Latest news with #HourOne
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wix's AI Acquisition Signals Capital Strategy Shift, Says Barclays
Ltd. (NASDAQ:WIX) ranks among the 30 stocks expected to beat the market by 20 percentage points this year. On June 18, Barclays maintained its $240 price target and Overweight rating on Ltd. (NASDAQ:WIX). The rating confirmation comes after Ltd. (NASDAQ:WIX) recently announced that it had acquired 'Hour One,' a company with generative AI capabilities, just weeks prior. Wix's business strategy may be changing, according to Barclays, which said, 'We do wonder if Wix is beginning to prioritize M&A as a larger part of its capital allocation strategy.' That said, Barclays does not see Wix pursuing significant game-changing acquisitions, despite the recent deals. The firm stated that smaller purchases could yet occur while large-scale M&A seems unlikely. In particular, the research firm stated that it 'would not be surprised to see more of these tuck-in deals to bolster talent/product capabilities,' implying that Ltd. (NASDAQ:WIX) would keep making targeted acquisitions to improve its current technological expertise and service offerings. Ltd. (NASDAQ:WIX) is a cloud-based platform that enables those without technical expertise to create websites. It offers Wix Editor, Wix ADI, and numerous other services. While we acknowledge the potential of WIX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Read More: and Disclosure: None.


Daily Maverick
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Fake models for fast fashion? What AI clones mean for our jobs — and our identities
As digital replicas of real people become more common in image-based industries like fashion, urgent questions are emerging about the future of work in the cultural economy. In the heart of New York City's Times Square, there are signs of an artificial intelligence (AI) revolution in marketing. In a health supplement store, a pop-up by British tech startup, Hypervsn, showcases life-size holograms. From behind the glass, a virtual humanoid avatar with spunky pink hair waves to passersby. Down the street, H&M — the Swedish fast-fashion giant — offers a new kind of immersive shopping experience. The flagship store showcases a room covered in mirrors equipped with virtual environments, encouraging shoppers to make social media content while they try on merchandise. And last month, H&M made waves with its newest AI venture: cloning 30 real-life models using 'digital twin' technology. These AI-generated replicas sparked global excitement and debate. But as digital replicas of real people become more common, especially in image-based industries like fashion, urgent ethical questions are emerging. These include conversations about the future of work, compensation and identity in the cultural economy. Digital twins, explained In New York's bustling AI startup scene, where tech, fashion and finance collide, the potential of digital twins is being met with optimism. Developers, investors and brands believe that by cloning our human bodies and personalities, we can reach a future in which we live in 'double time.' That time would look something like us sinking back into our couch for some rest while our identical avatars show up to work on our behalf. But is it really that simple? What does it mean for workers whose identities are being cloned without clear guidelines on compensation, ownership and rights? Digital twin production is a meticulous process that begins with a person's unique identity. This includes their voice, personality, body and face, all things considered to be their intellectual property (IP). When someone signs off to be cloned with a digital twin startup, they agree to the use of generative AI replicating everything about their physical body: personal identity, distinct features and skills. The ethical questions The emergence of digital twins has forced the development of new ethical frameworks, still in flux. Industry leader Natalie Monbiot, former co-founder of HourOne, has coined the term 'Virtual Human Economy' to describe this growing sector. Companies like HourOne, Synthesia and Soul Machines are competing to dominate this space. They offer digital twins for applications that range from fashion modelling to corporate training videos and online education. The ethical challenges are significant, particularly regarding ownership. The human half of the H&M digital twin models, for example, will receive 'fair compensation,' including continued payment for the use of their digital replicas beyond initial creation. The company has said models will retain some rights to how their likenesses are used, but industry standards for such contracts remain inconsistent. Most digital twin companies establish contracts where the human 'original' receives initial compensation for the creation process. This typically involves extensive scanning, voice recording and movement capture. But such arrangements remain inconsistent across the industry, and the long-term value proposition of these digital likenesses is still unclear. Some companies offer royalty structures, while others purchase full rights upfront. This raises questions about the fair valuation of a person's digital likeness. Traditional image rights contracts, borrowed from the entertainment industry, don't account for AI's ability to generate novel content using a person's likeness. The industry is essentially creating its ethical standards in real time, with some companies adopting more transparent approaches than others. 'Jackpot' economy means those at the top take all For workers in image-based industries, like models and photographers, the rise of digital twins brings a fundamental shift in how labour and compensation are structured. While modelling has always been hyper-competitive, social media has dramatically intensified that and is now playing a large role in how opportunities are allocated. American labour scholar Andrew Ross pinpoints these dynamics as a ' jackpot economy,' where intellectual property becomes 'the glittering prize for the lucky few' while the majority face increased precarity. U.S. fashion scholar Minh-Ha Pham has also written about how digital technologies amplify the winners-take-all economic structures within the fashion and blogging industries. She describes concentrated opportunities and rewards among an elite minority. To add to this, New Zealand scholars Rachel Berryman and Misha Kavka have demonstrated how the rise of 'parasocial' relationships has become increasingly central to career success in these fields. A parasocial relationship describes the sense of intimate connection followers feel toward influencers and celebrities. In other words, those successful digital twins could further concentrate power among models who already possess substantial followings and cultural cachet. This cachet allows them to multiply their earning potential while those with less visibility struggle to compete against both humans and AI-generated alternatives. Race, sexuality and gender This concentration effect is particularly concerning when considering how race, sexuality and gender representation manifests in virtual spaces. For nearly a decade, fully virtual fashion models like Shudu have become increasingly popular. Shudu has more than 237,000 Instagram followers and partnerships with brands like Balmain, Louis Vuitton and Furla. Shudu and others have demonstrated how digital avatars often flatten and commercialise identity. They present sanitised versions of racial and gender diversity that serve brand interests rather than authentic representation. While digital twins based on actual humans may provide more authentic representation than fully synthetic avatars, they still risk reinforcing existing inequalities in who receives visibility and compensation. On the other hand, digital twinning could potentially offer improvements over purely synthetic virtual models. By maintaining a connection to real human subjects who can negotiate their representation and compensation, digital twins might provide a more equitable approach than computer-generated avatars created entirely at a corporation's discretion. Behind the digital glamour are real-life issues Our collective fascination with technology and the new AI-driven digital twins may be distracting us from a more pressing (but also old) issue. Let's not forget to look at the economic structures that govern work cultures, human creativity and labour norms. The debate isn't just about banning or regulating AI, which enables phenomena such as digital twins; it's also about how we ensure fair compensation and equitable access to these new forms of labour. The 'jackpot economy' often benefits only a select few, leaving the majority in precarious positions. As digital twins technology continues to evolve, we must develop regulatory frameworks to ensure fair compensation for workers in creative industries. While we focus on the capabilities and potential of AI, we also need to shift the conversation towards the economic systems and power structures in which these technologies operate. DM
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Deepfake AI Market Size to Surpass USD 13,889.8 Million by 2032 Owing to Increasing Adoption in Media & Entertainment
The Deepfake AI market is growing rapidly with expanding use in media, entertainment, and cybersecurity. Pune, March 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Deepfake AI Market Size Analysis: 'The Deepfake AI Market size was USD 563.6 Million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 13,889.8 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 42.79% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.'Get a Sample Report of Deepfake AI Market@ Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are: Deeptrace – Deepfake Detection Platform Truepic – Truepic Lens Sensity AI – Sensity Deepfake Detection API DeepMedia – AI Voice & Video Translation Synthesia – AI Video Generator Colossyan – Colossyan Creator Hour One – AI Virtual Human Platform Reface AI – Reface App Zao – Zao Deepfake App MyHeritage – Deep Nostalgia Pinscreen – AI-Generated 3D Avatars D-ID – Creative Reality Studio FaceSwap – FaceSwap Open-Source Software Avatarify – AI-Powered Face Animation Modulate AI – ToxMod Voice Moderation AI Deepfake AI Market Report Scope: Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 USD 563.6 Million Market Size by 2032 USD 13889.8 Million CAGR CAGR of 42.79% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Key Regional Coverage North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Eastern Europe [Poland, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Rest of Eastern Europe] Western Europe [Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Rest of Western Europe]). Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (Middle East [UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rest of Middle East], Africa [Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa], Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Rest of Latin America) Key Growth Drivers The increasing adoption of deepfake AI in media, entertainment, and advertising is enhancing content creation, personalization, and cost efficiency. Do you have any specific queries or need any customization research on Deepfake AI Market, Make an Enquiry Now@ Growing Adoption of Deepfake AI in Media, Law Enforcement, and Digital Marketing The Deepfake AI Market has seen an increasing adoption rate since 2023, primarily driven by its utilization in media, entertainment, and cybersecurity. Industries such as social media, law enforcement, and digital marketing are incorporating deepfake technology to create personalized and engaging content. Despite advancements in AI-powered detection tools, deepfake technology continues to present challenges for authenticity verification, raising concerns over identity fraud, political misinformation, and fake news dissemination. The market's trajectory is also shaped by regulatory frameworks, ethical AI considerations, and the emergence of deepfake-as-a-service platforms. These factors will play a vital role in determining how the technology evolves, either as a tool for innovation or a potential security risk. Segment Analysis By Component, Software Segment Dominates Deepfake AI Market with Rising Synthetic Media Platforms In 2023, the software segment dominated the deepfake AI market with the growth of synthetic media platforms that allow users to produce and share AI-based content. Such platforms are opening up deepfake technology to the masses, supporting businesses, marketers, and content creators. Further, the increased need for professional and managed services, including consulting and AI integration, is propelling market growth. Organizations are increasingly looking to hire expert services to effectively deploy deepfake AI solutions. The trend underscores the growing use of AI-based media tools in content creation, marketing, and other sectors, cementing the software segment's market dominance even further. By Type, Image Deepfake Segment Dominates Market, While Video Deepfakes See Fastest Growth In 2023, the image deepfake segment led the market, extending from media and entertainment to healthcare, education, and retail. In healthcare, it supports virtual consultations and medical training, while in education, it facilitates learning through realistic reenactments and simulations. The video deepfake segment, on the other hand, is forecasted to develop at the fastest rate, fueled by growing applications in entertainment, marketing, and personalized digital experiences. Companies are using deepfake AI to produce engaging content, enhance viewer engagement, and reduce production costs. As demand increases, both video and image deepfake technologies continue to influence numerous industries with creative uses. By Technology, GANs Lead the Deepfake AI Market with High-Quality Synthetic Media Advancements The GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) market held the highest market share in 2023. GANs play an important role in generating high-quality synthetic media that simulate human expressions, voice, and motions with impressive accuracy. The continued need for high-fidelity AI-generated content is driving research into deep transformer architectures, which are enhancing the general quality and usability of deepfakes across industries. By Vertical, Media & Entertainment Lead Deepfake AI Market, While BFSI Sees Rapid Growth in Fraud Detection The media & entertainment industry led the deepfake AI market in 2023, with studios and streaming services increasingly incorporating AI-created content to boost user interaction. Generative AI is utilized to bring back historical personalities, alter actors' performances, and provide multilingual dubbing. The BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) industry is anticipated to expand at the highest rate, considering the increasing risk of AI-based fraud and identity theft. Instances of deepfake-facilitated financial frauds underscore the pressing necessity for AI-driven fraud prevention tools. Deepfake AI Market Segmentation: By Component Software Service By Type Image Deepfake Video Deepfake Others (Sound, Audio) By Technology Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) Auto encoders Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) Transformative Models Natural Language Processing (NLP) Others (Blockchain, Metadata Analysis) By Vertial BFSI Telecommunications Government and Defense Healthcare and lifesciences Legal Media & Entertainment Retail and Ecommerce Other (Education, Automotive, Manufacturing)Buy an Enterprise-User PDF of Deepfake AI Market Analysis & Outlook 2024-2032@ North America Leads Deepfake AI Market, While Asia-Pacific Sees Fastest Growth North America dominated the deepfake AI market in 2023, with a share of 36% of the total revenue. The region is also the leader in shaping regulatory and ethical standards to combat issues surrounding privacy, disinformation, and security threats. Governments and tech companies are engaged in developing frameworks to ensure the proper use of AI. Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Nations such as China, Japan, and India are seeing a significant increase in the adoption of deepfake AI for entertainment, advertisement, and learning. Sustained digitalization, combined with AI research, is driving the growth of the market in the region. Recent Developments July 2024: Trend Micro introduced new cybersecurity innovations aimed at countering AI-based threats, including deepfake-driven fraud and identity theft. Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Deepfake AI Market Segmentation, by Component 8. Deepfake AI Market Segmentation, by Technology 9. Deepfake AI Market Segmentation, by Type 10. Deepfake AI Market Segmentation, by Vertical 11. Regional Analysis 12. Company Profiles 13. Use Cases and Best Practices 14. Conclusion Access Complete Report Details of Deepfake AI Market Analysis Report 2024-2032@ [For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@ SNS Insider Offering/ Consulting Services: Go To Market Assessment Service Total Addressable Market (TAM) Assessment Competitive Benchmarking and Market Share Gain About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. 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