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☆ Amazon-backed Anthropic launches iPhone app and business tier to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Hayden Field | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The generative artificial intelligence startup is the company behind Claude, one of the chatbots that, like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google 's Gemini, has exploded in popularity in the past year. Anthropic's first iOS app is free for users across all plans and also available starting Wednesday. In a release Wednesday, Anthropic confirmed that other current clients using Claude include Pfizer, Asana, Zoom, Perplexity AI, Bridgewater Associates and more currently. Now, it's one of the hottest AI startups, with a product that directly competes with ChatGPT in both the enterprise and consumer worlds. Anthropic's stance on the military use of Claude is similar to OpenAI's updated policy.

Persons: Anthropic's, Claude, Amodei, Anthropic, Daniela Amodei, it's, Opus, OpenAI's, Asana, It's, Moby Dick, Harry Potter, OpenAI Organizations: CNBC, Google, Team, Pfizer, Asana, Bridgewater Associates, ChatGPT

☆ Google-backed Anthropic debuts its most powerful chatbot yet, as generative AI battle heats up
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Hayden Field | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

This time last year, Anthropic was seen as a promising generative AI startup founded by ex-OpenAI research executives. "In our quest to have a highly harmless model, Claude 2 would sometimes over-refuse," Amodei told CNBC. Multimodality, or adding options like photo and video capabilities to generative AI, whether uploading them yourself or creating them using an AI model, has quickly become one of the industry's hottest use cases. But multimodality, and increasingly complex AI models, also lead to more potential risks. "Of course no model is perfect, and I think that's a very important thing to say upfront," Amodei told CNBC.

Persons: Anthropic, Claude, Opus, OpenAI's, Asana, It's, it's, Daniela Amodei, Amodei, Moby Dick, Harry Potter, Brad Lightcap, Anthropic's Claude, We've Organizations: Monday, Haiku, Google, ChatGPT, CNBC

☆ Harry Potter's paralysed stunt double found making new documentary "cathartic"
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Sarah Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

We are living in a society where men don't really talk. We just thought, this can't be happening," said Marc Mailley, a fellow stunt artist who was there at the time. I choose to be a survivor," said Holmes, whose challenging medical journey is seen in the new film. Directed by former Harry Potter crew member Dan Hartley, the film is executive produced by Daniel Radcliffe. Holmes hopes his raw documentary might start conversations about stunt performers' work and what it is like to be disabled.

Persons: David Holmes, Harry Potter, Holmes, Daniel Radcliffe's, Radcliffe, It's, I'm, Marc Mailley, Dan Hartley, Daniel Radcliffe, Sarah Mills, Richard Chang Organizations: Potter, Broadway, Thomson Locations: London

NEW YORK (AP) — Britney Spears' memoir “The Woman in Me” has sold 1.1 million copies in the U.S. alone through its first week. On the day of publication, Spears posted on Instagram that her book had become “the highest selling celebrity memoir in history.” It is not, so far, even the highest selling memoir of 2023. But Prince Harry's memoir “Spare,” which came out in January, sold 1.6 million U.S. copies in its first week. In one day last week, from Monday to Tuesday, Spears’ catalog jumped 18.2% in on-demand streams, and 36.8% in album sales. According to Luminate, her U.S. streams increased 24% over the previous week — from 16 million to 19.8 million; her album sales were up 61.4% and digital sales 49%.

Persons: Britney Spears, ”, Spears, Simon & Schuster, Justin Timberlake, Prince, Luminate, Oscar, Michelle Williams, Williams, Barack Obama's, Michelle Obama's “, Harry Potter, “ Harry Potter, Maria Sherman Organizations: Books, Simon & Locations: U.S, ”

☆ Daniel Radcliffe executive producing doc about stunt double paralyzed during ‘Deathly Hallows’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Lisa France | Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Daniel Radcliffe’s newest project is very close to his heart. “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived” tells the story of Holmes, a gymnast who served as Radcliffe’s stunt double for ten years on the “Harry Potter” films before a 2009 accident on the set of “Deathly Hallows - Part 1” injured Holmes and left him paralyzed. Radcliffe is the executive producer of the documentary. “Being a stuntman was my calling in life, and doubling Harry was the best job in the world,” he wrote. The film includes personal footage from Homes’ life shot over the last decade, behind-the-scenes material from Holmes’ stunt work, as well as interviews with Radcliffe, friends, family, and former crew.

Persons: Daniel Radcliffe’s, “ David Holmes, Holmes, Harry Potter ”, Radcliffe, Daniel, David, ”, “, Harry, ‘, Dan Hartley Organizations: HBO, CNN, Warner Bros .

☆ Michael Gambon, actor who played Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter' films, dies at 82
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Michael Gambon Arriving At The World Premiere Of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2, In Trafalgar Square In Central London. Actor Michael Gambon, known for playing Professor Albus Dumbledore in multiple "Harry Potter" movies has died, his family said in a statement Thursday. "We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon," said the statement issued on behalf of his wife, Anne, and son Fergus by publicist Clair Dobbs. He also won three Olivier Awards and two ensemble cast Screen Actors Guild Awards — for 2001's "Gosford Park" and "The King's Speech." But he was perhaps best known for his role as Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" franchise, taking over the role from the late Richard Harris from the third installment in the eight-movie series.

Persons: Michael Gambon, Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore, Sir Michael Gambon, Anne, Fergus, Clair Dobbs, Gambon, Laurence Olivier, Derek Jacobi, Maggie Smith, Cook, King George V, Lord Salisbury, Victoria, Abdul, Olivier, —, Dumbledore, Richard Harris, Rowling's, Anne Miller, Philippa Hart Organizations: Hallows, Central London, National Theatre, British Academy of Film, Television Arts Locations: Trafalgar, Central, Dublin, Britain

☆ Warner Bros. to expand UK studios where ‘Barbie’ and ‘Harry Potter’ were filmed
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Olesya Dmitracova | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —Warner Bros. Discovery has announced plans for a major expansion of the UK studios where “Barbie” — its biggest movie of all time — was filmed. The “Harry Potter” series and the “House of the Dragon” television show were also shot at the Leavesden studios. News of the UK expansion comes as Warner Bros. CNN is owned by Warner Bros.

Persons: “ Barbie ”, —, ”, Harry Potter, Harry Potter ” Organizations: London CNN — Warner Bros, Discovery, DC Studios, Warner Bros, ’, “, Warner Bros ., Hollywood, Disney, Netflix, CNN, British Film Institute Locations: London, United Kingdom, United States

☆ ‘Barbie’ is Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing global release ever
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Comscore estimated a global total of $1,341,854,460 through Monday for “Barbie.”On Monday, Warner Bros. said “Barbie” will pass “Harry Potter” to become its highest grossing film globally. “Barbie” and the “Harry Potter” films are distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which is owned by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. A blockbuster summerJust last week, “Barbie” surpassed “Super Mario Bros.” as the highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office this year. “Barbie” also was crowned Warner Bros. Discovery’s highest-grossing domestic release, beating out “The Dark Knight” in 2008. In late August, “Blue Beetle” — also distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures — unseated “Barbie” from the top of the US box office.

Persons: ”, Harry Potter, Greta Gerwig’s “, “ Barbie, Harry Potter ”, “ Barbie ”, Barbie ’, Paul Dergarabedian, ” Dergarabedian, Dergarabedian, Mario, “, Knight ”, Gerwig, — Organizations: New, New York CNN, Warner Bros, Disney, Star Wars, Office, Century Fox, Warner Bros . Pictures, Warner Bros ., Mattel, Discovery’s Locations: New York

☆ ‘Barbie’ Reaches $1 Billion at the Box Office, Studio Says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Brooks Barnes | More About Brooks Barnes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the history of Hollywood, very few people — 28 to be precise, all men — have had the sole directing credit on a billion-dollar movie. (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” was previously the fastest to $1 billion, at 19 days.) “PINK FEVER,” Mr. Goldstein wrote in a text message. “Barbie” once again disproved a stubborn Hollywood myth: that “girl” movies — films made by women, starring women and aimed at women — are limited in their appeal. An old movie industry maxim holds that women will go to a “guy” movie but not vice versa.

Persons: —, Greta Gerwig, “ Barbie, ”, Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Jeff Goldstein, “ Barbie ”, Harry Potter, Mr, Goldstein Organizations: Warner Bros Locations: United States, Canada

Though the 6-Series name might be retired, its legacy lives on in TCL's brand-new Q7 4K TV. It's not perfect, but the Q7 is easily one of the best 4K TVs you can buy for under $1,000. TCL 65-inch Q7 QLED 4K TV TCL’s Q7 is an excellent midrange QLED 4K TV, delivering better picture quality than similarly priced competitors. The Google TV interface is intuitiveThe Google TV interface offers easy access to popular apps and handy integration with other Google services. The TCL Q7 is easily one of the top midrange 4K TVs you can buy this year.

Persons: TCL, Ryan Waniata, It's, you'd, Harry Potter, you've, Roku, You've, Dolby Organizations: LG, Sony, Samsung, ", Google, YouTube, AMD, Dolby, Smart

Amazon's Fire TV Omni QLED is the company's latest 4K smart TV. The latest is the Fire TV Omni QLED, which is designed to compete with displays from popular value brands like TCL and Hisense. Amazon 65-inch Omni QLED Fire TV Amazon’s latest TV has advanced features like local dimming, quantum dots, and hands-free Alexa. Ryan Waniata/InsiderThe Fire TV Omni QLED is something of a mixed bag when it comes to image quality. That said, those looking to delve deeper into the Amazon ecosystem will find an ally in the Fire TV Omni QLED.

☆ Harry and Meghan renew clash with British royals, media in Netflix doc
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Henry Austin | Henry Austin Is A London-Based Editor For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

Prince Harry with Meghan Markle appeared in public together for the first time at the Invictus Games in Toronto. Aside from showing the story of their courtship, the six episodes of “Harry & Meghan” also look set to highlight long-running grievances that have roiled Britain's royal family for years. The British tabloids have intensely scrutinized Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, publishing stories about her estranged family following her engagement and marriage to Harry in May 2018. In addition, Harry is challenging in court a decision by the British government to deny him police protection while in Britain. “In the Netflix trailer it’s implied the photographers, including me, were trying to get a shot of the royal couple — but that’s nonsense,” he told the tabloid.

☆ Guy Fawkes Night: What those fireworks and bonfires are all about
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-05 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —Every year on November 5, skies across England, Scotland and Wales are illuminated by fireworks as Brits head out into the night to enjoy Guy Fawkes Night celebrations. Also called Fireworks Night or Bonfire Night, this autumn tradition has been a staple of the British calendar for the past 400 years. A photograph from 1955, depicting children at a school in Surrey, England, preparing the Guy Fawkes Night bonfire. What’s Guy Fawkes Night like today? Lewes Bonfire Night celebrationsEffigies of former UK prime minister Boris Johnson and fellow UK Conservative politician Jacob Rees-Mogg are paraded through the streets of Lewes during traditional Bonfire Night celebrations in 2019.

Persons: Guy Fawkes, Guido Fawkes, Fawkes, Tudor King Henry VIII, Robert Catesby, Catesby, King James I, James Sharpe, Sharpe, ”, What’s Guy Fawkes, Ronald Hutton, ” Hutton, Hutton, That’s, you’re, Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees, Mogg, Peter Summers, it’s, that’s, “ They’re, Donald Trump, “, Mary, Phil Clarke Hill, Ottery, Mary’s, Patrick Kinsella, parkin, there’s, –, Alexandra, Chris J Ratcliffe, Hallows, Halloween’s, you’ll Organizations: CNN, Getty, Catholic, of, London, University of York, CNN Travel, Conservative, Lewes, Lewes Bonfire Society, Alexandra Palace, Celtic, Battersea Power Locations: England, Scotland, Wales, of England, Surrey, Britain, Lewes, Zulu, Lewes . The, spectate, Ottery St Mary, Devon, Ottery, North America, In Yorkshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, London, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Ireland, York, South, Battersea

☆ 'Harry Potter' fans warned to stop leaving socks at Dobby's grave on a beach in Wales
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

“Harry Potter” fans are being urged not to leave socks at the site of a memorial for the house elf Dobby at Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The location is where the production of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1” shot Dobby’s death scene. In the “Harry Potter” novels, Dobby dies in Harry’s arms and tells him the beach is “such a beautiful place to be with friends.”After “Harry Potter” fans erected a memorial for Dobby at the filming location, many more fans were inspired to visit Freshwater West Beach and leave socks at the site. A memorial to Dobby erected by fans at Freshwater West Beach in Wales. Martin Williams / Alamy“Harry Potter” fans have left so many socks at the Dobby memorial that it started to become an environmental concern for Freshwater West Beach.

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