Author: News & Media Releases
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Latest YouTube updates From your phone to the TV
YouTube has rolled out numerous new features to enhance the viewing and creating experience. These include improved audio control, easier speed adjustments, enhanced search capabilities, merged library and account pages, and cleaner, more engaging designs. These updates aim to offer users a more immersive and intuitive YouTube experience, reflective of user and creator feedback.
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Can brands in APAC better embrace ESG to foster brand loyalty?
To engage a wider audience, brands should focus on purpose-driven communication and storytelling. Consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, and integrating ESG at every touchpoint can foster lasting brand loyalty. However, businesses must avoid greenwashing and prioritize authenticity in their ESG efforts.
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Disney and TikTok First-of-Its-Kind Content Hub Partnership for 100 Years
Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special interactive experience on TikTok, featuring videos, trivia, and “Character Cards.” The collaboration aims to engage fans with Disney’s diverse content, including films, TV shows, characters, and franchises. The partnership also includes curated playlists and opportunities for advertisers to reach audiences.
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Singapore cancels Drake after a new diss track
Drake’s recently released album faced backlash in Singapore due to a controversial lyric insulting the country. The song triggered a 34.5% negative sentiment increase among Singaporean netizens, leading to ongoing criticism. The offensive line sparked shock and heated discussions online with many highlighting the inaccuracy of the portrayal of Singapore’s economic status.
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‘Loki’ Executive Producer Kevin Wright on Crafting a Twisty Second Season for the Marvel Series
“Loki”, Marvel’s beloved anti-hero, returns to Disney+ in season two. The show offers deeper character conflict and drama, building on the success of the first season. Tom Hiddleston’s active role as a producer alongside a thriving cast promises an exciting continuation. The series’ emphasis on nostalgia and visual grounding enriches the viewer’s experience.
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TikTok Shop Malaysia increases support for local brands
TikTok Shop Malaysia announced plans to introduce marketing support tools for merchants, including increased subsidies and 0% commission on purchases made through the “Shop” tab. The platform aims to boost LIVE sessions for shoppertainment and strengthen connections with audiences – seeking to drive eCommerce growth and support small businesses.
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Ruder Finn acquires Malaysian digital marketing agency Pandan Social
Ruder Finn acquired Pandan Social, a Malaysian digital marketing agency. The move aims to strengthen Ruder Finn’s digital marketing leadership. Pandan Social’s expertise and services will be integrated into Ruder Finn’s digital arm. This acquisition expands Ruder Finn’s presence in Asia to 26 offices and aligns with their new diversity, equity, and inclusion practice.
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LinkedIn Introduces New AI-Powered Products for Businesses to Connect and Grow
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the professional landscape, with a significant increase in job posts mentioning AI or Generative AI (GAI) in the last two years. AI enables automation of mundane tasks, freeing up time for strategic work. LinkedIn introduced new AI-powered tools for recruiting, marketing, and sales, aiming to enhance productivity and personalized learning…
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Korean Content With Global Appeal for Paramount Pictures
Paramount’s investment in Korean content expands its global audience, production capabilities, and cultural impact. A recent string of Paramount+ streaming hits from Korea show how Paramount’s international content development and streaming expansion strategy is working.
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‘The Creator’ Director Gareth Edwards’ Unique Take on the Future
20th Century Studios’ The Creator, now in theaters, is an epic sci-fi action thriller set amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence (AI). Directed, produced, and co-written (with Chris Weitz) by acclaimed filmmaker Gareth Edwards, the story is eerily prescient in that it grapples with questions about what…
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BBC Studios unveils MIPCOM 2023 slate
Standout slate packed with distinct, high-quality programming includes: Mammals, The Famous Five, Truelove, Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution and The Unique Boutique, whilst bespoke events include fireside chat with Rebecca Glashow and Ralph Lee and live play-along game of format The 1% Club.
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Netflix Reveals Teaser & Date for ‘Cocomelon Lane’ and Unveils First Look on Various Kids Programming
Netflix is expanding its preschool content with new shows like CoComelon Lane, Hot Wheels Let’s Race, Dee & Friends in Oz, and Mighty Monsterwheelies. CoComelon Lane introduces new storylines and songs covering important developmental milestones, while Gabby’s Dollhouse receives an increased episode order. Exciting new preschool series are also set to premiere in 2023/2024.
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‘The Golden Bachelor’ Marketing Campaign Sets a Gold Standard
The Golden Bachelor, featuring 72-year-old Gerry Turner’s search for love, is a unique addition to the Bachelor franchise. The marketing campaign aims for heartfelt, relatable storytelling and inclusive audience engagement. Gerry’s announcement garnered impressive social media reach, and the show promises to captivate Bachelor Nation with its special, heartwarming journey.
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Why We Love K-Romance, by Netflix
Korean dramas, or K-dramas, enchant audiences globally with their blend of romance, drama, and fantasy, drawing in a growing fanbase. K-Romance showcases unlikely couples, time-transcending love, and genre fusion, offering something for every romantic soul. With numerous love stories available on Netflix, it’s a world waiting to be explored.
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‘Barbie’ Album Producers on “I’m Just Ken” Success and How Greta Gerwig Landed Nicki Minaj
By Hollywood Reporter. Mark Ronson joined his fellow ‘Barbie’ album collaborators to talk about the hit tracks from Minaj, Ryan Gosling and Billie Eilish. Ryan Gosling, inspired by the song, ended up singing and Nicki Minaj’s involvement in “Barbie World” was secured thanks to Gerwig’s direct intervention. Billie Eilish also contributed to the album.
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Walt Disney Animation Studios Unveils ‘Wish’ Trailer
Walt Disney Animation Studios released the trailer and poster for the musical comedy Wish, unveiling new voice cast members. The film, directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, follows Asha and Star as they confront King Magnifico to save their community. Wish features original songs by Julia Michaels and a score by Dave Metzger.
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CNN Max Launches In An Open Beta In The U.S. Offering 24/7 Live News Streaming
Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform, Max, introduces CNN Max, a 24/7 news offering available to all Max subscribers. The service, part of an open beta, aims to enhance the viewing experience with global breaking news, analysis, and original storytelling. This includes bespoke programming and familiar CNN anchors, with Jim Sciutto leading the afternoon news coverage.
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Meet Meta Quest 3, Mixed Reality Headset Starting at $499.99
Meta Quest 3, the first mass-market mixed reality headset, is available for pre-order, starting at $499.99 for the 128GB version and $649.99 for the 512GB option. Featuring breakthrough mixed reality capabilities, it offers enhanced graphics, improved display and optics, slimmer profile, customizable fit, and immersive spatial audio. Pre-order now for the next generation of mixed…
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Meta Partners with Ray-Ban for Smart Glasses
Meta has unveiled its next-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. These glasses offer improved audio and camera capabilities, stylish design options, and integration with Meta AI for hands-free interaction. Pre-orders are now open, with availability starting from October 17 in multiple countries. The glasses boast enhanced functionality for capturing and sharing moments,…
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Disney’s Frozen reaches 10 years
Some films are worth melting for and, on November 27, 2013, the world was introduced to the Academy Award®-winning film Frozen from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The global sensation has warmed the hearts of all ages, and both Frozen and its 2019 sequel, Frozen 2, are among the biggest animated films of all time. The…
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India is leading the world with WhatsApp
Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged India as a leader in embracing messaging for productivity, highlighting the limitless potential of the Indian market for business interactions. New tools like WhatsApp Payment-to-Merchant were also introduced, signifying a strategic focus on business growth within the messaging platform.
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New labels on TikTok for disclosing AI-generated content
TikTok is launching a tool for creators to label AI-generated content, aiming to empower and inform viewers about content that has been significantly altered by AI. They will also test automated AI-generated content labels and partner with experts to ensure effective labeling policies. The goal is to keep the community informed as AI-powered content evolves.
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Made On YouTube: event and product recap
YouTube recently showcased new tools for creator innovation at the Made On YouTube event. The event introduced features like Dream Screen, YouTube Create app, AI Insights, Aloud, and Assistive Search in Creator Music. The event also featured appearances by popular creators at Pier 57 in New York City. (Word count: 50)
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DC’s Doom Patrol Series Return with New Trailer
The Max Original series DOOM PATROL’s fourth and final season resumes with two new episodes on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, followed by weekly releases in November. In the gripping mid-season, the team confronts old friends and foes in a race to defeat Immortus and reclaim their longevities, struggling between saving the world and themselves. Starring Brendan…
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Meta: You Can Now Have Multiple Personal Profiles on Facebook
Facebook is introducing the option to create multiple personal profiles, allowing users to separate their personal and professional lives or connect with different communities. Each profile can have a unique feed and shared interests. However, certain features like Dating and Marketplace will not be available for additional profiles at launch. Users must comply with authenticity…
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Netflix Outback Drama Commences Production in the Northern Territory and South Australia
The production of the new series Desert King has commenced in the traditional lands of the Larrakia and Kaurna people, as well as other locations in the Northern Territory and South Australia. The series depicts the struggles within the Lawson family and their vast cattle station. Backed by government incentives, the show is set to…
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BBC Studios and Disney+ Hotstar announce brand-new Hindi drama-thriller series School of Lies
Disney+ Hotstar’s upcoming mystery drama “School of Lies” is set to stream on 2 June 2023. Directed by Avinash Arun and co-created by him and Ishani Banerjee, the show revolves around the disappearance of a 12-year-old boy at a boarding school, RISE. The intense trailer features Nimrat Kaur and unveils the hidden complexities of school…
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How Disney takes the Agatha Christie Franchise in a Daring New Direction
Today, 20th Century Studios releases A Haunting in Venice, an unsettling supernatural thriller based upon Agatha Christie’s novel Hallowe’en Party. It’s the third film in the $490 million film franchise that began with Murder on the Orient Express (2017) and continued with Death on the Nile (2022). Kenneth Branagh returns as director, producer, and star…
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Hulu Launches ‘Top 15 Today’ List for Most Popular Films and TV Shows
Hulu introduces “Top 15 Today,” a daily-updated list of trending TV series and movies based on viewership and new content launches. The list, available on the homepage, includes the entire on-demand catalog. It considers total views, but not exclusively, and is not visible on Kids’ profiles. Highest-ranking episodes ensure series are featured once.
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TikTok Australia Partnership with Canva
TikTok launches “Business Booms” phase two in collaboration with Canva, highlighting the success of larger businesses on the platform. Canva’s experience demonstrates TikTok’s potential for connection, engagement, and success. Jen Howard of Canva emphasizes the platform’s role in their marketing strategy, promoting experimentation, authenticity, and fun. Brett Armstrong of TikTok AUNZ reaffirms the platform’s commitment…
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Mark Zuckerberg’s Remarks at AI Forum
Opening remarks by Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg at AI Insight Forum, hosted by Senators Schumer, Rounds, Heinrich, and Young on September 13, 2023. As prepared for delivery Thanks, Senator Schumer, for pulling this group together. A lot of the progress in AI recently is being driven by the organizations in this room. It’s…
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Meta: WhatsApp Channels Are Going Global
WhatsApp has unveiled Channels in over 150 countries, offering a private way to receive updates from various organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders. It emphasizes privacy, with separate channels from chats and protection of personal information. New features include an enhanced directory, reactions, editing options, and forwarding capabilities. Expansion and user feedback will guide…
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Happy Star Trek Day: The ‘Star Trek’ Universe Impact
Star Trek, a groundbreaking franchise, has thrived for 57 years, marked annually on September 8th. With over 850 episodes, 13 films, and various series, it continues to captivate audiences. The devoted fanbase, renowned for its innovation, hosts events, influences pop culture, and transcends generations, ensuring the franchise’s enduring legacy.
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TikTok and TBWA Unveil New Joint Whitepaper Encouraging Businesses to Embrace Creativity and Innovation
TikTok and TBWA released the “Storytelling in the Next Creative Renaissance” whitepaper, emphasizing the role of creativity in marketing. It discusses leveraging cultural trends for brand success on TikTok, encouraging brands to embrace new technologies and engage with subcultures authentically. The whitepaper advocates for tech-enabled tools to upgrade creativity and foster meaningful connections.
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Indonesia to issue regulation on use of social media for e-commerce
Indonesia’s President has announced a potential regulation control for e-commerce on social media. Officials have expressed concerns about predatory pricing and its impact on traditional markets, singling out TikTok as an example. The proposed regulation is being developed by the Ministry of Trade and would not require parliamentary approval. This move has sparked debate among…
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How ‘Ahsoka’ is marketing to a whole new galaxy of Star Wars fans
The new Star Wars series, Ahsoka, debuted with extensive fan excitement. The character Ahsoka Tano, a beloved Jedi, is central to the series, creating marketing challenges. However, the series aims to attract new fans, particularly a younger audience, while maintaining the loyalty of existing ones. The goal is to expand the multi-generational appeal of the…
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Disney World Celebrates World Princess Week
Walt Disney World hosted the Once Upon A Wish Party, fulfilling the dreams of over 50 wish kids. Mikayla, the 150,000th wish recipient, performed at the event. Disney’s Chairman emphasized the importance of wish-granting, while Make-A-Wish’s CEO praised Disney’s contribution. The enduring partnership between Disney and Make-A-Wish has brought joy to countless families.
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New WhatsApp App for Mac, Now With Group Calling
WhatsApp has launched a new app for Mac users, allowing group calls with up to 32 people on audio and 8 on video. The redesigned app offers a familiar Mac interface, easy file sharing, and call history access. It maintains end-to-end encryption for privacy. The app is now available for download on WhatsApp.com.
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Meta Removes 7,500 Facebook Accounts Linked To Chinese Campaigns
This is the seventh Chinese campaign removed by Meta in the past six years. The social networking platform has removed thousands of Facebook and Instagram accounts tied to a Chinese influence campaign spreading positive narratives about Chinese law enforcement and Covid-19 disinformation. Dubbed “Spamouflage,” dated back to 2019 and also operated on platforms like TikTok…
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Snapchat’s update on the Australian community: 8 million and growing!
Snapchat is a popular platform globally, with 750 million users connecting, expressing themselves, and learning. In Australia, over 8 million monthly users engage with Snapchat, with 80% aged 13-24 and 45% over 25. These users access the app 40 times daily, with 60% using AR Lenses. The platform fosters genuine connections.
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Max Renews Original Series “And Just Like That” For A Third Season
Max has renewed AND JUST LIKE THAT… for a third season. Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content at Max, shared that the show is the #1 Max Original and the most-watched returning Max Original. Michael Patrick King, executive producer, expressed excitement about telling new stories in the ‘Sex And The City’ universe. The second season…
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Proudly Aussie: Netflix Celebrates Diversity and Authenticity in Upcoming Films and Series from Down Under
Netflix’s upcoming films and shows from Australia celebrate our culture and showcase the diverse people and landscapes from all corners of the country and across all genres. Today, we’re sharing some of the new Australian films and shows that will be released on Netflix or commence production this year, with plenty more to come yet!
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YouTube Announces AI Music Principles and Launches YouTube Music AI Incubator
YouTube has released its first AI music principles and launched the YouTube Music AI Incubator, partnering with Universal Music Group artists, songwriters, and producers. The principles focus on responsible collaboration, protecting artists, and leveraging AI for creative expression while ensuring safety. The initiative aims to empower artists and ensure fair compensation in the evolving landscape…
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The Weeknd Halloween Collaboration with Universal Studios SG
The Weeknd collaborates with Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights for a haunted house featuring his albums ‘After Hours’ and ‘Dawn FM’. The experience will include remixes of his tracks and showcase his blend of music and horror. The event will run from September 29 to November 4, offering a unique blend of Asian and…
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New Ways to Create With Music and Collaborate With Friends on Instagram
Instagram introduces new features – music in photo carousels, up to three friends can co-author posts and reels, and followers can join in prompts and challenges. Creators can select favorite submissions to celebrate fans’ creativity. More music coming to Instagram, including a partnership with Spotify in Mexico and Brazil. Exciting ways to share and interact…
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The Unlimited Possibilities of Japan’s Unscripted Content
Netflix in Japan is committed to understanding local audience tastes and developing compelling unscripted shows. They aim to elevate the unscripted category with high production values and storytelling from Japan’s most innovative creative voices. Initiatives include fresh takes on romance reality and unscripted comedy, with several new titles set to debut.
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Vice Ganda becomes first Filipino Celebrity to have 15M Followers on X
MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya host Vice Ganda made history as the first Filipino who has 15 million followers on Twitter or X. In a recent episode of “It’s Showtime,” Vice said that despite the recent icing controversy with boyfriend Ion Perez, he gained more followers. “Tingnan mo nga naman o mas dumami pa ang followers…
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BBC Studios partners with Pinterest
Two emerging creators, Emma Downer and Seun Ogunsola, collaborated with BBC Studios and Pinterest to produce original video content. Funded by Pinterest, the creators made shortform series and received training and development from BBC Studios TalentWorks. The content, focusing on DIY and fashion, aims to inspire and educate viewers on accessible projects.
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Thailand threatening to shut down Facebook, alleging it doesn’t screen ads well enough
Thai minister threatens to shut down Facebook due to inadequate ad screening, leaving users vulnerable to scams. Over 5,000 fraudulent ads blocked; problem persists. Ads and fake profiles lure users into financial scams. Meta asked for email queries, did not comment. Court ruling timeline unclear. Facebook popular in Thailand with over 50 million users.
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Aussie company has been slammed by job seekers after posting an ad looking for a “non-woke”
An Australian company stirred controversy by seeking a “non-woke” MSP technician and emphasizing no pronoun requirements or mandatory vaccinations. The ad drew both criticism and support, with some finding it unprofessional and exclusionary, while others praised the transparency. This isn’t the first instance of job listing backlash in Australia, highlighting ongoing debates around inclusivity.
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Meta Introducing AudioCraft: A Generative AI Tool For Audio and Music
AudioCraft is Meta’s latest AI tool that generates high-quality audio and music from text. It consists of three models: MusicGen, AudioGen, and EnCodec, which allow users to generate music, audio, and sound effects from text prompts. Meta has open-sourced these models, aiming to advance the field of AI-generated audio and music and foster innovation.
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YouTube: 6 ways to level up your Shorts with our newest creation tools
YouTube has expanded Shorts, with over 2B monthly viewers, adding new features like Collab for side-by-side videos, new effects and stickers, live streaming in vertical format, creation suggestions, saving Shorts to playlists, and tools to transform horizontal videos to Shorts. These improvements aim to enhance creativity and community interaction for creators.
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TikTok Surge in Southeast Asia Halts Premium Video Growth in First Half
TikTok experienced significant growth in Southeast Asia, contributing to a slowdown in premium video streaming. The SVOD market saw minimal growth, with varying performance across countries. Viu, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix gained 1.2 million customers, largely due to the popularity of Korean dramas. Local content also played a significant role in the region’s premium…
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Disney+ Shares New Trailer for Marvel Studios’ ‘Loki’ Season 2
Disney+ released a new trailer and poster for Marvel Studios’ Loki Season 2, promising new adventures for the God of Mischief with the TVA. The first season was Disney+’s most-watched Marvel series. The show stars Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino, and others, with Season 2 streaming on Disney+ from October 6.
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Bain & Company acquires enhanced machine learning and AI consultancy
Bain & Company acquires Max Kelsen Consulting to bolster AI and ML offerings. The Australian company, known for its AI and ML solutions, will unite with Bain’s Advanced Analytics Group. This collaboration aims to empower enterprises globally with high-impact AI and ML use cases. The acquisition does not include Max Kelsen’s products and research divisions.
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Usage of Instagram Reels by Brands is Up 86% Says Report
Instagram Reels outperform other content types on the platform, generating 55% more interactions than single-image posts and 29% more than standard video posts. Despite a decline in engagement, Instagram still delivers the highest rates for brands. Facebook Reels are not gaining as much traction as Instagram, and Twitter has experienced notable changes. TikTok’s user growth…
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Netflix Films Screening at 2023 Fall Film Festivals
Netflix shares the films that have been invited to screen at select film festivals around the world this fall. They include: Venice International Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, and New York Film Festival – along with slated release dates
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Bebe Rexha Hosts Her First Ever Metaverse Concert on Roblox
Bebe Rexha’s first-ever metaverse concert is set to take place on Roblox—a global immersive platform where millions of people connect and communicate daily—on Friday, July 28, 2023. The concert follows the launch of Bebe Rexha’s new album, Bebe, and the conclusion of her Best F*N Night Of My Life summer tour, inviting fans to experience…
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Indian couple sold baby to buy iPhone for Instagram
A couple in India sold their baby to fund an iPhone for posting travel content on Instagram. The mother confessed that they planned to use the money to travel and create Instagram content. Both the mother and the buyer have been arrested, but the father is still at large. Poverty in the region may have…
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You Can Now Record Video Messages on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has introduced instant video messages, revolutionizing communication with real-time, 60-second video responses. Offering a fun way to share emotions and moments, the feature allows easy recording and hands-free options. With end-to-end encryption for security, video messages will soon be accessible to all users, further enhancing chat experiences.
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Meta: Studies to Help Answer the Questions About Social Media and Democracy
Academic journals Science and Nature have published four landmark research papers on Facebook and Instagram’s impact on US 2020 election. The studies indicate little evidence that Meta’s platforms alone cause harmful polarization. Meta partnered with external academics for transparent, independent research. Findings suggest social media may not drive polarization as commonly believed. The research aims…
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Hulu Debuts ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 3 Trailer
Hulu releases Season 3 trailer for Only Murders in the Building, featuring Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, and Meryl Streep. The Emmy Award®-nominated series returns with two episodes on August 8, followed by weekly releases. The new season follows the trio investigating a murder related to a Broadway show.
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Christopher Nolan on Oppenheimer, Partnering with NBCUniversal and IMAX
Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer’s enduring legacy is showcased in Universal Pictures’ blockbuster “Oppenheimer” by Christopher Nolan. The film received critical acclaim, boasting a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Universal leveraged its extensive portfolio for the movie, highlighting its historical significance with NBC’s news division. Additionally, NBC explored Oppenheimer’s story in a companion documentary.
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Netflix Introduce New Feature being a One-Stop Shop for Series and Movies You Want to Watch
Netflix is launching “My Netflix,” a personalized space on iOS and Android, featuring shortcuts to your downloads, saved shows and movies, trailers, reminders, and more. This new section allows quick access to your preferred content, based on your interactions and interests with the app. The feature will be available on iOS immediately and on Android…
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Snap’s APAC president Ajit Mohan on building a performance business to regain ad dollars
In his first wide-ranging interview since joining Snap at the start of 2023, Ajit Mohan sits down with Campaign to discuss how the platform focuses its efforts on the bottom-funnel approach and where it wants to play in the generative AI space. Ajit Mohan, the president of Asia Pacific for Snap, the maker of Snapchat,…
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Marvel Studios Releases New Trailer for ‘The Marvels’
Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Captain Monica Rambeau join forces in the new Marvel Studios film, The Marvels, arriving in theaters on November 10. The movie explores Carol Danvers’ challenges after reclaiming her identity and the intertwining of her powers with those of Ms. Marvel and Captain Rambeau.
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Season Two Of The HBO Original “30 Coins” Debuts
Season two of HBO Original drama series 30 COINS, produced in Spain, brings eight new episodes this October. In the Spanish town of Pedraza, demonic events have driven residents to madness. As horror escalates, the group confronts a sinister new foe portrayed by Paul Giamatti, joined by new cast member Najwa Nimri.
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20th Century Studios Debuts Chilling ‘A Haunting in Venice’ Trailer
20th Century Studios’ A Haunting in Venice, directed by Kenneth Branagh and based on Agatha Christie’s novel, stars Branagh and an impressive ensemble. Set in post-WWII Venice, the thriller follows retired detective Hercule Poirot investigating a murder at a haunted palazzo. Releasing September 15, 2023.
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A New Trailer for Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’ Materializes
Walt Disney Studios released the trailer for Haunted Mansion, directed by Justin Simien, opening in theaters on July 28. The film stars LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon, and Daniel Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto. The story follows a woman and her son seeking help…
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Singapore seeks to tighting control of ads on younger teens’ social media accounts
A new code of practice in Singapore mandates social media platforms to promptly inform users of actions taken on their reports of online harms. Regulations include keeping harmful advertisements away from young users, and annually submitting online safety reports. Failure to comply may result in fines or service blockage. The code also specifies guidelines for…
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Meta and Microsoft Introduce the Next Generation of Llama
Llama 2, an open source large language model from Meta, is now available for research and commercial use. Microsoft is the preferred partner for Llama 2, broadening access to AI technologies. Meta emphasizes responsibility, transparency, and safety in AI development, and has launched initiatives to support ethical usage and community engagement.
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Jeff Probst on the Success of ‘Survivor’
Survivor’s enduring success is attributed to its compelling format and diverse, engaging participants. Host and executive producer Jeff Probst reflects on the show’s evolution and challenges, emphasizing the impact of memorable moments and the team’s dedication. The series’ originality and unexpected accomplishments, including multiple Emmy nominations.
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20th Century Studios Shares New Trailer for ‘The Creator’
20th Century Studios, New Regency, and Entertainment One released a new trailer for the sci-fi action thriller The Creator. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film stars John David Washington, Gemma Chan, and others. Set in a future war between humans and AI, the story follows Joshua, a former special forces agent on a mission to…
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Video on Facebook Keeps Getting Better
Facebook continues to heavily invest in video, offering easier editing tools for Reels and long-form videos, including seamless audio integration and HDR support. The Video tab serves as a one-stop shop for all video content, with a personalized feed and horizontal-scroll Reels sections. Explore allows users to discover popular video topics, while Instagram Reels can…
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NBCUniversal Receives 48 Emmy Award Nominations
Peacock received eight nominations, with Natasha Lyonne getting the first-ever acting nod for “Poker Face.” NBC landed 27 nominations, incl. 10 for “Saturday Night Live.” Bravo got 5 noms for “Top Chef” and its first-ever for “Vanderpump Rules,” while Universal Studio Group secured 22 nominations. In total, NBCUniversal earned 48 Emmy Award nominations.
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Sony Launches its first ever Creators Conference
Sony announced the inaugural Sony Creators Conference at SIGGRAPH 2023, featuring technical talks and panel discussions highlighting the fusion of technology and creativity. Dr. Hiroaki Kitano expressed Sony’s commitment to empowering creators and advancing entertainment technology. The conference will showcase works from various creators within Sony, from gaming to film. Kitano will keynote at SIGGRAPH…
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Meta’s First Responsible Business Practices Report
Meta released its first Responsible Business Practices Report, aiming to address societal impact and outline responsible operations. The report focuses on four pillars: transparent and sustainable operations, empowerment of employees and partners, responsible product design, and potential for positive impact. The company also emphasizes stakeholder collaboration and adherence to global reporting standards and initiatives.
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Disney+ Shares New Trailer for ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’
Disney+ released a new trailer for Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Ahsoka, announcing the series’ debut on August 23 with the first two episodes. Set after the Empire’s fall, it follows Ahsoka Tano’s (Rosario Dawson) investigation of a new threat to the galaxy. The series features a star-studded cast and is directed by a talented team including…
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Meta to launch verified subscription offering for APAC users this week
Meta is launching Meta Verified, a subscription bundle for Instagram/Facebook users in Asia Pacific, including Singapore. Subscribers get a verified badge, account protection, and support. Eligible users must meet activity requirements, be 18+, and submit matching government ID. The subscription includes proactive account impersonation monitoring and starts from $15.
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Global phenom NewJeans drop #ImSuperShy dance challenge on Shorts
NewJeans released the “Super Shy” single and music video, introducing the #ImSuperShy challenge on YouTube Shorts. Fans are invited to join the global dance challenge by creating their own unique Shorts. The band has gained 3.8 million subscribers and 1.8 billion views on YouTube since their launch. Fans can anticipate surprises and the release of…
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TikTok is the platform where content and commerce converge
TikTok’s Shoppertainment Summit in Jakarta highlighted its focus on merging content and commerce, offering seamless in-app purchasing to its 325 million Southeast Asian users. 81% of users plan to shop online during the Mega Sales season, indicating the platform’s influence. TikTok’s tools empower businesses and have driven notable success stories in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore.
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Introducing Threads: A New Way to Share With Text
Threads, a text-based app by Instagram, introduces several updates. These include fact-checking, a decentralized network integration, a trending topics feature, and new functionalities such as polls, GIFs, and keyword search. The app is expanding to Europe and offering a web version. Threads aims to be compatible with the ActivityPub protocol, fostering interconnected and innovative social…
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TikTok: New ways for creators to be rewarded with LIVE Subscription
TikTok LIVE introduces LIVE Subscription, offering exclusive benefits like Subscriber-Only Videos, LIVEs, Badges, Chats, and Custom Emotes. It helps creators increase earnings, build engaged communities, and foster personal connections. Three creators share their experiences, highlighting the perk of Subscriber-Only Chat and the impact on their lives. The feature promotes safety and abides by Community Guidelines.
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Netflix Celebrates Japanese Content Slate at Anime Expo 2023
Netflix showcased upcoming anime and live action adaptations at Anime Expo, revealing highlights like stop-motion series Pokémon Concierge, PLUTO, BEASTARS FINAL SEASON, and live action projects Zom 100: Bucket list of the Dead and ONE PIECE. The event featured talent appearances and new teaser trailers, exciting fans with insights into the diverse upcoming content.
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NBCU partners with Amazon Freevee and Xumo Play for FAST Content
NBCUniversal announced new free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) linear content offerings from across the NBCU Television & Streaming portfolio and NBCUniversal Global Distribution library. For the first time ever, viewers can access programming across all NBCUniversal genres centered on popular titles and categories available anytime at no additional cost.
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Warner Music Partners with Canva to Bring Music On The Platform
Canva has introduced a new music library for Pro and Education customers, offering access to commercially-released songs for personal use in videos, social media posts, and presentations. The library includes half a million songs from top artists and can be used to enhance Canva designs. This update adds a new dimension to Canva’s visual communication…
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How AI Influences What You See on Facebook and Instagram
Facebook and Instagram use AI to personalize user experiences and recommend content. Meta is committed to transparency, releasing system cards explaining AI systems and giving users more control over their feeds. They are also providing tools for researchers and aim to make more AI models openly available in the future.
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Three Insights from Cannes by Meta
The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, celebrating its 70th year, provided valuable insights into the marketing industry. Key takeaways include the importance of collaboration for diverse, impactful campaigns, the ongoing prominence of AI in advertising, and the rising significance of business messaging for connecting with customers at scale. Marketers remain inspired by the industry’s ambition…
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China’s Baidu claims its Ernie Bot beats ChatGPT on key tests as A.I. race heats up
Baidu’s Ernie 3.5 AI model has outperformed OpenAI’s ChatGPT and GPT 4 in Chinese language tests, according to reports. However, it lagged behind in English tests. The technology competition between U.S. and Chinese tech giants is intensifying as Baidu aims to lead the way. The Ernie Bot also features “plugins” for added functionality.
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Malaysia takes legal action against Meta for failing to remove ‘undesirable content’
Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will take legal action against Meta Platforms Inc for not removing “undesirable content” from Facebook. The regulator emphasized the need for cybersecurity accountability and protecting consumers against online harms. Additionally, MCMC is considering action against Telegram due to cybercrime cases associated with the platform.
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VidCon 2023: Official Programme
VidCon Anaheim 2023 will feature YouTube as the exclusive livestream sponsor and title sponsor. Attendees can immerse themselves in new content, engaging with top YouTube creators, and explore the YouTube Shopping’s YouTube Drop Shop. The event will cover diverse topics ranging from gaming communities to maximizing earning potential on YouTube.
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Snapchat Celebrates 100 Years of Storytelling From Disney
Snapchat and Disney are teaming up for Disney100 at the 2023 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, featuring an immersive AR exhibition. Using Snapchat’s AR technology, guests can engage with characters from Guardians of the Galaxy, Pixar’s Elemental, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Mandalorian, and Disney’s upcoming film Wish. Disney’s SVP Digital Marketing praised…
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TikTok Docuseries Celebrating the Incredible True Stories of Everyday Australians
TikTok Sparks Good is a docuseries highlighting inspiring success stories from TikTok creators and small businesses. The series features Ali Chebbani, known as Chebbo, Yasmin Brisbane, Dr. Karl, and Shelby Sherritt. These individuals have achieved remarkable success on TikTok and leveraged the platform to grow their businesses and reach a global audience.
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Instagram partly to blame for South Korea’s record-low fertility rate, says star math lecturer
In South Korea, a prominent math lecturer attributed the country’s declining birth rate to the influence of Instagram “flex posts” on societal perceptions of success and happiness. He cautioned against comparing oneself to idealized images on social media. This viewpoint resonated with many young couples, reflecting broader concerns about economic challenges and societal pressure.
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TikTok’s CEO Says It Plans to Invest Billions in Southeast Asia
TikTok plans to invest billions in Southeast Asia, targeting e-commerce growth through training, advertising, and support for small businesses. With a large user base in the region, the app aims to harness its popularity for e-commerce sales and content diversification, amid global scrutiny over data security and competition from major rivals.
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‘People’s Choice Awards’ to Air on February 18
The 2024 “People’s Choice Awards” will be live on NBC, Peacock, and E! in certain markets, marking the first time it streams live on Peacock. Fan favorites in movies, TV, music, and pop culture will be honored, with additional honorary awards and performances. The show aims to amplify the people’s voice and will also extend…
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Warner Bros Partner with Save the Children to Empower Girls From Around the World
Warner Bros and Mattel are launching a global initiative to empower girls, in partnership with Save the Children. The partnership will support various education and empowerment programs for girls. The campaign, tied to the upcoming movie “Barbie,” will provide resources and support to help girls worldwide realize their dreams. Celebrities from the movie filmed a…
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From Fan Funding to Shopping: More ways for creators to earn on YouTube
The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) has expanded to offer earlier access with lower eligibility criteria, providing creators with fan funding features and shopping affiliate program opportunities. Eligible creators with over 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours can now apply, and those at 20,000 subscribers can join the affiliate program, enhancing their earning potential.
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Disney and Pixar Unveil ‘Elio’ Teaser Trailer and Poster
Disney and Pixar unveiled a captivating teaser trailer for their 28th feature film, Elio. The movie follows Elio, an imaginative underdog, who is mistakenly thrust into the role of Earth’s ambassador to the Communiverse. Set for release on March 1, 2024, the film is directed by Adrian Molina and features a star-studded voice cast.
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Jurassic Park Turns 30!
In 1993, “Jurassic Park” revolutionized filmmaking, grossing over $1 billion. It spawned a successful franchise with blockbuster sequels and theme park attractions globally. Universal Orlando and Hollywood celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary with exclusive merchandise, themed food, and special screenings. Fans can continue the celebration with Jurassic-themed events and movie rentals.
