Gen Z Gets Medieval

PRESENTED BY SEED

Happy Wednesday, Future Party. In one of the funniest self-owns ever, when Grok is asked whether Elon Musk’s Grok Imagine-made The Odyssey is “historically accurate,” the chatbot responds, “No.” Just as a refresher, Musk’s entire stated purpose in AI-generating an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem was to make it that. Granted, Grok explains its reasoning on the grounds that The Odyssey is, well, fantastical literature to begin with… and, therefore, not a historical record. But that just underscores Grok’s lack of imagination.

Block announced a new AI voice model that sounds disconcertingly human.

Why It Hits: Top AI companies know that voice is going to be the primary way people interact with AI agents. It’s already influencing upcoming devices and changing office behavior. The perceived problem is that AI still doesn’t sound human enough to make people forget they’re talking to a chatbot. Block thinks it’s built the solution.

Behind The Voice: Block’s Dessa model is perking up ears across Silicon Valley.

Last Call: In a blog post, Block wrote that “the most powerful AIs in the world can’t hear how you feel. We think that’s ridiculous, leads to a worse experience, and is potentially dangerous.” Apparently, the company feels the latter is also true of Dessa. The model isn’t publicly available yet, and the company is asking researchers to test it for safety issues.

In other words, Block knows that if you thought AI-generated scams were bad, you ain’t seen — or heard — nothing yet.

The Future: Block’s various products are geared toward optimizing consumer-facing business operations… so Dessa could be the final piece of the puzzle that lets clients eventually automate retail stores or restaurants. Think of Dessa as the new customer-service employee.

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Demand to see a centuries-old tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest is rivaling that of major Hollywood movie releases and once-in-a-generation concerts.

The Big Picture: The general consensus has been that old, analog cultural institutions like museums, operas, and ballets are considered “stuffy” by younger generations, who prefer the novelty of cutting-edge immersive experiences. But that thinking is proving wrong, suggesting that the rise of AI has ironically shone a spotlight on the incredible artistry of a pre-digital age.

Between The Threads: In Britain, a 1,000-year-old, 230-foot-long tapestry is causing a stir after arriving from France.

Last Looks: While it’s amazing that tickets to see the tapestry sold out within three hours, just as surprising are the demographics of the ticket buyers. A whopping 55% were under 35, showing that it’s a big hit with Gen Z and millennials. And nearly half of the buyers were from outside London, meaning the display has become a mecca for Brits across the country.

Next Rollout: Maybe young people will fuel a revival in museum construction or refurbishment. After all, it’s how billionaires used to spend their money.

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32.4% of you voted Yes, I have a Premium subscription in yesterday’s poll: Do you currently use Spotify?

“Between podcasts, audiobooks, workout music, lo-fi productivity sounds, and putting my kids to sleep, Spotify is the best app ever created.”

“I listen to podcasts or music on Spotify every day while working, exercising, or commuting. It’s absolutely worth paying for a premium membership to avoid having my flow interrupted by ads.”

“As an artist being paid $0.001 per stream, I am against the platform. I will only go there if a song isn’t available elsewhere.”

“Apple Music FTW!”

“Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one without a Spotify account, but I’ve just never had the need for one.”

Let’s keep the conversation going. Join Poll Of The Day, so your opinions can shine. Discover how your views line up with your peers’, check out cool insights, and have some fun. It’s data with personality.

🎥 A24 is taking its nearly $200 million Elden Ring adaptation to the American Film Market — making it the most expensive standalone movie ever offered at a film-sales market.

🎙️ Netflix has hired former Apple exec Steve Wilson to oversee podcast acquisitions.

💼 The Lego Group has tapped WME veteran Kelsey Gray Sherman as its first head of celebrity talent and brand-first partnerships.

🦾 AI-robotics startup Physical Intelligence is in talks to raise at least $1 billion in a funding round potentially led by Avenir and Lux Capital.

💰 Growth-equity firm Disruptive has secured $10 billion for its inaugural flagship fund.

💻 Anduril is partnering with Qualcomm on a US-assembled laptop called BlueChip.

🍗 The final episode of Chicken Shop Date will hit theaters in select cities across the UK, Ireland, and France on November 24.

💳 Beast Industries and Mastercard are collabing on co-branded card programs and creator-focused initiatives.

📺 Tubi has announced plans for 10 long-form shows featuring 12 TikTok creators.