Hyrule Hears: New York Times Teams Up with Amazon - Is This Wisdom, Courage, or Just Plain Greed?

A Kingdom United... or Sold Out?

Greetings loyal subjects! Princess Zelda here reporting from Hyrule... wait no scratch that. From the front lines of the digital domain! Today's news is about the New York Times cozying up with Amazon. Yes *that* Amazon the one that probably knows more about you than even Navi knows about Link. Apparently the Times has struck a deal to let Amazon use their content in its AI platforms. As they say in Hyrule 'Well excuuuuuse me Princess!' But seriously folks what's going on?

Alexa Find Me the Ethics!

The agreement means Amazon can now feed Times articles into things like Alexa and use them to train their AI models. It includes the NYT Cooking and The Athletic which I am sure would be a great way to train AI perhaps it will learn to make the best mushroom skewers or the most tactical of korok leaf plays. Imagine asking Alexa for a recipe and getting a Pulitzer worthy analysis of the perfect pot roast! Or asking how to dunk a basketball and it gives you a dissertation on athletic prowess. They’re calling it ‘real time display of summaries and short excerpts.’ I’m calling it… potentially problematic. Where is the line drawn people? It is as blurry as the boundaries of the Lost Woods.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Now you might remember the Times sued Microsoft and OpenAI for copyright infringement last year. Accusing them of using their content without permission. It was a huge ruckus! Microsoft and OpenAI were trying to pull a fast one they even tried to get the case dismissed like a Bokoblin trying to run from Link. But now they're willingly handing over content to Amazon? It's like Ganon suddenly deciding he wants to be besties with the Sages. What gives?

If You Can't Beat 'Em License 'Em!

Apparently a lot of news outlets are choosing licensing deals over lawsuits. The New York Daily News and the Center for Investigative Reporting also sued Microsoft and OpenAI. Perhaps the legal battles are more draining than facing a horde of Stalfos. So instead of fighting they're joining the 'give your content to the tech giants' party. Seems like everyone's looking for a piece of the tech pie even if it means sharing the secret recipe.

Amazon's AI Rampage

Amazon's been on a generative AI spree lately. Launching everything from the Alexa+ (I picture a beefed up AI powered version of my old friend) to Nova models and Trainium chips. They've got a shopping chatbot and even a marketplace for third party models called Bedrock! Are they trying to take over the world? Oh wait I have seen this plot before maybe this is all Ganondorf's master plan. One AI at a time. It is very suspicious...

Courage or Cowardice? A Princess's Perspective

So what does it all mean? Is the New York Times showing wisdom by adapting to the changing times? Or are they sacrificing their integrity for a pot of rupees? Is this a calculated risk or a desperate move? Only time will tell if this partnership is a force for good or if it will unleash a new era of AI fueled chaos. As for me I’m off to consult the Triforce. May the Goddesses watch over us all!