By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief An AI 'artist' known as Breaking Rust made history in November, as its song “Walk My Walk” hit number on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. It is the first time an AI-created song has topped a Billboard chart, although it does not mean it was the most listened to country song in America. That honor goes to Morgan Wallen’s “I Got … [Read more...] about AI ‘Musician’ Breaking Rust Hits Number One on Billboard Chart
Artificial Intelligence
AI ‘Musicians’ Like Xania Monet Are Appearing on Billboard Charts
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The worst nightmare for musicians has come true, as AI 'artists' are now replacing them on Billboard charts. "AI music is no longer a fantasy or niche curiosity among internet sleuths; it’s here, and it’s already beginning to have an impact on Billboard’s charts," the music authority reported. "In just the past few months, at least six AI … [Read more...] about AI ‘Musicians’ Like Xania Monet Are Appearing on Billboard Charts
Spotify Working With Major Labels to Implement “Responsible” AI Tools
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Leading music streamer Spotify is working with major music labels to develop AI systems that empower musicians and protect their copyright. The move comes amid a wave of concern over the millions of AI-created songs being uploaded to music streamers. Around the world, high-profile musicians have spoken out about AI companies … [Read more...] about Spotify Working With Major Labels to Implement “Responsible” AI Tools
Spielwarenmesse: AI and Mindfulness the Top Toy Trends of 2026
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The future of play will be shaped by both artificial intelligence and an appetite for unplugged creativity, according to the international TrendCommittee of Spielwarenmesse. The committee has just announced its two major ToyTrends for 2026, which it describes as “AI Loves (to) Play” and “Creative Mindfulness.” Drawing on their decades of … [Read more...] about Spielwarenmesse: AI and Mindfulness the Top Toy Trends of 2026
Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For an actor that has appeared for just seconds in a short online video, Tilly Norwood has created an awful lot of controversy. It's got nothing to do with her acting, and everything to do with the fact Tilly Norwood isn't human. In fact, other than some lines of code, Tilly Norwood doesn't actually exist. Instead, Norwood is simply a … [Read more...] about Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors
Gotendai Using AI to Turn Care Bears Into ‘Digital Companions’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Cloudco Entertainment is partnering with artificial intelligence startup Gotendai to launch an interactive mobile app featuring the Care Bears as digital companions. The app, set to debut in early 2026 on iOS in the U.S., will allow users to interact with 3D animated versions of classic Care Bears, including Grumpy Bear, Bedtime Bear and … [Read more...] about Gotendai Using AI to Turn Care Bears Into ‘Digital Companions’
AI Firm Anthropic Pays $1.5 Billion in Largest Ever Copyright Settlement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The artificial intelligence developer Anthropic has agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle claims that it downloaded millions of pirated books to train its large language models (LLMs). Attorneys and legal experts say the settlement is the largest copyright settlement in U.S. history, even though one important aspect of the plaintiff's case … [Read more...] about AI Firm Anthropic Pays $1.5 Billion in Largest Ever Copyright Settlement
Barbie as a Chatbot? Mattel and OpenAI Unveil Strategic Partnership
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The toy industry giant Mattel, Inc. and artificial intelligence company OpenAI have announced a new strategic partnership to develop AI-powered products and experiences based on Mattel’s portfolio of brands. The partners say their collaboration will focus on integrating OpenAI’s technology into Mattel’s toy and game offerings, with an … [Read more...] about Barbie as a Chatbot? Mattel and OpenAI Unveil Strategic Partnership
CISAC Study Predicts Human Creators Will Lose Revenue to Generative AI
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief At its heart, the entire entertainment industry is based on the work of human content creators, be they musicians, artists or writers, but that relationship is now threatened by the advent of Generative AI. That's the view of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), which has just released a study … [Read more...] about CISAC Study Predicts Human Creators Will Lose Revenue to Generative AI
Members Only: TLL’s Top 8 Licensing Trends for 2025
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The licensing industry is undergoing a period of extremely rapid change, thanks largely to a variety of economic and political factors, but even more to the rapid development of new technologies that have opened up new opportunities for the brand licensing sector. That’s not surprising. Rapid advances in technology always create new … [Read more...] about Members Only: TLL’s Top 8 Licensing Trends for 2025