#SHOWBIZ: Orson Welles is back thanks to AI
Thanks to artificial intelligence, the legendary voice of the director of 'Citizen Kane' will be heard in a new project, this time as a digital tour guide.
Open the app, select a point on the map and listen.
Are you standing in a dingy Hollywood alleyway? Or on Broadway in the heart of New York City?
Every location becomes an opportunity to discover the behind-the-scenes history of cinema and TV series from a new perspective.
In a bold initiative, the StoryRabbit app now offers its users the chance to discover this world through the voice of Welles, one of the most iconic directors in the history of cinema.
"No matter where you are, Welles peels back the curtain on the hidden architecture of film, television, history and culture that surrounds you.
"What may look ordinary is, in his telling, anything but," reads the press release unveiled by Podnews.
Launched by Treefort Media, in collaboration with Younite.ai, 'Orson Welles Presents' is now available on the app for iOS and Android starting at US$4.99 per month.
StoryRabbit uses geolocation to enable travellers to hear contextualised audio stories narrated by famous voices, including, now, Welles, recreated with uncanny accuracy from voice archives, with the permission of his estate.
Unlike other AI-based experiences, each script is written, checked and approved by a team of people.
"All narratives are human-curated, authentic and responsibly produced," promises Treefort Media, which emphasises its "ethical" approach to AI.
"Orson was a relentless innovator, who worked effortlessly across multiple platforms during his long and storied career, so bringing his voice into this new medium feels like a continuation of that legacy," said David Reeder, of Reeder Brand Management, the agency for the Orson Welles Estate.
Kelly Garner, founder and chief executive officer of Treefort Media and creator of StoryRabbit, said: "Integrating Orson Welles' voice gives our storytelling unparalleled resonance.
Having the opportunity to work with a voice of this caliber is extraordinary.
"His timeless perspective offers users a unique lens – simultaneously nostalgic and forward-looking – to discover the world as it speaks, revealing incredible true stories."
In addition to Welles, StoryRabbit also features the voice of Dominic Monaghan, the British-Irish actor known for his roles in 'The Lord Of The Rings' trilogy and the TV series 'Lost'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
Elevating home entertainment with Epson EH-TW6250
BRINGING cinema-quality entertainment into a home setup has never been easier. In this review, theSun takes a closer look at the Epson Home Theatre EH-TW6250 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Smart Gaming Projector, and it genuinely feels like stepping into a private cinema without leaving home. From setup to hours of watching movies and playing games, every moment with this projector delivers a vivid, theatre-like experience that is genuine and easy to enjoy. Effortless setup The first thing that stands out when unboxing the EH-TW6250 is how lightweight and compact it feels. At just 4.1kg, it is incredibly easy to move between rooms or set up outdoors for a backyard movie night. Positioning the projector is straightforward. With its ±60° vertical lens shift, 1.6× zoom and ±30° keystone adjustments, the image aligns perfectly on the wall in minutes. There is no need for complicated mounting or technical expertise, just plug it in, adjust and it is ready to go. Startup time is equally impressive. From powering on to projecting a bright, clear image takes less than 15 seconds, making it ideal for spontaneous movie nights or quick gaming sessions. Stunning picture Epson's 4K Pro-UHD pixel-shifting technology transforms a native 1,080p resolution into breathtakingly sharp visuals. Watching films and streaming nature documentaries reveal incredible detail and lifelike textures. Even when projecting on a 150-inch screen, the image remains crisp and engaging. Colour reproduction truly shines. Thanks to 3LCD technology, colours appear rich, vibrant and perfectly balanced. At 2,800 lumens of brightness, the picture stays impressively vivid even in rooms with daylight filtering through. HDR10 and HLG support further enhance contrast and highlights, making every scene more dynamic and cinematic. Gamer's dream Switching from movie mode to gaming reveals another side of this projector – it is clearly built for gamers. The input lag of under 20ms delivers responsive, smooth gameplay, essential for fast-paced action and racing titles. Immersive open-world games look spectacular on a screen far larger than any TV offers. Epson's dark gamma uplift brings out every shadow and detail, adding depth to dark, atmospheric game environments. Playing on such a massive projection feels like stepping into another world – an experience only a big-screen projector can deliver. Integrated Android TV The EH-TW6250 is a complete entertainment hub. With Android TV built in, streaming is effortless. Apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and YouTube are ready to go immediately, with smooth navigation and no need for extra streaming devices. Casting from a phone is smooth, thanks to Chromecast support and Google Assistant voice control makes searching for shows or launching apps even more convenient. It feels like having a smart TV on a much larger, more impressive screen. Clear, room-filling audio The built-in 10W speaker surprises with its clarity and punch. Dialogues in movies sound crisp, background scores have a strong presence and game audio fills the room effortlessly. For everyday viewing, there is no immediate need for external speakers. When paired with a bluetooth soundbar, the audio transforms into full-fledged home theatre sound. The ability to connect wirelessly means less clutter and an easy upgrade for those wanting bigger, cinematic sound. Even during long movie marathons, the projector remains remarkably quiet. The fan emits a soft 28dB hum in Eco mode, which quickly fades into the background. This silent operation keeps viewers immersed in films and games without distraction. Long-lasting and energy-efficient The EH-TW6250 is designed for long-term enjoyment. Its 200W UHE lamp lasts up to 7,500 hours in Eco mode, meaning you can watch a movie every day for 15 years without needing to replace it. Despite its powerful brightness, it remains energy-efficient, consuming just 231W in Eco mode, making extended viewing sessions practical and worry-free. Flexible big-screen entertainment One of the most enjoyable parts of using the EH-TW6250 is experimenting with screen sizes. From 40 inches for casual viewing to an impressive 500 inches for cinematic scale, the projector adapts beautifully. Movie nights with friends feel like private cinema screenings. Live sports have the atmosphere of a stadium right in the living room. Gaming on such a large screen brings new energy to familiar titles, making everything feel fresh and exciting. Complete home entertainment upgrade After days of using the Epson EH-TW6250, it is clear this projector is a complete home entertainment upgrade. Every feature works together to deliver a bright, colourful and immersive experience, whether watching films, playing games or streaming content directly through Android TV. Its portability, long lamp life, quiet operation and smart capabilities make it ideal for families, gamers and movie enthusiasts alike. This is a projector that anyone can set up and enjoy immediately, without needing technical know-how or additional devices. The perfect upgrade In this hands-on review, the Epson Home Theatre EH-TW6250 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Smart Gaming Projector proved to be an exceptional choice for transforming everyday spaces into cinematic experiences. It combines stunning 4K-enhanced visuals, rich colour accuracy, fast and responsive gaming performance and smooth smart streaming in a compact and versatile design. With its ability to project massive screens, provide clear audio and deliver years of reliable performance, the EH-TW6250 redefines what home entertainment can be. For anyone looking to upgrade their movie nights, gaming sessions or streaming experience, this projector is a brilliant investment that brings the magic of the big screen right into your home.
Malaysian Reserve
11-08-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
Newsday Announces Groundbreaking Change to its Mobile App
Newsday's App Is Now a Vertical Video First Application MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Newsday Media Group, an innovative leader in digital media, today unveiled a groundbreaking change to it mobile application – the Newsday app will now primarily feature vertical video. Newsday is the first local media organization to feature predominantly vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) video content on its app, making it optimized for immersive, mobile-native storytelling. Unlike traditional, horizontal-oriented platforms, Newsday's app will now provide a better viewing experience that embraces the way Newsday's mobile-first audiences hold their phones. Studies have shown that those who view videos on mobile rarely rotate their devices, and vertical content consistently outperforms horizontal in engagement and completion rates. Inspired by TikTok, Instagram Reels and other social formats, the app features intuitive swipe-up or swipe-down controls. 'The viewing habits of many Newsday readers have evolved and by embracing a vertical format in our Newsday app, we are meeting users where they are and providing the experience they now require,' said Newsday's Publisher Debby Krenek. Newsday's launch of vertical video marks a pivotal moment in Newsday's mobile video strategy. In 2023, Newsday Media Group launched NewsdayTV which gave audiences a new video streaming service providing exclusive access to the best of Newsday on television screens. The Newsday app will now feature more of Newsday's popular social media video cuts made from and NewsdayTV content. The single 9:16 videos will work seamlessly across TikTok, Reels, Shorts and other vertical first platforms. The Newsday app is available now on iOS and Android. For more information, contact Newsday Communications Manager Tara Rogers, 631-843-2755, About Newsday Media Group Newsday Media Group (NMG) is one of the nation's most dynamic media organizations, serving Long Island through its portfolio of mobile, digital, video, audio, print products and live events. With 19 Pulitzer Prizes and other esteemed awards for outstanding journalism, Newsday has evolved from a traditional newspaper into an innovative multimedia content generating machine. With strong local journalism and deep dive investigations which are important to all Long Islanders, Newsday continues its long tradition as the eyes and ears of Long Island. Newsday Live events provide experiences and conversations relevant to life on Long Island. Learn more at
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- New Straits Times
US court orders Google to open Android to rival app stores
SAN FRANCISCO: A US federal court ruled Thursday that Google must open its Android operating system to rival app stores, after the internet giant lost an appeal in an antitrust case filed by Fortnite maker Epic Games. The ruling clears the way for the Epic Games shop to operate within the Google Play Store despite the latter's requirement that apps use Google's payment system, which collects commissions on transactions. US Ninth Circuit Court Judge Margaret McKeown said in an opinion that a panel of justices decided to uphold the original verdict because the initial ruling's parameters were "supported by the record and the nature of the market." Epic chief executive Tim Sweeney fired off a post on X declaring: "Total victory in the Epic v Google appeal!" Google will continue its appeal of the December 2023 verdict, with the next venue being the US Supreme Court, according to the company's global head of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland. "This decision will significantly harm user safety, limit choice, and undermine the innovation that has always been central to the Android ecosystem," Mulholland said in response to an AFP inquiry. "Our top priority remains protecting our users, developers and partners, and maintaining a secure platform as we continue our appeal." Internet rights advocacy group Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) argued in a brief filed in the case that "competition rather than monopoly will make users more safe." "Google and other tech giants offer 'feudal security' in which users must depend on the whims of a monopolist to guarantee their safety," the EFF said in an online post. The EFF argued that the initial judge's order promises to level the playing field in the Android operating system for rival app stores, including some with better vetting and curation policies. The judge's order resulted from Google's defeat in an antitrust case brought by Epic, where a California jury decided that Google wields illegal monopoly power through its Android Play Store. A similar legal battle has played out between Epic and Apple regarding its App Store. Shortly after Fortnite's launch on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Epic embedded secret code into the game's software so that players could bypass the tech giants' payment-processing systems, thereby avoiding commissions of up to 30 per cent, the court noted. Epic dubbed the circumvention scheme "Project Liberty" as part of a protest against tight control of the main shops for smartphone digital content. Fortnite returned to Apple's App Store in the United States in May after being sidelined for years due to a legal battle with the iPhone maker. North Carolina-based Epic has faced off against Apple in US courts since 2021, when Fortnite was banned from the App Store over what Apple said was an attempt to get around the iPhone maker's payment system. Apple is appealing aspects of the outcome of that case despite a judge ruling the App Store is not a monopoly.--AFP
