Google and Osaka University have collaborated on a groundbreaking study that transforms brain scans into music. By utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans of five volunteers and playing music from various genres simultaneously, researchers were able to collect data on the participants’ brain activity and feed it into an artificial intelligence (AI) platform called Brain2Music.
The output from Brain2Music was then channeled into another AI tool called MusicLM, an AI-assisted at-home music production program developed by Google, to create original music that can be streamed. The study aimed to explore the relationship between the musical stimuli experienced by individuals and their semantic properties, such as genre, instrumentation, and mood.
In other news, Nintendo has celebrated its most successful first quarter to date, thanks to the popularity of game releases like Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The company reported a record-breaking increase in operating profits of 82%, amounting to a staggering ¥185.4 billion ($1.3 billion USD).
Nintendo’s sales of its Switch console also experienced a boost, with 3.91 million units sold in the last quarter alone, compared to 3.43 million units during the same period last year. The success of these games and the increased demand for the Switch further solidify Nintendo’s position as a dominant force in the gaming industry.
Meanwhile, Meta, the parent company of social media platform Instagram, is testing a new feature that can flag content created using AI. This development comes after Meta launched its text-to-image AI program called Llama 2. If the feature rolls out, users will notice posts accompanied by a subtle label stating generated by Meta AI. The move aims to increase transparency and inform users about the use of AI in content creation.
Shifting gears to the field of science, NASA is preparing to launch its own streaming service called NASA+. Unlike other streaming platforms, NASA+ will be completely free and will provide live coverage of scientific events and original video series focused on exploration and information. The agency aims to enhance the public’s engagement with its content by offering a unified and user-friendly online experience across multiple platforms such as iOS, Android, and streaming boxes like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.
With its array of exciting developments, the tech industry continues to captivate audiences worldwide. From AI-powered music creation and gaming successes to AI content labeling and NASA’s dedicated streaming service, these advancements promise to reshape various aspects of our digital experiences. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovation that will both entertain and enrich our lives.
