Spotify has acquired WhoSampled, a community-run database known for tracking sampled music. The acquisition aims to enhance Spotify's music discovery features, including the upcoming SongDNA tool. WhoSampled's extensive database of over 1.2 million songs and nearly 622,000 samples will power these features. The standalone WhoSampled platform and brand will remain, with expected improvements such as faster moderation times and removal of display ads.

The partnership between Spotify and WhoSampled dates back to 2016, allowing users to access Spotify playlists and saved tracks within the WhoSampled app. Both companies share a belief in the power of musical context and aim to help listeners explore music more deeply.

Auckland-based Kiki Club, a peer-to-peer subletting startup, faced consequences for violating New York City's short-term rental laws. The company launched in NYC with the goal of simplifying subletting but failed to comply with Local Law 18, which requires hosts to register with the Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) and meet specific criteria. Kiki did not verify almost 400 short-term rental transactions and did not submit quarterly reports of short-term rental transactions for eligible listings. As a result, Kiki agreed to pay over $152,000 to settle charges. Despite this setback, Kiki has announced its launch in London, where similar regulations exist regarding illegal renting.

Poly, backed by Y Combinator, has relaunched as a cloud-hosted file storage service enhanced with AI-powered search capabilities. Offering 100GB of free storage, Poly aims to streamline file organization and information retrieval.

The platform allows users to upload various file types, tag them, and utilize AI for summarization, translation, and intelligent organization. Poly competes with services like Dropbox and Google Drive, providing superior search functionality and generous free storage.

Future updates include web search, stylized report generation, a text editor, custom metadata support, and integration with Google Docs and AI agents for advanced analysis. Poly targets Gen AI native creators and knowledge workers, offering tools for efficient content research and file management.

The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have jointly imposed sanctions on Media Land, a Russian web hosting company, and its affiliates. This action is in response to allegations that Media Land's services were utilized by cybercriminals to launch ransomware attacks against U.S. entities and critical infrastructure.

The sanctions target the company's executives and aim to disrupt the services that 'bulletproof' hosting providers offer to cybercriminals, which enable them to conduct malicious activities. These services include hosting infrastructure for ransomware gangs like LockBit, BlackSuit, and Play.

In conjunction with the sanctions, U.S. cybersecurity agencies have released guidance to help organizations mitigate risks associated with bulletproof hosting providers. The U.K. also sanctioned Hypercore, a front company for Aeza Group, which is linked to Kremlin disinformation efforts.

Amazon's Prime Video is launching AI-generated "Video Recaps" to help viewers catch up on TV shows between seasons. This feature uses generative AI to create theatrical-quality season recaps with synchronized narration, dialogue, and music.

The beta rollout includes select Prime Originals like "Fallout," "Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan," and "Upload." This follows the previous AI-powered "X-Ray Recaps" feature, which summarized complete seasons, episodes, or parts of episodes, with safeguards to prevent spoilers.

Other streaming services are also exploring AI integration. YouTube TV uses a "Key Plays" feature for sports games, and Netflix is using generative AI in production, such as creating scenes in "The Eternaut" and making characters look younger in "Happy Gilmore 2."

The use of AI in the film industry has sparked debate, with concerns about its impact on artists' livelihoods, but some argue it can speed up tedious tasks and expand creative capacity.

Google Maps is introducing new features to enhance user experience and save time:

• Gemini-Powered Tips: A "know before you go" section provides useful information about searched places like restaurants and hotels, including reservation tips, secret menu items, and parking advice.
• Improved Explore Tab: Discover trending spots nearby more easily with curated lists from sources like Viator, Lonely Planet, and local influencers.
• EV Charger Availability Predictions: EV drivers can now see predicted charger availability upon arrival using AI analysis of historical and real-time data.
• Nickname Reviews: Users can leave reviews under a nickname while still being associated with their Google Account.

These updates are rolling out on Android and iOS, with EV charger predictions coming to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in.

Meta is notifying Australian Facebook and Instagram users under 16 about the upcoming social media ban effective December 10. Teens will lose access to existing accounts, and new accounts for those under 16 will be blocked starting December 4.

Upon turning 16, users can regain access to their accounts. The challenge lies in verifying users' ages accurately, given the difficulties and security risks associated with digital age checks and identity verification services. Vulnerabilities in these platforms can expose sensitive personal information.

Past incidents, such as the AU10TIX breach affecting TikTok, Uber, and X users, highlight the security concerns surrounding identity verification.