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Apple gets burned by the EU again – this time for geo-blocking you from some apps and movies
As the long saga of Apple-EU tensions continues, regulators have warned Apple to stop its practice of geo-blocking media content.
The EU has warned Apple to stop blocking media content based on where the user lives.The App Store, iTunes Store, Music, Apple Arcade, Books, and Podcasts are all named in the report.Apple has one month to reply with suggestions on how to improve.
The European Commission – the executive arm of the European Union – has warned Apple to desist from geo-blocking activities that it calls “discriminatory”.
In a press release posted to the official European Commission website, the Commission warned Apple to discontinue its practice of blocking Apple Media Services content based on where a user lives.
Apple Media Services comprises Apple’s digital storefronts and streaming services, and includes the App Store, Apple Arcade, Music, the iTunes Store, Books, and Podcasts.
It’s no secret that Apple tailors and restricts the content delivered through these services to specific national and regional markets, but this is rarely considered a form of discrimination.
However, the European Commission and the EU’s Consumer Protection Network have now notified Apple that these actions could contravene two EU regulations.
The EU’s Geo-blocking regulation forbids “unjustified discrimination” against an EU customer based on nationality, residence, or place of establishment when providing goods or services to customers in a different member state.
The Services Directive contains similar protections that forbid discriminatory provisions based on a customer’s nationality or place of residence.
Apple is, seemingly, generally loathe to cooperate with authorities if it can avoid doing so – see the company’s long history with the FBI – but the EU has managed to twist the arm of the world’s erstwhile most valuable company before.
It’s generally accepted that pressure from the EU was the main reason Apple switched to USB-C from the proprietary Lightning port. Though the rest of the mobile industry had long-since switched to USB-C, the Lightning port served as a valuable source of revenue for Apple through first-party sales and the “Made for iPhone” licensing scheme.
However, the EU announced regulation in 2022 forcing all device makers to adopt USB-C by the end of 2024, to reduce e-waste – Apple complied with the iPhone 15 lineup in 2023. Furthermore, the EU has successfully forced Apple to enable sideloading of apps and third-party App stores on iPhones sold in Europe.
We’ll probably see Apple fall in line with these regulations again, though there could be some consequences down the road – Apple Intelligence is still missing from EU iPhones, and Apple could continue to withhold features as retaliation for strong regulations. This is mostly conjecture at this point, though.
Apple has been given one month to reply to the European Commission, with suggestions on how to alleviate its own geo-blocking practices. Until then, be sure to keep up with our iPhone coverage for the latest updates.
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Konami says a reason it decided to make Metal Gear Solid Delta was due to the “newer, younger generation” who “aren’t familiar with the Metal Gear series anymore”
Konami has revealed that Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was made for the younger generation unfamiliar with the series.
Metal Gear series producer Noriaki Okamura has revealed new insight into the making of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake EaterOne reason why it decided to make the game is due to the younger generation being unfamiliar with the seriesKonami says it wants to preserve the series for future generations
Konami has revealed that Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was made for the younger generation who might be unfamiliar with the series.
Speaking in the latest Play issue (via GamesRadar), Metal Gear series producer Noriaki Okamura explained that the studio noticed that some new and younger gamers were unacquainted with the iconic series, which originally sparked the idea to remake Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
“One of the things that really sparked us to do the remake in general is because we realized that a lot of the newer, younger generation of gamers aren’t familiar with the Metal Gear series anymore”, Okamura said.
The original game was released 20 years ago in 2004, but Okamura said that although the upcoming remake is as much for the old-time fans as new ones, Konami also wants to preserve the series for future generations.
“It was basically our mission, our duty, to kind of continue making sure that the series lives on for future generations,” Okamura continued. “After all, we leave behind much more than just DNA, as Solid Snake would say – but again, who is Solid Snake?”
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater doesn’t have a release date just yet, but we know it will be launching in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Konami has also confirmed that all original voices from the 2004 Metal Gear Solid 3 will be used in the remake.
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Max password sharing: everything you need to know about the impending crackdown
Max has plans to crack down on those who share passwords – here’s what you need to know.
Max is the next streaming service hoping to put a stop to password sharing among subscribers. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) confirmed the password-sharing crackdown plans earlier this year and has since revealed when we can expect to learn more about when the new account restrictions will start to be enforced.
This news comes after a Max price hike, which saw an increase of $1 a month and $10 per year in June 2024. The streamer’s proposed password-sharing crackdown is essentially another form of a price rise, and more may be on the way over the coming months.
If you’re subscribed to some of the best streaming services, you’ll be all too familiar with their efforts to crack down on password sharing. Netflix’s password-sharing clampdown began in May 2023 and was followed by the Disney Plus password-sharing crackdown in Canada, the US, and UK (alongside Hulu in the US) in September 2024.
So, if you want to continue watching the best Max shows and best Max movies, you’ll want to know when these changes might take effect and what they’ll involve, which we’ll go into below. We’ll be updating this article as soon as we have more up to date information regarding Max’s password crackdown plans.
What are the Max password sharing rules?
(Image credit: Max)
Max is in the early stages of implementing a password-sharing crackdown. We learned more about Max’s password-sharing crackdown in November following WBD’s earnings call, where the company’s CEO of streaming JB Perrette said that it would start to share some “very soft messaging” later in December 2024.
We don’t have a confirmed date for when the changes will officially take effect, but Perrette did say that more progress on the crack down would occur during 2025 and 2026, so we can expect to hear more about when the changes will be enforced soon.
How will Max stop password sharing?
(Image credit: Macall Polay/HBO)
Max has not yet given clear guidance, but it has previously noted how well Netflix implemented the changes with its own service, so it is likely they will adopt a similar format to ensure people from different households aren’t sharing the same accounts.
Speaking at Morgan Stanley’s Technology, Media & Telecom conference in March 2024, WBD head of global streaming and games JB Perrette said: “We’re launching in a bunch of European markets as we go into the second and third quarter.
“And password sharing crack down, which, obviously, Netflix has implemented extremely successfully. We’re going to be doing that starting later this year and into ‘25, which is another growth opportunity for us.”
How much is Max charging for password sharing?
(Image credit: Max)
Max hasn’t enforced the restriction yet, but Max does have a more expensive tier called “Ultimate Ad Free”, which allows you to stream on four devices at once in the same household, so provided you’re living together, you’ll be able to share the account with up to four other people.
The Max plan costs $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year. This is the highest of the available tiers, as the cheapest is “With Ads” for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year or “Ad-Free” at $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year – both of which only let you stream on two devices at the same time.
As well as the ability to stream simultaneously with other household members, there are other benefits that come with the higher price tag, so it might be worth it if you use Max often.
These include the ability to stream in 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio, but these are as available on selected titles so there’s no guarantee every title in the library will be compatible with high definition streaming. You can also have up to 100 downloads to watch on the go if you’re traveling and need to stream offline.
What if I subscribed through a bundle from another company?
(Image credit: HBO)
We are anticipating that all Max subscribers will be affected by the change, if it will be following Netflix and Disney Plus’ password crackdown models. That means that the Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max mega bundle will also be impacted by the new account restrictions when these are enforced.
What if I want to use my Max account on holiday, or if I’m travelling for work?
(Image credit: Chris Delmas)
We don’t know about Max’s plans around this yet. At the time of writing, if you want to stream Max content while you’re abroad, you can only do so if it is available in the country you’re visiting.
The service is now accessible outside of the US. It’s available in Europe, except the UK, Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s also expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2025. For a full list of all the countries, visit the help page on Max’s site to find where it’s available.
Will Max let me use a VPN?
(Image credit: Proton)
Max, like other streaming services does block known IP addresses associated with some VPN networks, so it is not always guaranteed that you can stream using one.
If you are considering trying one of the best VPNs, you should be aware that it’s a potentially risky move, and what works today may well be blocked tomorrow.
Halliburton says ransomware attack cost it $35 million in losses
Recent cyberattack left a minor dent in the oil giant’s finances.
Halliburton confirmed losses in 8-K filing with the SECRansomware attack attributed to RansomHub occured in summer 2024The crooks stole some sensitive data, but the details are still unknown
Halliburton confirmed the ransomware attack which recently hit the company cost the business $35 million in losses.
The oil giant shared the news via a quarterly financial report, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In late August 2024, the company reported discovering an unauthorized third party in its systems, which forced it to take certain systems offline. As a result, its operations were limited, and certain clients disconnected, causing the company to lose millions of dollars.
Stealing data
Soon after the breach was announced, a threat actor called RansomHub assumed responsibility for the attack. This group gained notoriety after the Change Healthcare breach, having been confirmed as the affiliate that forced the healthcare giant to part ways with more than $20 million in ransom.
Unfortunately for the hackers, they never saw any of that money, since the ransomware’s operators, ALPHV, took all the loot and disappeared into the digital wilderness.
Still, RansomHub said it stole sensitive data from Halliburton, something the company also confirmed in a subsequent 8-K form. However, there is no word on the type of data stolen, or its amount.
“We experienced a $0.02 per share impact to our adjusted earnings from lost or delayed revenue due to the August cybersecurity event and storms in the Gulf of Mexico,” commented Jeff Miller, Chairman, President, and CEO at Halliburton.
“Our full year expectations for free cash flow and cash return to shareholders remain unchanged, and we expect both to accelerate in the fourth quarter.”
Halliburton is a global American multinational corporation that provides products and services to the energy industry, especially in oil and gas exploration, development, and production. It is present in more than 70 countries, and earns more than $20 billion in revenue. It currently employs more than 45,000 people.
Via BleepingComputer
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Hot Topic data breach thought to have hit nearly 54 million customers
An alleged data breach has exposed personal information of millions
Hot Topic data breach effects continue to emergeLeaked dataset reportedly includes encrypted credit card numbersThreat actor ‘Satanic’ has claimed responsibility
Breach notification site Have I Been Pwned has confirmed the personal data of 56,904,909 users was found online, leaked from Hot Topic, Torrid, and Box Lunch customers.
Threat actor ‘Satanic’ claimed responsibility for the breach, which was allegedly carried out through an infostealer infection, and made possible by weak security practices.
The dataset is reportedly on sale for $20,000 (although this has since been lowered to $4,000) and the hackers are demanding a $100,000 ransom from Hot Topic to remove the listing from the forums. Apparently, no notifications have been sent to customers as of yet.
Risk of identity theft
The leak reportedly occurred on October 19, but the data spans back all the way to 2011, so if you’ve used the Hot Topic website since then, we recommend being vigilant with your information just in case.
The data is said to have included email addresses, encrypted credit card numbers, physical addresses, and email addresses.
Reports suggest an employee’s device was infected with malware, which resulted in the theft of more than 240 credentials, leading to the extensive data breach.
When a person is affected by a data breach, the worry is that a threat actor may purchase their details and use them to commit identity theft. We’ve listed the best identity theft protections to help keep you safe.
Via BleepingComputer
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Forget Nikon RED cameras – Fujifilm just announced a medium-format GFX Eterna cinema beast
Fujifilm’s unveils its first-ever dedicated filmmaking camera, the GFX Eterna, which is set for a 2025 release.
Fujifilm’s first-ever dedicated filmmaking camera is called the GFX EternaRelease date planned for 2025It will feature the same 102MP medium-format sensor as the GFX100 II
Fujifilm has announced the development of its first-ever cinema camera, the Fujifilm GFX Eterna, which is slated for a 2025 release.
Fujifilm’s official statement does not provide much information, but it does contain enough to give us a picture of what to expect and to get excited about. It even includes the very first images of the medium-format beast, which you can see below.
It’ll use exactly the same 102MP medium-format CMOS II HS sensor and X-Processor 5 engine as the five-star-rated GFX100 II. This costly mirrorless camera leans more heavily toward video than the watered-down GFX100S II. However, the new GFX Eterna will go one further than the hybrid GFX100 II – which, in addition to 8K video skills, is also an excellent stills camera – as a fully-fledged filmmaking tool.
Its name, Eterna, is an obvious nod to one of Fujifilm’s most popular Film Simulations, a color profile that Fujifilm describes as “Based on ETERNA, a film designed for motion pictures, this Film Simulation mode minimises saturation to ensure that none of the colors stand out. It provides an extremely soft tonal gradation in highlights and deep shadows to prevent clipping, to reproduce a cinematic look.”
Alongside announcing the GFX Eterna, Fujifilm is developing a 32-90mm power-zoom cinema lens and a GF to PL mount adapter – the latter is an industry-standard lens mount. We don’t know the GFX Eterna’s list price yet, nor that of the lens, although to give you a rough ballpark, the GFX100 II was launched at $7,499 / £6,999 / AU$12,599.
(Image credit: Fujifilm )
A filmmaking industry shake-up?
Like Nikon with its RED camera takeover, Fujifilm is looking to disrupt the indie filmmaking market with an altogether different offering. Its larger medium-format sensor is a clear selling point over industry staples such as the RED Digital Camera Komodo and the Blackmagic Ursa-series. However, its infancy in the market could leave filmmaking stalwarts unconvinced.
On the other hand, Nikon is surely leveraging the RED name and the filmmaking tech it has owned since acquiring RED for its future video-focused cameras, including coveted color profiles developed by RED. Fujifilm is coming in new, utilizing its own sensor tech, which could be enough to tempt pros to give it a whirl. While its widely recognized Film Simulations could eventually win acclaim in this part of the industry that’s historically closed off to newcomers.
To be one of the best video cameras in this professional realm, Fujifilm needs to develop the Eterna hardware wisely. It will, of course, need the inputs demanded by pros, including an XLR input for serious audio equipment and built-in ND filters, which are likely a must. There’s also work to be done in creating cine lenses for the GF-mount, which are currently all photography-first lenses by design.
However, regarding the GFX Eterna, I’d have every confidence in Fujifilm making something pretty special at the first time of asking.
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LG reveals the future of in-car tech – including a virtual assistant that whisks tired drivers to a nearby coffee shop
The electronics giant unveils its vision for future vehicle infotainment systems.
LG concepts give us a glimpse of future infotainment systemsAdvanced AI can order a coffee if the car detects drowsy driversEven the steering wheel has a screen
Keen to position itself as a leader in next-generation automotive infotainment systems, LG Electronics has unveiled the third edition of its Mobility Labworks Series Digital Cockpit concept.
Designed to be a ‘modular’ system that automotive brands can easily implement in future vehicles, the concept consists of future displays, a look at next-generation human-machine-interface and the inclusion of advanced AI for safer driving and increased convenience.
The LG Vision Display concept is arguably the most recognizable modern infotainment system in the series, as it consists of a 12.3-inch Transparent OLED screen that offers key data, such as navigation, current speed and points of interest.
Like many of LG’s other innovations in its latest series, it is designed for high levels of autonomous driving and also features a 14.2-inch ‘roll-in-and-out Plastic OLED’ (P-OLED) display that’s embedded in the center console. This can be retracted when not in use to keep a clean interior aesthetic.
Continuing to riff on the idea that the next generation of drivers won’t actually have to do much driving, LG also showcases a touch-sensitive curved OLED display that has been integrated into the steering wheel.
(Image credit: LG)
This takes care of driving settings and allows the driver to easily manage navigation and climate control when piloting the car, but also doubles-up as a multimedia hub for when the car takes over driving duties.
More importantly, LG has incorporated what it refers to as its ‘AI-based virtual assistant’ that can detect if a driver is getting tired and will suggest entering autonomous modes.
Furthermore, it can even navigate to a nearby coffee shop for a rest, as well as order and pay for said coffee via the screen’s built-in fingerprint recognition sensor.
Arguably the most audacious of all the concepts is LG’s slightly long-winded ‘Connectivity & Content Solution for Seamless Entertainment and Smart Mobility’. This effectively transforms the rear passenger seats into an interactive entertainment hub, highlighting the company’s webOS platform via a plethora of screens.
It features a large display console that’s attached to an armrest, as well as an entire unit that wraps over the heads of passengers and places another high-definition screen in front of their eyes.
According to the electronics specialist, this system allows users to navigate content and control volume using hand gestures.
LG continues its advance into the automotive space
(Image credit: LG)
It comes as no surprise that South Korean electronics giant LG has already started to work alongside fellow homegrown talent in the Hyundai Motor Group.
The upcoming EV3 features LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP), which is powered by webOS, while the Genesis GV80 debuted an earlier version last year.
Designed to mimic the user-interface found on LG’s range of smart TVs, the operating system is constantly being updated with new content that can be listened to on-the-move or streamed while stationary.
In some markets, the Hyundai Motor Group offers access to LG Channels, which offers over 80 live TV channels, real-time news updates and over 400 VOD content options, including movies, dramas, and animated series for children.
The natural next step for LG is to start designing and manufacturing the physical displays that this operating system will run on (as handily highlighted by its Mobility Labworks Series), taking some of the technological heavy lifting out of the hands of automotive manufacturers.
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Microsoft Visio files used to carry out dangerous phishing attacks
A new two-step phishing campaign was recently spotted leveraging compromised email accounts.
Crooks are embedding malicious links in Microsoft Visio filesThe files are distributed via compromised email accountsThe goal of the campaign is to steal Microsoft 365 login credentials
Security researchers from Perception Point have spotted a new two-step phishing campaign aiming to steal people’s Microsoft 365 login credentials. It includes compromised email accounts, compromised SharePoint accounts, and some convincing – but fake – purchase orders.
The attack starts with a hacked Microsoft SharePoint account, where the criminals would upload a file using Microsoft Visio – the company’s tool for making professional diagrams and charts, creating files with the .VSDX extension.
The crooks would embed a malicious URL in this file leading to a fake Microsoft 365 login page. Victims that make it this far usually try to log into their accounts, thus sharing the login credentials with the attackers.
Abusing people’s email accounts
Then, the attackers would compromise someone’s email account, and use it to distribute the phishing messages. Since these emails would be coming from otherwise legitimate sources, they are very likely to make it past any email security protections. The body of the message itself is your usual phishing content, sharing a fake purchase order, or something similar.
In some cases, the crooks would also share another email message as an attachment (.EMI files), all in an attempt to hide the malicious intent lurking in the SharePoint account. When it comes to obfuscations, the crooks added another layer in the Visio file itself – the call to action leading to the fake login page can only be clicked while holding the Control (CTRL) button on the keyboard.
“Asking for the Ctrl key press input relies on a simple interaction that a human user can perform, effectively bypassing automated systems that are not designed to replicate such behaviors,” Perception Point explained in its research.
We don’t know exactly how many companies were targeted, or fell victim to this attack, but the researchers claim they are in the hundreds, and are located all around the world.
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Many workers say they’re embarassed to use AI at work — despite bosses wanting them to do more
AI adoption in the workplace is slowing down, despite encouragement from bosses.
Slack survey finds AI usage levelling out among workersMany workers say they feel embarassed telling their boss they’ve used AIHowever many companies and bosses want workers to do more AI work
The use and adoption of AI tools in the workplace appears to be plateauing among employees, new research from Slack has claimed.
The latest Workforce Index survey from the online collaboration platform found adoption rates of AI tools have stalled over the last three months, increasing from 32% to just 33%, with slowing engagement from workers in the US seemingly one of the major factors.
This is despite bosses and executives having a strong appetite for adopting AI tools at work as the hype around the technology shows little sign of abating.
AI usage at work
Slack’s survey consulted over 17,000 workers across the world, defined as “desk workers” who covered roles from “executive management” down to “skilled office worker”, and uncovered a growing sense of uncertainty and discomfort when it comes to using AI at work.
Much of this concern seems to reflect a lack of guidance over the use of AI technology in many offices and workplaces, with workers unsure how much they could start utilizing the assistance.
Admitting they were using AI tools to bosses was apparently a major factor for US workers, almost half (48%) of whom said they were concerned they would be seen as lazy or incompetent for using the technology – or even accused of cheating.
However, workers who said they were comfortable talking about their use of AI with their manager were 67% more likely to have used it for work – and many workers said they were keen to learn more and gain better AI skills, with 76% saying they felt an urgency to become an AI expert.
This rush could partly be because nearly two-thirds (61%) of workers say they have spent less than five hours total learning how to use AI, and 30% say they’ve had no AI training at all.
Going forward, the onus now appears to be on the companies themselves, as having AI adoption stall could be a major issue when it comes to staying competitive.
The survey found that bosses do want their employees to work on AI training, hoping the skills will make them more innovative and allow for more work on existing projects. However Slack notes that making the workplace more open to AI tools, and giving proper guidance, will be what really matters to workers.
“Too much of the burden has been put on workers to figure out how to use AI. To ensure adoption of the technology, it’s important that leaders not only train workers, but encourage employees to talk about it and experiment with AI out in the open,” said Christina Janzer, SVP of Research and Analytics at Slack.
“The arrival of AI agents – with clearly defined roles and guidelines – will also help with adoption, alleviating the ambiguity and anxiety many workers feel around using AI at work.” she continued.
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Microsoft teams up with the Vatican to bring an AI experience of St Peter’s Basilica to the masses
Microsoft has teamed up with the Vatican to allow people from around the globe to see St Peter’s Basilica.
A new AI exhibition lets you visit the Vatican online for freeThe collaboration uses AI and photogrammetry to preserve St Peter’s BasilicaThe project is in celebration of the 2025 Holy Year Jubilee
Microsoft has teamed up with the Vatican to bring St Peter’s Basilica online using the power of AI, enabling people anywhere in the world to visit the famous religious site without leaving home.
The La Basilica di San Pietro experience is a collaboration between the Vatican, Iconem (a startup specializing in the digitalization of cultural heritage sites), and Microsoft, allowing unprecedented access to the Vatican City’s most famous church. Visitors will have access to two AI-enabled immersive exhibits of the Basilica and an interactive website.
The project is in celebration of the 2025 Holy Year Jubilee and hopes to make the iconic structure and artwork more accessible worldwide. The official site says, “The Pétros enì exhibit will give the 35 million pilgrims in Rome an immersive, in-person experience of a lifetime, and it will also help more than a billion Catholics unable to make the trip feel like they’re in the moment.”
At the time of writing, the link to access the AI version of St Peter’s Basilica requires a Microsoft work or school account, but we expect access to be expanded sooner rather than later and will update this article in due course.
The launch trailer shows the work that has gone into recreating the incredible landmark using AI and photogrammetry, and it’s seriously impressive. Iconem, a company focused on digital preservation, was able to use AI and advanced photogrammetry (using 2D images to create a 3D model) to create an incredibly realistic 3D replica of the Basilica in just a month.
Iconem took over 400,000 high-resolution images and scanned the whole church using drones, cameras, and lasers, with all the data backed up to Microsoft’s Azure Cloud. From there, the website explains, the company created an “ultra-precise 3D model, or a digital twin of the Basilica. AI-generated imagery taken from Iconem’s photogrammetry data enhanced visualization of both the interior and exterior of the Basilica, allowing visitors to explore every intricate detail from anywhere in the world.”
Microsoft didn’t just provide Azure Cloud, however, the company was at the core of the AI tech used by Iconem to recreate St Peter’s Basilica. The website adds: “Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab contributed advanced tools that refined the digital twin with millimeter-level accuracy and used AI to help detect and map structural vulnerabilities like cracks and missing mosaic tiles. The Vatican oversaw the collaboration, ensuring the preservation of the Basilica as a cultural, spiritual, and historically significant site for years to come.”
What does the future hold for AI tourism?
This impressive collaboration between one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations and tech companies is just a glimpse at what the future could hold for AI tourism. This same process could be replicated for any major landmark, giving more people the opportunity to access them, without the barrier to entry of cost or accessibility.
For many, Rome is a bucket-list destination, but flying there from anywhere outside of Europe can be expensive. With this new AI exhibition letting Catholics and tourists alike visit St Peter’s Basilica, it’s another example of an AI tourism revolution that makes bucket-list travel something you can experience at home with a computer or a VR headset.
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