Breaking news

ElevenLabs Sets New Benchmark With Commercially Licensed AI Music Generation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 5, 2025

Evolving Capabilities in AI Audio

ElevenLabs, the trailblazer in text-to-speech and conversational AI technologies, has unveiled its latest model that allows users to generate music cleared for commercial use. Building on its three-year leadership in AI audio tools, the company is now expanding its portfolio to include innovative music generation solutions.

Redefining Audio Innovation

The new model not only showcases the company’s technical prowess but also marks a strategic pivot towards broader applications of AI-generated audio. Among the sample outputs is a synthetic rap verse, creatively blending cultural influences and iconic street narratives—a testament to how artificial intelligence is beginning to echo the lived experiences of legendary artists like Dr. Dre, N.W.A., and Kendrick Lamar.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Navigating Legal and Ethical Frontiers

As startups explore the transformative potential of AI in music, they must also address significant legal challenges. Recent litigation involving companies such as Suno and Udio underscores the complexities of training models on copyrighted material. With the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) at the forefront of these disputes, the path forward for AI in music generation is fraught with regulatory and ethical considerations.

Strategic Industry Collaborations

In a bid to mitigate these challenges, ElevenLabs has forged partnerships with digital publishing platforms including Merlin Network and Kobalt Music Group. These collaborations aim to utilize licensed music materials, with Merlin representing top-tier artists like Adele, Nirvana, and Phoebe Bridgers, and Kobalt boasting a roster that includes Beck, Bon Iver, and Childish Gambino. While the specific terms of these agreements remain undisclosed, they signal a proactive approach toward sustainable and respectful AI training practices.

Looking Ahead

By venturing into commercial music generation, ElevenLabs not only reinforces its position as an AI audio-generation unicorn but also sets a precedent for ethical and innovative applications of artificial intelligence in the creative industries. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI technology, its strategic initiatives and partnerships will likely influence the future landscape of digital audio.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

EU E-Commerce VAT Systems Generate €257.9 Million Revenue for Cyprus in 2024

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 11, 2025

Robust Revenue Growth Through Streamlined VAT Collection

Cyprus has demonstrated a significant fiscal boost in 2024 with €257.9 million generated from the European Union’s e-commerce VAT systems, according to Tax Commissioner Sotiris Markides. This impressive performance underscores the effectiveness of the One Stop Shop (OSS) and Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) frameworks in simplifying cross-border tax compliance.

Simplified Procedures for EU and Non-EU Businesses

The OSS system allows Cyprus-registered businesses to streamline VAT declaration and payment on sales to consumers in other EU countries. Companies simply register on the local OSS platform, apply the consumer’s VAT rate, aggregate their submissions quarterly or monthly, and remit a single consolidated payment. Subsequently, Cyprus allocates the appropriate share to each respective EU country. This efficient process extends to non-EU sellers as well, who can have their intra-EU distance sales managed under the Union Scheme.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Breakdown of VAT Revenue Streams

Last year’s declarations under the various schemes illustrate the system’s broad reach: €217.9 million was collected via the Union Scheme, €36.9 million through the Non-Union Scheme, and €3.1 million via the Import Scheme. While the Union Scheme caters to both EU and non-EU sellers engaging in distance sales, the Non-Union Scheme specifically accommodates non-EU firms delivering services to EU consumers. Furthermore, the Import Scheme targets goods valued at less than €150 that are imported from outside the EU.

Implications and Broader Impact

Implemented in July 2021 as an evolution from the more limited MOSS system, these reforms have not only consolidated tax collection through an expansive OSS but also integrated the IOSS for low-value imports. By designating certain online marketplaces as “deemed suppliers,” the new framework ensures that VAT collection is both efficient and equitable. Across the EU, these mechanisms have generated over €33 billion in VAT revenues in 2024, reflecting a successful effort to simplify tax compliance, reduce administrative burdens, and promote fair taxation across the bloc.