News

AI In The Music Industry: A Blessing Or A Curse?

Emdee Jabr, Senior Music Producer at Anghami believes the technology can improve workflows, but cautions the replacement of human creativity.

Published

2 months ago

March 13, 2024

Nour Nasir

ai in the music industry a blessing or a curse

During Riyadh’s recent XP Music Futures conference, delegates and industry thought leaders delved into some fascinating discussions surrounding the future of music production. Of particular interest was the topic of artificial intelligence and how AI tools could be integrated into the creative process of music production in new and innovative ways.

One notable attendee of XP Music Futures was Emdee Jabr, Senior Music Producer at Anghami. The industry professional has over a decade of experience and recently shared his thoughts on the emergence of artificial intelligence technology within the music industry.

Emdee believes that although AI can offer unique possibilities for musicians and producers, such as automated composition and intelligent sound processing, it lacks emotional depth. However, the Anghami producer does acknowledge that AI can significantly accelerate production workflows.

“[AI can help by] automating tasks, improving efficiency, and providing data-driven insights. However, it faces challenges in replicating human creativity, making it crucial to strike a balance between automation and human intuition to achieve a successful and innovative outcome”.

Although it’s clear that AI can work as a powerful production assistant, it seems to Emdee and other professionals that its full integration into the creative process is still very much a work in progress. The technology also raises several legitimate concerns.

Also Read: Best Music Streaming Services In The Middle East

“On the negative side of AI, concerns arise regarding job displacement, potential homogenization of artistic expression, and the risk of over-reliance on technology, potentially diluting the human touch and intuition in art. The key is finding a balance that maximizes the benefits while preserving the unique aspects of human creativity”.

As a music producer, it’s clear that Emdee Jabr sees AI as a tool still in its beginning stages. The producer is keen to emphasize the importance of utilizing human creativity and using AI for inspiration rather than entirely replacing songwriters, musicians, and producers.

News

Apple Announces New iPad Pro With M4 Chip And Updated iPad Air

“This is the biggest day for iPad since its introduction,” said CEO Tim Cook in a video posted to Apple’s website.

Published

19 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Nour Nasir

Apple

Apple’s latest updates to its popular iPad Air and Pro models were announced on Tuesday, May 7. These are the first changes since 2022, the longest stretch between new models since the iconic device was revealed in 2011.

Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions of the iPad Pro have received a huge design overhaul. The most noteworthy change is the move to OLED screens, with the 12.9-inch version receiving a small bump in size to 13 inches. Apple claims the new tablets are brighter and more vibrant than outgoing models, thanks to a technology it calls “tandem OLED” or “Ultra Retina XDR”.

The 13-inch model now measures an astonishing 5.1 mm in thickness, which Apple says is its slimmest device ever. (The 11-inch version is 5.3 mm thick.) For those who prefer the look of a matte display, a nano-texture coating will also be available for the first time on the Pro models.

Finally, the new iPad Pros have received a processor bump to the latest M4 chip, which Apple says is an “outrageously powerful chip for AI”, offering an example of its ability to quickly and efficiently isolate subjects from backgrounds in videos.

The iPad Pro 11-inch starts at $999, and the larger 13-inch version starts at $1,299 with 256GB of storage.

Updated iPad Air In Two Sizes

The sixth-generation iPad Air didn’t receive as many upgrades as the iPad Pro but significantly does now come in two sizes. As with the Pro models, buyers now have the choice between an 11-inch and 13-inch screen, meaning they don’t need to invest in a Pro version just to get a 30% bump in display size.

Apple kept the same design for the iPad Air that it first revealed in 2020, complete with a USB-C port and Touch ID in the top button. The only difference is the front camera placement, which has been moved to the center of the iPad when in landscape orientation.

The 11-inch iPad Air is priced at $599 for the entry-level model, while the 13-inch version starts at $799.

Also Read: How To Clean Your Apple Watch Like A Pro

New Magic Keyboard Case

Apple also announced an updated (thinner, lighter) Magic Keyboard for its Pro iPads. The refreshed version now includes a function row (with controls for screen brightness). An aluminum palm rest and large trackpad with haptic feedback also help the premium case feel more like a Macbook.

The new Magic Keyboard is available for both the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pros and will be priced at $299 or $349, respectively.

Apple Pencil Pro

Apple also announced a new Apple Pencil, named Pro, at its event. The new model looks exactly the same but adds a “squeeze” function that opens a new tool palette. Meanwhile, a built-in gyroscope sensor lets you alter the orientation of the tools you’re using as you twist the device, offering finer control. Finally, the new pencil gets support for Apple’s Find My network, which should keep minds at rest at the prospect of losing the $129 device.

Finally, to round off Apple’s series of announcements, the entry-level iPad was reduced to $349 — a $100 price cut.