Q&A with Spotify Co-President and CTO Gustav Söderström on AI-generated music, NotebookLM podcasts, AI recommendations, improving discoverability, and more (Alex Kantrowitz/Big Technology)

The Alienware AW2725Q is a 26.7-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor featuring a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms latency, currently on sale for $675.84. It supports technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, while enhancing color accuracy with Dolby Vision and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400. Want More Context? 🔎

Spotify is raising Premium subscription prices by €1 in several regions outside the US, including Europe and South Asia, following disappointing earnings results. Although specific countries affected were not detailed, initial increases have been noted in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, while US pricing remains unchanged despite past increases. Want More Context? 🔎

Bluetooth trackers like Apple's AirTags, Google's Find Hub, and Samsung's SmartTag2 utilize vast finding networks to help locate lost items, with various brands like Chipolo and Pebblebee also joining the ecosystem. Testing showed AirTags and compatible third-party trackers excelled in precision and speed, while Google's network improved significantly by 2025, offering competitive tracking capabilities. Want More Context? 🔎

Disney considered using AI to create a digital double of Dwayne Johnson for its live-action Moana, collaborating with Metaphysic to employ deepfake technology. However, concerns over legal implications, ownership rights, and potential backlash led to the decision not to include such footage in the final film, highlighting the company's struggle to balance innovation with audience expectations and contractual obligations. Want More Context? 🔎

This week, I was reminded that while ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are impressive AI tools, they are not without flaws. Despite my enthusiasm for AI's future, I advocate for a more measured approach to its development, urging caution against irrational optimism. Want More Context? 🔎

Rumors about Sony's PlayStation 6 suggest it may feature three times the rendering performance of the PS5, with a starting price of $499, aiming for backward compatibility with PS4 and PS5. Additionally, a complementary handheld device is in development, expected to include advanced features and a price range of $400 to $500, with both products rumored for release between fall 2027 and early 2028. Want More Context? 🔎