music’s Global Song of the Year

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Kendrick Lamar has reached a significant career milestone with his track “Not Like Us,” which has become the most-streamed global song of the year. The achievement marks the rapper’s first-ever No. 1 on the annual streaming chart, solidifying his place as a dominant force in the music industry.

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The achievement comes as Lamar reigns over the entire Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. Overall, Kendrick has seven of the top ten spots in the Hot 100. The country’s No. 1 song is “Squabble Up,” followed by “TV Off,” “Luther,” “Wacced Out Murals,” and “Hey Now,” which rounds out the top five.

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Apple Music unveiled its much-anticipated Replay 2024 experience today, offering subscribers a deeper look at their musical journey over the year. Integrated directly into the Apple Music app, Replay now includes expanded insights, shareable motion videos, and access to personal music highlights. The update enhances the annual feature, reflecting Apple Music’s commitment to creating a personalized and interactive music experience.

Subscribers on iOS 18.1 or later can access Replay via the app’s Home, New, or Search tabs, while users on earlier versions can visit the replay.music.apple.com microsite. New insights include “Top 100, 500, 1000 Listeners,” which shows rankings among fans of favorite artists, “Listening Streaks” highlighting consecutive playback days, and “Replay By Month” for a month-by-month breakdown of top tracks and albums. Fans can also discover their “Top Artist Streak” and revisit their “Date of First Play” for favorite music.

Apple Music also expanded Replay for Artists, now accessible via Apple Music for Artists. Musicians can review their total listener and streaming minutes, track Shazam success, and pinpoint top-performing cities. These tools allow artists to celebrate their year and engage with their audience by sharing customized insights through video or still assets.

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Coinciding with the Replay launch, Apple Music revealed its 2024 Year-End Charts. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” emerged as the most-streamed global song, marking a career milestone as his first-ever No. 1 on the annual chart. On Shazam, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” took the top spot, while Dua Lipa’s “Houdini” became the most played song on global radio.

2024 saw record-breaking achievements for women in music, with 39 songs by female artists appearing on the Top Songs of 2024: Global chart. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” led the way at No. 3, while Taylor Swift landed seven tracks on the list, including “Cruel Summer” in the top five. Rising stars like Shaboozey and Benson Boone joined veterans like Drake and Morgan Wallen, who each secured eight chart entries.

Shazam’s global chart featured newcomers, with Teddy Swims and FloyyMenor gaining significant recognition. Resurgent hits like Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” also made appearances, boosted by movie placements.

The Most-Read Lyrics and Top 100: Sing charts highlighted a surge in Japanese-language songs, with Creepy Nuts’ “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” dominating both lists. YOASOBI’s “アイドル (Idol)” and tuki.’s “晩餐歌 (Bansanka)” further cemented the global appeal of J-Pop.

A notable addition this year is the Shazam Global Radio Spins chart, led by Dua Lipa’s “Houdini.” Pop and country genres shone brightly, with tracks like Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” gaining traction.

From personalized Replay mixes to year-round features like Discovery Station and collaborative playlists, Apple Music continues to elevate the listening experience. Dive into Replay 2024 and explore the complete Year-End Charts on Apple Music today.

The post Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is Apple Music’s Global Song of the Year appeared first on The Source Magazine.

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Apple Music Debuts Replay 2024 with New Insights and Year-End Charts

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Apple Music unveiled its much-anticipated Replay 2024 experience today, offering subscribers a deeper look at their musical journey over the year. Integrated directly into the Apple Music app, Replay now includes expanded insights, shareable motion videos, and access to personal music highlights. The update enhances the annual feature, reflecting Apple Music’s commitment to creating a personalized and interactive music experience.

Subscribers on iOS 18.1 or later can access Replay via the app’s Home, New, or Search tabs, while users on earlier versions can visit the replay.music.apple.com microsite. New insights include “Top 100, 500, 1000 Listeners,” which shows rankings among fans of favorite artists, “Listening Streaks” highlighting consecutive playback days, and “Replay By Month” for a month-by-month breakdown of top tracks and albums. Fans can also discover their “Top Artist Streak” and revisit their “Date of First Play” for favorite music.

Apple Music also expanded Replay for Artists, now accessible via Apple Music for Artists. Musicians can review their total listener and streaming minutes, track Shazam success, and pinpoint top-performing cities. These tools allow artists to celebrate their year and engage with their audience by sharing customized insights through video or still assets.

PNG image[92] (1)

Coinciding with the Replay launch, Apple Music revealed its 2024 Year-End Charts. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” emerged as the most-streamed global song, marking a career milestone as his first-ever No. 1 on the annual chart. On Shazam, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” took the top spot, while Dua Lipa’s “Houdini” became the most played song on global radio.

2024 saw record-breaking achievements for women in music, with 39 songs by female artists appearing on the Top Songs of 2024: Global chart. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” led the way at No. 3, while Taylor Swift landed seven tracks on the list, including “Cruel Summer” in the top five. Rising stars like Shaboozey and Benson Boone joined veterans like Drake and Morgan Wallen, who each secured eight chart entries.

Shazam’s global chart featured newcomers, with Teddy Swims and FloyyMenor gaining significant recognition. Resurgent hits like Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” also made appearances, boosted by movie placements.

The Most-Read Lyrics and Top 100: Sing charts highlighted a surge in Japanese-language songs, with Creepy Nuts’ “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” dominating both lists. YOASOBI’s “アイドル (Idol)” and tuki.’s “晩餐歌 (Bansanka)” further cemented the global appeal of J-Pop.

A notable addition this year is the Shazam Global Radio Spins chart, led by Dua Lipa’s “Houdini.” Pop and country genres shone brightly, with tracks like Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” gaining traction.

From personalized Replay mixes to year-round features like Discovery Station and collaborative playlists, Apple Music continues to elevate the listening experience. Dive into Replay 2024 and explore the complete Year-End Charts on Apple Music today.

The post Apple Music Debuts Replay 2024 with New Insights and Year-End Charts appeared first on The Source Magazine.

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Exclusive: Jim Jones Plans To Dominate Social Networking With New ‘SneakyLinks’ App Partnership

Jim Jones Plans To Dominate Social Networking With New ‘SneakyLinks’ App Partnership

Jim Jones, the iconic rapper and entrepreneur, is stepping into the tech world with a bold new venture—SneakyLinks, a social media app designed to transform how people connect online. In collaboration with investor Daniel Gamble, Jones plans to unveil this groundbreaking platform at Invest Fest, a premier event for innovators and entrepreneurs taking place in Atlanta, GA today.

SneakyLinks isn’t just another app in an already crowded market. It’s a dynamic space crafted to meet the diverse needs of its users, whether they’re seeking to expand their professional network, spark new friendships, or explore romantic connections. What sets SneakyLinks apart is its innovative mood-setting feature, which allows users to tailor their interactions based on how they’re feeling at any given moment. This makes it a versatile tool, capable of adapting to a variety of social interactions.

Jim Jones, known for his sharp business sense and cultural influence, sees SneakyLinks as more than just a tech product—he views it as a movement. “We’re not just launching an app; we’re creating a space for authentic connections,” Jones explains. His vision is to provide users with a platform that’s as flexible and multifaceted as they are, helping them engage on their own terms.

Investor Daniel Gamble, who has a proven track record of success in both tech and entertainment, has been pivotal in bringing this vision to life. Together, Jones and Gamble aim to set a new standard in social media, offering a fresh, user-centered approach to online interaction.

Tru Brand Media Founder and InvestFest panelist, Tiffany Lewis speaks highly of the app, boasting on the apps ability to completely dominate social networking. While others, such as Author and Former Editor-In-Chief of HHW, Kash Jones used one word to describe the new app “Groundbreaking!”
As they prepare to introduce SneakyLinks later today at InvestFest, Jim Jones and Daniel Gamble are not just launching a new app—they’re spearheading a revolution in how we connect in the digital age. Don’t miss the chance to be one of the first to experience the future of social networking. Download the app now at sneakylinks.com.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign

Angel Reese, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign

Beats, a pioneer in audio technology, has expanded its bestselling product family by introducing the all-new Beats Solo Buds true wireless earphones and the next generation of its iconic headphones, Beats Solo 4. Reputable athletes Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka headline the campaign.

The Beats Solo Buds embody the Solo line’s signature attributes of portability, comfort, and premium audio quality in its smallest form factor yet. The Solo Buds are the ultimate on-the-go companion, boasting impressive sound, up to 18 hours of battery life, and seamless one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android users. Available in four premium colors, including Matte Black and Arctic Purple, the Solo Buds will retail for $79.99 starting in June.

Meanwhile, the Beats Solo 4 offers upgraded, powerful sound, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and UltraPlush cushions for unparalleled comfort. With up to 50 hours of battery life and Lossless Audio via USB-C, the Solo 4 sets a new standard in headphone technology. Available in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink, the Solo 4 is priced at $199.99 and can be ordered today from apple.com.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign first appeared on The Source.

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Half of American Adults Support Ban on TikTok, 46% Believe China Using it to Spy on United States

Half of American Adults Support Ban on TikTok, 46% Believe China Using it to Spy on United States

A recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos reveals a divided sentiment among U.S. adults regarding the potential ban of TikTok. How surprising. Sarcasm. ByteDance, a China-based tech company, owns the popular social media app. With an ambitious law on the horizon that could effectively ban TikTok nationwide by January 2025, about half of Americans express support for the drastic measure, citing concerns over data privacy and Chinese influence.

The legislation, known as the “Protecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024,” signed by President Biden after receiving bipartisan support in Congress, mandates ByteDance to divest its stake in TikTok within nine months to a non-“foreign adversary” entity. That’s a bold statement, but the lawmakers are serious about this. Failure to comply would result in the app’s distribution being prohibited in America. TikTok intends to challenge the law on First Amendment grounds, but the ban may become a reality if unsuccessful. ByteDance has no plans to sell its interest in the platform.

According to the poll, approximately 50% of Americans support a TikTok ban, 32% oppose it, and 18% are undecided. Concerns about Chinese government surveillance and influence loom large, with 55% believing ByteDance utilizes TikTok to sway public opinion and 46% suspecting espionage activities by the Chinese government.

Senator Maria Cantwell has raised alarms, suggesting that TikTok and ByteDance exploit data and artificial intelligence for surveillance purposes, even targeting journalists covering the company. Past incidents, such as ByteDance firing employees for unauthorized access to TikTok data, further fuel apprehensions.

Concerns about the repercussions of a TikTok ban exist. Ninety percent of respondents believe content creators would migrate to alternative platforms, while 45% worry about adverse effects on small businesses and performing artists. Additionally, 46% fear potential infringements on free speech rights.

The Ipsos/Reuters poll, conducted from April 29-30 with a sample size of 1,022 U.S. residents aged 18 or older, highlights the complexity of public opinion on the TikTok ban issue, with a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Whatever happens, TikTok has become an influential staple in pop culture, but the connection to China has some people concerned, and possibly, rightfully so. 

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New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa

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Artificial Intelligence is getting smarter, funnier, and in some ways creepier. Arguably a photo of the most famous painting, the Mona Lisa is capable of doing more than just smirking, with the help of Microsoft’s brand new artificial intelligence technology.

Researchers at Microsoft detailed VASA-1, a new AI model they developed that takes still images of a face with an audio clip of anyone speaking, and it automatically creates a pretty realistic video of that person’s photo speaking. The videos are compelling, with lip-syncing, and natural face, and head movements—spooky stuff. 

Get this: in one demo video, the Microsoft researchers animated an image of the Mona Lisa to spit a comedic rap, originally by actor Anne Hathaway. Well at least it wasn’t a real artist, then we’d have more AI controversy on our hands. 

The output result may be entertaining but may also feel jarring in the product’s authenticity. It just feels too real for some. Now Microsoft said the tech could work within educational applications or, as they put it, “improving accessibility for individuals with communication challenges,” or even virtual companions for humans. Now, that all sounds good, but it may be used for impersonating people and other nefarious uses. Imagine this AI technology used to disrupt creative industries from film to advertising and more.

Microsoft says it is not releasing the VASA-1 model to the public just yet. “We are opposed to any behavior that creates misleading or harmful contents about real persons,” Microsoft researchers said in a recent blog post. They added that they have “no plans to release” the product publicly “until we are certain that the technology will be used responsibly and in accordance with proper regulations.”

The Mona Lisa rapping and all that is fun and games, but until this technology can be responsibly managed, it seems like it’s ripe for potential issues in a world where there’s already enough misinformation floating around. So, the jury is out on this one.

The post New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa first appeared on The Source.

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