⚡️ Photoshop meets AI: groundbreaking development for photo editing
PLUS: How composer Howard Shore puts his dreams to work
Clayton Hester
May 24, 2023
Community | Podcasts | Conceit Media | Store
The Precap
In a season of uncertainty and disappointing attendance for orchestras across the country, the Cleveland Orchestra found a glimmer of hope.
Universal Music Group and AI sound wellness company Endel have joined forces to create functional soundscapes for daily activities like sleep, relaxation, and focus.
In a recent filing to the Federal Communications Commission, AT&T, the renowned telecommunications provider, expressed its apprehensions about the partnership between SpaceX and network operator T-Mobile.
Renowned composer Howard Shore, known for his iconic scores in films like "Silence of the Lambs" and "Lord of the Rings," reveals his creative process rooted in dreams.
Adobe has integrated its generative AI tool, Adobe Firefly, into its flagship image editor, Photoshop
In Short
US Catholic: The literary genius of Bob Dylan
Trends & Changes
In a season of uncertainty and disappointing attendance for orchestras across the country, the Cleveland Orchestra found a glimmer of hope. After a period of low turnout, the orchestra experienced a remarkable turnaround with their recent performances of Puccini's opera "La Fanciulla del West." What seemed like a bleak future transformed into a season ending on a high note. The shift in fortunes was attributed to a decrease in pandemic-related concerns and a resurgence of interest, particularly among older audiences. This positive trend extended beyond Cleveland, with orchestras in various cities witnessing a similar uptick in attendance during the holiday season. While orchestras still have a ways to go to fully recover, the revitalization serves as a testament to the enduring power of music and the resilience of the arts community. The story of the Cleveland Orchestra's triumph in the face of adversity offers valuable lessons for individuals in their own lives. It reminds us that setbacks and challenges can be followed by moments of unexpected success and growth. When faced with disappointments, it's crucial to stay resilient, adapt to changing circumstances, and keep pursuing our passions. Just as the orchestra adjusted their programming and embraced new initiatives, we can explore innovative approaches to overcome obstacles and discover fresh opportunities. By remaining steadfast in our pursuits and embracing the support of our communities, we can find ways to thrive even in the most challenging times.
Universal Music Group and AI sound wellness company Endel have joined forces to create functional soundscapes for daily activities like sleep, relaxation, and focus. This collaboration aims to harness the power of AI to optimize routines such as reading, running, and sleeping. The partnership comes shortly after Universal urged streaming platforms to combat copyright infringement related to AI-generated music. The press release emphasizes that the companies will prioritize artists' rights and involvement in the creative process. In the past, Endel has worked with renowned artists like James Blake and Grimes to bring their AI-powered visions to life. By blending the science of sound with AI technology, Universal and Endel are revolutionizing the way we experience music in our everyday lives. Imagine drifting off to sleep with a custom soundscape specifically designed to enhance relaxation, or finding focus during a challenging task with an immersive musical backdrop. This partnership not only embraces the potential of AI but also ensures that artists remain at the heart of the creative process. The story raises the question: How can you integrate the power of personalized soundscapes into your own routines? Consider exploring the world of AI-generated music and discovering how tailored soundtracks can optimize your daily activities. Whether it's enhancing productivity, promoting relaxation, or unlocking creativity, the intersection of AI and music has the potential to transform your life.
🛰 In a recent filing to the Federal Communications Commission, AT&T, the renowned telecommunications provider, expressed its apprehensions about the partnership between SpaceX and network operator T-Mobile. This collaboration aims to provide a satellite-to-cellphone service utilizing SpaceX's groundbreaking Starlink constellation. The FCC, having recently voted in favor of protecting SpaceX, favored them again in a dispute against competitor Dish Networks.
AT&T's concerns shed light on the fierce competition and technological advancements shaping the telecommunications industry. The rapid rise of satellite-based connectivity solutions has the potential to disrupt traditional service providers like AT&T, leading to increased rivalry and innovation.
Stories of Process
Renowned composer Howard Shore, known for his iconic scores in films like "Silence of the Lambs" and "Lord of the Rings," reveals his creative process rooted in dreams. Shore immerses himself in the source material and lets his imagination roam freely, connecting with the world of the film through improvisation. His music is born from the act of dreaming the story. At the Cannes Film Festival, where efforts are being made to recognize the vital role of composers, Shore emphasizes the significance of music in generating emotions and conveying the essence of a narrative. Collaborating closely with directors like Peter Jackson, Martin Scorsese, and David Cronenberg, Shore values the partnership between composers and filmmakers in nurturing the audience's engagement with storytelling. He highlights the importance of instinct and experimentation, having explored various musical approaches throughout his extensive career. Shore's journey from a jazz musician to a film composer was driven by the allure of technological exploration and the manipulation of sound. The article invites readers to reflect on the power of dreams, collaboration, and artistic experimentation in their own lives. How can you apply the magic of dreaming and improvisation to enhance your creative pursuits and deepen your connection with storytelling?
Sparky is our newsboy - delivering the Spark to our readers far and wide. Do Sparky a solid and forward the Spark to a friend!
Check It Out
EmailNITV and 10 are set to captivate audiences with a groundbreaking documentary series, The First Inventors. Narrated by Rob Collins, a Logie award-winning actor and proud Tiwi Islander, the four-part series delves into the remarkable history and enduring culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Led by a team of First Nations investigators, the show uncovers over 65,000 years of invention and innovation, revealing astonishing feats like the transformation of landscapes, the recording of prehistoric events, long-distance communication systems, and unique social structures. Not only does The First Inventors explore the past, but it also poses the question of whether ancient Indigenous knowledge holds the key to solving humanity's most pressing modern challenges. This awe-inspiring journey of knowledge, resilience, and adventure promises to inspire viewers to embrace the wisdom of the world's longest-surviving culture.
Breakthroughs Today
In the quest for eternal life, researchers have stumbled upon an unexpected finding: oxygen restriction. A recent study published in PLoS Biology reveals that breathing less oxygen may actually extend our lifespan, as demonstrated in mice. Scientists in Boston discovered that when mice engineered to age faster were placed in a low-oxygen environment, they lived several weeks longer than their counterparts. This is the first time that "oxygen restriction" has been shown to benefit mammalian aging. Hypoxia, or reduced oxygen levels, has previously been found to delay aging in various cells and organisms, including humans. In the study, the mice exposed to hypoxia lived 50 percent longer and avoided age-related neurological issues. While it's too early to determine if this will work in humans, scientists are eager to understand the mechanisms behind hypoxia's longevity effects and whether it complements or competes with dietary restriction, a proven method for increasing lifespan.
Partner
www.enkindle.shop
Discoveries Daily
Enter the Creativity Census 2023: a survey that delves into Australia's media and marketing industries, focusing on the power of creative thinking. This 23-question survey invites professionals from various sectors, including agencies, media publishers, and consumer brand marketers, to participate. The founder of the Creativity Census, Wade Kingsley, aims to gauge levels of creative collaboration and innovation within companies, enabling them to benchmark their progress year after year and compare themselves to industry standards. Joining forces with the census is QMS Media, whose CMO Tennille Burt recognizes the transformative impact of digital out-of-home advertising on creative dynamism and innovation. As we push the boundaries of what is possible, the rise of this medium has opened up new avenues for marketers and agencies to explore.
Does the US need its own Creativity Census?
Innovation History
Discover the captivating world of medieval music in a groundbreaking book that puts people at its heart. In "Medieval Polyphony and Song," the authors delve into the lives of the individuals who cultivated, performed, and cherished music during this era. While the names of many medieval musicians have vanished, the authors explore the social groups, institutions, and regions connected to music-making, uncovering fascinating stories along the way. By adopting a human-centered approach, they reveal how music seamlessly integrated into the lives of diverse individuals, from religious settings to courtly and urban spaces. The book encompasses a wide range of musical traditions, transcending boundaries of language and genre. Through careful examination of historical contexts and geographical areas, readers gain insight into the connections between different forms of music-making, breaking away from the limitations of a genre-based narrative. As the authors shine a light on the rich tapestry of medieval polyphony and song, they challenge conventional notions and invite us to appreciate the nuances and complexities of this vibrant musical period.
Legacies
Martin Amis, the acclaimed British writer known for his dark and incisive examinations of modern society, passed away at the age of 73. Amis gained recognition for his biting cultural criticism and his ability to expose the destructive tendencies and absurdities of contemporary life. His "London trilogy," consisting of "Money: A Suicide Note," "London Fields," and "The Information," depicted a world of greed, compromised morals, and societal apathy. Amis's style was dynamic and ever-changing, shifting seamlessly between satire, comedy, and intellectual discourse. Through his work, he explored human flaws and foreshadowed the chaos and pursuit of instant fame in the digital age. While some critics felt his novels fell short of making significant statements, Amis remained unapologetically bold in his approach. His final novel, "Inside Story," published in 2020, intertwined elements of autobiography with recollections of notable writers and friends. Amis's life and work were deeply influenced by his experiences in both Britain and the United States, where he found rich material for his writing. His legacy is a powerful reminder of how the written word can be used to examine the complexities of existence.
New Tools
Adobe has integrated its generative AI tool, Adobe Firefly, into its flagship image editor, Photoshop. This groundbreaking addition allows users to effortlessly add, transform, or remove elements in images using simple text prompts. With features like Generative Fill, Photoshop users can select a portion of an image and fill it with new imagery generated based on a text prompt. The tool seamlessly matches the perspective, lighting, and style of the original image, even adding shadows or reflections where needed. This revolutionary technology not only saves time but also enables users to experiment with wild ideas and instantly test off-the-wall concepts. Adobe's commitment to AI innovation ensures that Firefly produces high-quality professional content that is commercially viable, enhancing creative workflows. By leveraging Adobe Firefly generative AI in Photoshop, users can revolutionize their image editing process. With Firefly Generative Fill, tedious tasks such as adding shadows and reflections become effortless. Additionally, searching for specific images to include in compositions becomes less time-consuming, thanks to this tool. Moreover, the ease of experimentation encourages users to explore and test unconventional ideas quickly. Adobe emphasizes the safety and commercial viability of Firefly, assuring users that it's trained on Adobe Stock images and adheres to Content Credentials 'nutrition labels' for transparency. Although Firefly Generative Fill will become a standard feature in Photoshop later this year, users can access it now by utilizing Photoshop's beta version. Whether you're a professional photographer, graphic designer, or simply an enthusiast, integrating Adobe Firefly into your Photoshop workflow can unlock new creative possibilities.
How can you apply the power of generative AI tools like Adobe Firefly in your own creative endeavors?
