Latest news with #viralvideos
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
X Plans to Launch AI Text-to-Video Option, New AI Companions
This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter. It looks like X will soon integrate its AI-generated text-to-video tool Hotshot, which it acquired back in March, with X owner Elon Musk noting that they're developing a new AI process to 'make creative viral videos fast.' The new process, which Elon says will be called 'Imagine,' looks set to integrate Hotshot's functionality with xAI's Grok engine, in order to give X users their own text-to-video generation tool. Before being acquired by xAI, Hotshot had developed a range of text-to-video and text-to-GIF AI models, and had gained traction among AI enthusiasts for its rapidly developing AI tools. The logical next step for the technology is to enable text-to-video generation direct on X, which would give the platform similar capacity to Google's Veo model, which has already sparked a range of viral trends. Though, of course, the idea is always the seed, and while technical capacity is a big step in video creation, without a good idea, it doesn't mean a heap. But then again, giving more people the capacity to explore their ideas should lead to more creative concepts, and it'll be interesting to see how X users apply 'Imagine' when it does get a release. Though I imagine some level of misuse and/or abuse of such will also come with that. On that front (well not exactly, but…), X has also shared a preview of its coming male AI companion, which it's calling 'Valentine.' As you can see in these examples, X users will soon be able to build a relationship with an AI-powered male character, which is designed to offer companionship, in all that the term implies. Indeed, Elon says that Valentine "will make your heart race." X already offers two AI companions, in the Anime-inspired 'Ani,' and a misbehaving red panda called 'Rudy.' Elon Musk says that Valentine will be a combination of 'Edward Cullen from Twilight and Christian Grey from 50 Shades,' enabling more users to live out their fantasies with an AI partner that'll engage in NSFW interactions. Which feels pretty weird. I mean, no judgment, people can do whatever they want, so long as they're not hurting anybody else. But the fact that the X team is encouraging people to go on virtual dates with their companions seems potentially problematic. Maybe? Either way, X clearly thinks this is a valuable market, and it's looking to more companion types in future. So soon, you'll be able to create videos based on your text, and even spoken prompts via X's AI tools, and have a relationship with an Anime character. The future is here. This is what you wanted. Are you not entertained? Sign in to access your portfolio
Washington Post
10-07-2025
- Washington Post
Only one American can start nuclear war: the president
Opinion | This is why the media should not replay viral videos of black men being killed June 10, 2020
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Belly dancer influencer arrested for ‘using seduction techniques' and ‘exposing sensitive areas' in viral online vids
A BELLY dancer influencer has been arrested for "using seduction techniques" and "exposing sensitive areas" in her viral online videos. Online sensation Linda Martino, originally from Italy, was arrested for "immortality" in strict Egypt two weeks ago - and is to remain in prison for another fortnight. 5 5 Linda - who has over two million followers on Instagram - moved to the North African country a few years ago and has built a successful career in belly dancing. Videos of her performing in popular clubs to various Egyptian hit songs have garnered millions of views across various social media platforms. But an investigation was reportedly triggered by one of her most shared videos, where Linda performs in a cabaret in a traditional belly dancing costume. The Cairo prosecutor's office accuses the young woman of having "used seduction techniques and provocative dances to incite vice". According to authorities' report, in some videos Linda "deliberately wore provocative clothing and performed dance movements with sexual allusions" They say she therefore disrespected "public decency" and the "values of family and society". Investigators also argued the artist "appeared in indecent clothing, deliberately exposing sensitive areas of her body, in clear violation of social values". She denies all the charges against her and claims she practices her profession in compliance with the law. The dancer said after being arrested: "I have the permits to practice my activity and all the videos circulating on social media are normal. "It is a permitted dance performance and does not contain anything that violates or goes against public morals." She added that the content she records is "only for entertainment purposes". Whilst belly dancing isn't prohibited in Egypt, videos on social media have to comply with the country's values. Egypt has increased its cruel crackdowns on artists and influences accused of offending public morals. Under Abdel Fattah Al Sisi's government, at least five belly dancers have been horrifically jailed on charges similar to those given to Linda. The Pharaoh nation sucks in a staggering 18 million tourists each year, and the industry props up around 10 per cent of the whole economy. But beyond the plush resorts of the popular Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada - Egypt is covering up its dark underbelly. The country's brutal police force deals in bribes and locks people up on bogus charges, including Brit holidaymakers. Egypt's picture-postcard image is being tested, with a former British ambassador to the country recently branding it a "police state". 5
Washington Post
03-07-2025
- Washington Post
My fellow Americans, Obama is not coming to save you
Opinion | This is why the media should not replay viral videos of black men being killed June 10, 2020
South China Morning Post
29-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Chinese youth make sun protection masks from giant lotus leaves, ignite online hilarity
Young people in China have taken self-made sun protection to the next level with their latest innovation: full-face masks made from lotus leaves. People from southern Chinese provinces, such as Zhejiang, Sichuan and Fujian, are making their own sun protection masks with lotus leaves they pick from roadside ponds. Viral videos show them covering their faces with the giant leaves, which are at least twice the size of their faces, using hats or helmets with straps to wrap and tighten the leaves. Scary sun-protectors: The giant lotus leaves are kept in place with hats and helmets. Photo: Eye and nose holes are poked through the leaves to allow seeing and breathing. One practitioner from southeastern China's Fujian province, surnamed Yin, said he had planned to wear a beauty mask to prevent suntan before spotting lotus leaves near his home. He said he found them very effective: 'Everywhere except my face has become tanned!' Yin also praised the sun protection tool as natural and free of charge. The videos have created hilarious reactions online.
