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'The Witcher' Season 4 Begins Production in the UK and Netflix Announces Fifth and Final Season
Big Tech

Netflix has officially begun production of The Witcher Season 4 and shared a sneak peek of the cast together from the recent table read. The streaming giant has also confirmed that there will be a Season 5 of The Witcher, which will be the final season of the series. The upcoming seasons will adapt the remaining books by Andrzej Sapkowski, promising an epic and satisfying conclusion to the hit fantasy drama.According to showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, "It is with huge pride that we begin shooting our penultimate Season of The Witcher with a stellar cast, including...


Up to No Good: ‘No Rest for the Wicked’ Early Access Launches on GeForce NOW
Big Tech

NVIDIA has announced the early access launch of 'No Rest for the Wicked' on GeForce NOW. According to NVIDIA, the game "brings a unique blend of strategy, RPG, and survival elements to the table, offering players a challenging and engaging experience."The game developer expressed excitement about the partnership with NVIDIA, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with NVIDIA to bring No Rest for the Wicked to GeForce NOW subscribers ahead of its full release." 'No Rest for the Wicked' is set to offer players a distinctive gaming experience and is now available for early...


Seeing Beyond: Living Optics CEO Robin Wang on Democratizing Hyperspectral Imaging
Big Tech

Living Optics CEO Robin Wang recently spoke about the company's efforts to democratize hyperspectral imaging technology. During a press conference, Wang stated, "Our goal is to make hyperspectral imaging accessible to a wider audience, not just researchers and scientists."Wang highlighted the potential applications of hyperspectral imaging in various industries, saying, "From agriculture to healthcare to environmental monitoring, the possibilities are endless. We want to empower businesses and individuals to leverage this technology for their specific needs."The CEO...


CCIA Europe Statement on EU Single Market Report
Big Tech

Brussels, BELGIUM – Today, former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta presented his Report on the Future of the Single Market, as requested by the European Council in June 2023. The report aims to provide concrete and ambitious recommendations to the EU Member States and the European Commission, as a new five-year legislature is due to begin after this year’s European elections.In response to the report, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) has expressed its support for efforts to strengthen the EU Single Market. CCIA Europe, a longstanding...


Netflix Presents a First Look at Scenes From 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'
Big Tech

Netflix has released a sneak peek at the highly anticipated series "One Hundred Years of Solitude," based on the masterpiece novel by Gabriel García Márquez. The teaser includes a poignant quote from the novel: “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice,” spoken by García Márquez himself.Directed by Laura Mora and Alex García López, the series promises to be one of the most ambitious productions in Latin America to date, featuring a talented cast and crew from...


Moving Pictures: Transform Images Into 3D Scenes With NVIDIA Instant NeRF
Big Tech

NVIDIA has unveiled a revolutionary technology called Instant NeRF, which enables users to convert 2D images into stunning 3D scenes with unparalleled detail and realism. According to a spokesperson from NVIDIA, Instant NeRF is a groundbreaking advancement in the field of imaging technology.The technology utilizes cutting-edge algorithms to analyze 2D images and extrapolate them into immersive 3D environments. By leveraging the power of NVIDIA's hardware and software capabilities, Instant NeRF is able to generate highly detailed 3D scenes that accurately represent the...


CCIA Responds to Ways & Means Committee Markup that Passes Trade Bills
Big Tech

Washington – The House Ways & Means Committee marked up and passed several trade-related bills today, including legislation on the reauthorization and reform of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program and a bill that would eliminate de minimis benefits for a broad set of imports.Specifically, the committee passed H.R. 7986—“Generalized System Preferences Reform Act”—which would reauthorize the GSP program that offers developing countries the ability to export to the United States without duties on thousands of products that they would otherwise have been...


CCIA Europe Responds to EDPB Opinion on ‘Pay or Consent’ for Large Online Platforms
Big Tech

Brussels, BELGIUM — The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA Europe) has expressed concerns regarding the European Data Protection Board (EDPB)’s Opinion 08/2024 on valid consent in the context of ‘pay or consent’ models used by large online platforms.In a statement attributed to CCIA Europe’s Senior Policy Manager, Claudia Canelles Quaroni, the organization criticized the EDPB's approach, stating, “With an approach targeted predominantly at large online platforms, the EDPB risks opening a Pandora’s box. A two-speed data protection regime would set a...


New NVIDIA RTX A400 and A1000 GPUs Boost AI-Powered Design and Productivity
Big Tech

NVIDIA has unveiled its latest offerings in the realm of professional graphics, catering to the increasing demand for advanced computing performance across design and productivity applications. The new NVIDIA RTX A400 and A1000 GPUs, based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, are set to revolutionize workflows for professionals and creatives alike.The RTX A400 GPU introduces accelerated ray tracing and AI capabilities to the RTX 400 series, empowering users with cutting-edge tools for enhanced productivity. With 24 Tensor Cores for AI processing, the A400 enables...


CCIA Testifies in Opposition to California Tech Bill
Big Tech

Sacramento, Calif. – The Computer & Communications Industry Association has submitted written comments in opposition to California’s SB 1154 and will testify at today’s hearing before the state Senate Judiciary Committee.SB 1154 would harm numerous businesses and industries statewide by prohibiting the use of pricing algorithms to set or recommend a price or commercial term that incorporates nonpublic competitor data. These algorithms are crucial for businesses to efficiently adjust prices in line with supply and demand fluctuations, bypassing traditional pricing methods....


CDT VP of Policy Samir Jain Testifies Before U.S. House Committee on Data Privacy and Online Protection
Big Tech

The Center for Democracy & Technology's Vice President of Policy, Samir Jain, delivered testimony before the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee on the topic of "Legislative Solutions to Protect Kids Online and Ensure Americans’ Data Privacy Rights" on April 17, 2024. Jain emphasized the importance of safeguarding data privacy and children online while urging Congress to enact a comprehensive federal privacy law.Jain expressed gratitude to the committee members, stating, "Thank you Chair Bilirakis, Ranking Member Schakowsky, and Chair McMorris Rodgers and Ranking...


TechNet Calls for Comprehensive Federal Privacy Law Ahead of House Hearing
Big Tech

TechNet, a bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, has emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive federal privacy law ahead of an upcoming privacy hearing in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce.In a statement attributed to President and CEO Linda Moore, TechNet stressed the importance of addressing the current patchwork of state privacy laws that is causing confusion among consumers and impacting the economy. Moore stated, “The need for a comprehensive and preemptive federal privacy law has never...


Netflix and MVP Announce Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano Rematch to Stream Exclusively on Netflix
Big Tech

Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) have announced that the highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will be streamed exclusively on Netflix on July 20, 2024. The fight will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be part of a significant boxing event that includes a heavyweight match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.The rematch between Taylor and Serrano, known as Taylor vs. Serrano 2, will be a co-main event, with the fighters competing for the undisputed super lightweight championship. The first fight between the...


Top 10 Week of Apr. 8: ‘3 Body Problem’ Spends Third Week at #1
Big Tech

3 Body Problem, the epic drama series from David Benioff, D. B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo, spent its third week atop the English TV List, clocking 4.8M views. Stylish dramas took two spots on the list and became #inspo for fans. Guy Ritchie’s aristocratic gangster series The Gentlemen claimed third place (3.7M views) in its sixth week and sent sales for posh fashion skyrocketing. The limited series adaptation Ripley, starring Andrew Scott, climbed to sixth place (2.5M views).True crime documentary What Jennifer Did debuted at #1 on the English Films List with 18M views,...


To Cut a Long Story Short: Video Editors Benefit From DaVinci Resolve’s New AI Features Powered by RTX
Big Tech

Video editors and creative professionals have exciting developments to look forward to with the latest advancements in technology. Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve version 19 has introduced new AI features that aim to enhance video editing workflows. According to a recent NVIDIA blog post, the IntelliTrack AI point tracker and UltraNR AI-powered features in DaVinci Resolve are designed to streamline the editing process efficiently.The NAB 2024 trade show has brought together numerous content professionals, including video editors and livestreamers, who are keen on...


ITI: USTR Missed Opportunity to Address Weakened U.S. Global Trade Leadership at House Trade Agenda Hearing
Big Tech

Washington – Global tech trade association ITI expressed disappointment in the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) handling of U.S. global trade leadership during a recent House Trade Agenda Hearing. ITI's President and CEO, Jason Oxman, criticized Ambassador Katherine Tai's responses during her testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee.In a statement, Oxman highlighted concerns about the Biden Administration's approach to digital trade leadership, stating, "Her responses downplayed the critical importance of U.S. digital trade to...


Congress Must Pass Key R&D Tax Provisions to Drive Growth
Big Tech

Apr 16 2024WASHINGTON – Global tech trade association ITI has called on Congress to prioritize the passage of crucial research and development (R&D) tax provisions to stimulate economic growth. In a statement released today, ITI's President and CEO, Jason Oxman, emphasized the significance of these provisions, urging Congress to take action promptly."Research and development fuel the U.S. economy. Yet once again, Congress failed to pass key R&D tax provisions to allow investment expenses to be taken in the current year. Failing to invest in R&D puts U.S....


EPIC Raises Alarm Over Vulnerable Phone Data: The Urgent Need for Enhanced Digital Privacy Protection
Big Tech

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has raised concerns about the safety of personal phone data, stating, "Depending on the network, the data at risk can include location information, health information, religious identity, sexual orientation, facial recognition imagery, private messages, personal photos, and more."EPIC also highlighted that personal data held by social media platforms is vulnerable to being accessed and misused by third parties, including law enforcement agencies. The organization's statement brings to light the potential risks associated...


CCIA Urges Biden Administration to Strengthen Digital Trade Rules
Big Tech

In a recent development, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has joined forces with 40 organizations to press the Biden Administration to reaffirm its commitment to robust digital trade rules and uphold U.S. economic interests in the digital sphere globally. The call to action comes ahead of crucial hearings featuring the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee this week.The coalition of industry organizations, representing a diverse array of sectors, expressed concerns about the USTR's...


CDT Joins Others in Publishing Q&A about the Security and Freedom Enhancing (SAFE) Act of 2024
Big Tech

The Center for Democracy and Technology joined several other organizations in creating a Q&A document that delves into the Security and Freedom Enhancing (SAFE) Act of 2024, aimed at reforming existing loopholes concerning government access to private data without a warrant.According to the Q&A, the SAFE Act is designed to address two significant loopholes. It would mandate intelligence agencies to obtain a court order before searching Section 702 data for Americans' communications. Additionally, it would prohibit agencies from purchasing sensitive personal data from...