Mashable vs The New York Times

Reddit Tests AI Feature Turning Text Posts into Videos with Read-Aloud

Reddit is testing an AI-powered feature that converts selected English-language text posts into video and audio formats. According to Mashable, the feature will initially roll out in web browsers, followed by iOS and Android. Users will see a toggle allowing them to switch between 'Read' and 'Play' modes; in Play mode, a TikTok-style video displays an AI-generated voice reading the post and selected comments, with subtitles and a label reading 'Real conversation voiced by AI'. The test is limited to manually chosen posts in specific subreddits. Reddit CEO Steve Huffman had previewed the initiative during the company's Q2 earnings call in July, describing a 'video Reddit experience' that lets users watch or listen to posts. Reddit says the experiment aims to make conversations more accessible and immersive, and the company will decide on a broader rollout based on user feedback. Original text posts remain available.

• Reddit is testing an AI feature that converts selected English-language text posts into video and audio formats with read-aloud functionality.
• The feature rolls out first in web browsers, then on iOS and Android.
• Reddit CEO Steve Huffman mentioned the feature during the Q2 earnings call in July.

Reddit Tests AI Feature Turning Text Posts Into Videos

Reddit is testing a feature that uses AI to convert text posts into video and audio formats, according to Mashable. The rollout begins Monday in web browsers, with iOS and Android following Tuesday. The experiment creates audio/video formats with multi-voice text-to-speech, subtitles, and visual templates. It is currently limited to manually selected English-language posts in specific subreddits. Users see a toggle between 'Read' and 'Play'; in Play mode, an AI voice reads the post and comments while text highlights, with a label noting 'Real conversation voiced by AI.' CEO Steve Huffman announced the video Reddit experience in July during the Q2 earnings call, allowing users to watch and listen to posts. The move follows Reddit's broader video push, including video comments introduced in June and AI-powered moderation tools. Broader rollout depends on user feedback.

• Reddit is testing an AI feature that converts text posts into video and audio formats.
• The feature rolls out first in web browsers, followed by iOS and Android.
• The test is limited to manually selected English-language posts in specific subreddits.

Unsealed OpenAI, Microsoft Emails Intensify NYT AI Lawsuit, Spur Options Activity

Newly unsealed statements from Microsoft and OpenAI executives have intensified The New York Times' copyright lawsuit against the AI companies, threatening their 'fair use' defense. The statements allegedly include an OpenAI executive acknowledging an 'existential threat' to journalism, Greg Brockman's 2017 comments on potential earnings, and Microsoft's Brent Hecht describing the training as 'the largest theft of labor in human history.' The unsealed material also allegedly reveals that OpenAI exploited hacks to bypass the Times' paywall. These findings have increased the likelihood of a massive settlement or a Times victory, sparking options traders to place bullish call spreads on NYT stock ahead of a potential summary judgment or settlement. The Department of Justice has filed a statement of interest supporting fair use, citing national security concerns.

• Unsealed statements from Microsoft and OpenAI executives threaten the fair-use defense in The New York Times' lawsuit.
• OpenAI allegedly copied millions of copyrighted articles for training, possibly exploiting hacks to bypass the Times' paywall.
• Microsoft's Brent Hecht reportedly described the training as 'the largest theft of labor in human history.'

NYT-Opening Documents Reveal AI Scraping, Fair-Use Impact on Publishers

Newly unsealed documents in The New York Times' lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft reveal internal admissions that AI products are 'largely substitutive' and pose an 'existential threat' to publishers. Legal experts say this eviscerates the fair-use defense, especially given evidence of paywall circumvention, which may violate the DMCA. The filings could catalyze more publisher lawsuits and force AI companies into paid licensing markets. Executives from OpenAI, Microsoft, and other AI firms are shown acknowledging the commercial value of news content while using it without permission. The case, presided over by Judge Sidney Stein, may set precedent for AI training on copyrighted works, reshaping the terms of trade between AI and publishing.

• Unsealed filings show OpenAI and Microsoft executives discussing the 'existential threat' AI products pose to publishers and the 'gazillions' at stake.
• Evidence of paywall circumvention by OpenAI could violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged AI chatbots can provide information without users clicking through to publishers.

The New York Times Rings the Opening Bell To Celebrate 175 Years

The New York Times rings the opening bell at the NYSE to celebrate its 175th anniversary, marking a major corporate milestone.