Amazon is now testing AI-aided dubbing for some movies and series on Prime
Amazon is testing artificial intelligence-aided dubbing for select movies and shows offered on its Prime streaming service.
The company said this week that the AI-assisted dubbing – which refers to the practice of replacing an original audio track with a translated language – will be offered for licensed titles that previously lacked dubbing, such as the 2003 animated film 'El Cid: La Leyenda.'
The Seattle-based company said its AI-aided dubbing service will be in English and Latin American Spanish. Initially, it will be offered for 12 licensed titles.
Amazon says the program will take a hybrid approach, allowing 'local processionals to collaborate with AI to ensure quality control.'
Other tech companies have also introduced AI-powered dubbing into their platforms. Last year, YouTube released a feature that allows content creators to translate their videos into multiple languages. Meta, meanwhile, said in September that it was testing an AI tool that will automatically translate voices in Reels.
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Tom's Guide
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- Tom's Guide
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It makes technically wonderful espresso, heats up quickly, and has a very powerful steam wand capable of aerating velvety milk. More often than not, when you try and snag a cheap espresso machine, you're left with watery, weak espresso that takes nothing like the cafe down the road, or even the Starbucks across town. Not the De'Longhi Stilosa, though. As promised, I'll teach you exactly how to turn this $149 gadget into an almost-Breville coffeemaking machine. Don't get me wrong, right out of the box, the Stilosa is great. It's capable of reaching 15-bar pressure and comes with single-walled portafilter baskets for 'proper' espresso. But for just $149, some sacrifices will have been made, and that comes in the form of accessories. First, I'd recommend repurposing the tamper that comes with the Stilosa and getting a cheap metal tamper. As the Stilosa has a 51mm portafilter basket (where the coffee goes, as you can see in the picture below), you'll need one of the same size. 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Yahoo
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Why Are Gen-Z and Millennial Workers Obsessed With 'Soft Skills' in the Workplace?
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This perspective resonates deeply with Sonali Karmarkar, the 31-year-old Head of Content and Community for YouTube Shopping. Karmarkar emphasizes that 'soft skills are inimitable—they are very difficult to teach yet are so crucial in the professional world.' For her, these skills 'enable one to connect with coworkers, business partners, and direct reports,' shaping how people influence and elevate projects beyond technical know-how. New York City-based career coach Eliana Goldstein echoes this sentiment, noting that while AI is 'infiltrating so many workplaces' and causing concern among many, 'there are people who have fear and concern around [if they'll be] replaced by AI. And if so, when is that going to happen? What do I do about it?' However, Goldstein stresses a reframing of this fear into opportunity: 'Once you plant those seeds, then people do genuinely start to feel that excitement of, oh, this is a really exciting opportunity for me right now; how do I capitalize on it?" 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Goldstein adds that while many believe AI to be intuitive, 'people are definitely still under utilizing it' She continues, 'It's not necessarily that people need tactical training on it; it's more so just about rethinking how they're using it.' She points out common uses such as helping to make emails more polished or aiding in the crafting of sales pitches, emphasizing AI's broad applicability across industries. At the same time, Briana Henry, a 34-year-old Senior Technical Engineer at Namaste Solar Electric, provides a cautionary note. She admits, 'I constantly forget that AI exists' in her highly technical and safety-critical role, where reliance on AI is limited by liability and trust concerns. Henry worries that over-reliance on AI could stunt creative problem-solving and diminish essential hard skills, underscoring that 'people need to have the knowledge and ability to at least review AI results for correctness.' 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The message from Gen Z and millennial workers is clear: as AI reshapes the technical landscape, the qualities that make us human—our empathy, leadership, and communication—are the true currency of career progression. These skills not only help individuals use technology more effectively but also build authentic connections that machines cannot replicate. Karmarkar sums it up succinctly: 'Soft skills are what will set candidates apart in their ability to use the tech to unlock new solutions, be able to effectively synthesize the information to align to a long-term vision and compellingly communicate to their intended audiences.' In the end, mastering AI is important, but it's the human touch that remains the defining factor in professional success. You Might Also Like 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine
Business Insider
2 hours ago
- Business Insider
How Meta Platforms' (META) Shrewd Energy Strategy Fortifies Future Earnings
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This move reinforces Meta's position as a leading force in AI-powered social platforms and signals a strong, strategic commitment to sustainable and scalable energy solutions. Accordingly, I am reaffirming my bullish stance on META stock on the back of the CEG joint venture. Rising Power Demand Forces Meta Into Strategic Deal Meta's decision comes at a critical juncture, as U.S. power demand is rising significantly for the first time in decades, primarily driven by the explosive growth of data centers supporting AI, cloud computing, and automation. Utilities have already warned that electricity generation capacity may not scale quickly enough to meet this accelerating demand. PJM, the nation's largest grid operator, has projected potential capacity shortfalls as early as 2030, citing plant retirements outpacing new development. This growing supply-demand imbalance has already introduced volatility in energy markets. In 2022, wholesale power prices averaged roughly $80 per megawatt-hour (MWh) for the first time in over a decade, primarily due to surging natural gas prices that heavily influence market rates. While prices eased in 2023, the macro trends—especially from increasing compute intensity—suggest a renewed upward trajectory starting in 2025. For Meta, whose operations are becoming increasingly energy-intensive, this volatility carries real risk. The company's electricity usage jumped more than 30% last year, reaching approximately 15 terawatt-hours, exposing it to significant cost fluctuations. By securing a long-term nuclear PPA, Meta is effectively insulating itself from future price shocks—stabilizing its operating margins and providing greater long-term predictability for profitability. Meta's Nuclear Energy Strategy to Commence in 2027 Starting in 2027 and continuing through 2047, Meta will purchase the full output—1,121 megawatts—of electricity generated by Constellation's Clinton Power Station. As a 24/7/365 baseload source, nuclear energy plays a critical role in supporting intermittent renewables like solar and wind. Urvi Parekh, Meta's Head of Global Energy, underscored the strategic importance of the deal, stating that 'securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions.' While financial terms were not publicly disclosed, analysts estimate the agreement is priced near $80 per megawatt-hour. Meta secured advantageous terms by helping extend the life of an existing nuclear facility. The deal effectively replaces Illinois' expiring zero-carbon credit subsidies in 2027, allowing the Clinton reactor to remain operational without additional ratepayer support. In return, Meta locks in a long-term, carbon-free power supply—shielded from fuel price volatility and future grid constraints. Constellation's CEO praised the agreement as a forward-thinking private-sector model, highlighting Meta's recognition of the strategic value in maintaining the nation's nuclear infrastructure. Meta's decision to secure a stable, long-term energy supply offers a clear strategic advantage—particularly as Big Tech intensifies efforts to lock in reliable power sources to support rapidly expanding, energy-intensive AI workloads. Microsoft, for instance, has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) tied to the planned restart of the Three Mile Island facility, reportedly at a mid-range but competitive price of approximately $110 per megawatt-hour. Meanwhile, Google is backing small modular reactor (SMR) technology through its investment in Kairos Power, aiming to integrate nuclear energy into its operations by 2030, alongside broader commitments to renewables. Amazon Web Services is also expanding into the nuclear space, supporting advanced reactor startup X-energy to potentially power future AWS data centers in high-demand regions, such as Virginia and the Pacific Northwest. What is the Price Target for Meta Platforms? On Wall Street, Meta stock has a consensus Strong Buy rating, based on 41 Buys, three Holds, and one Sell rating attained over the past three months. The average META stock price target is $697.55, indicating ~2% upside potential over the next 12 months. However, the high estimate is $918, and my own target is about $800. This means a potential 15% return over the next 12 months or nearly a 30% return if the high estimate is met. Meta Wins by Being Strategic on Energy Meta's nuclear power agreement delivers clear strategic advantages in terms of energy reliability and cost certainty. By effectively hedging against future energy price volatility, the company mitigates a key operational risk and reinforces its ability to maintain stable profit margins over time. This long-term visibility into energy costs not only enhances financial resilience but also ensures a secure energy supply to support the company's expanding AI infrastructure. Additionally, Meta's direct investment in carbon-free energy aligns with the values of environmentally conscious and ESG-focused investors, likely bolstering long-term sentiment around the stock. In essence, this move transforms a historically volatile cost center into a strategic asset—positioning Meta for decades of consistent energy management and sustained profitability amid an increasingly dynamic tech and power landscape.
