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Amazon's satellite constellation reaches key threshold, commercial internet service on the horizon

Amazon's low-Earth orbit satellite network, known as Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), has crossed a critical milestone. With 396 satellites now in orbit following the 14th launch mission, the constellation has enough capacity to provide continuous internet service across initial latitudes, according to heise.de. "The 'Leo Atlas' launch campaign is complete." The deployment campaign that relied on United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rockets has concluded. Future launches will shift to ULA's new Vulcan heavy-lift rocket, which heise.de reported will increase deployment capacity. The most recent launch on July 2 added 29 satellites, as noted by theregister.com. Amazon is now racing toward commercial availability. However, the timeline varies across reports. Hacker News stated that Amazon targets commercial service by mid-2026, while theregister.com reported that the company plans to begin providing actual service later this year. The slightly different projections may reflect a phased rollout versus full commercial launch. The constellation still has ground to cover to catch up with SpaceX's Starlink, which Hacker News noted launched its beta in 2020 with nearly 900 satellites. Amazon is positioning the network as a direct rival to Starlink, according to theregister.com. "Amazon's satellite count is significantly behind SpaceX's Starlink." The 396-satellite figure represents a crucial stepping stone, but Amazon will need to ramp up deployment speed with the Vulcan rocket to close that gap and deliver on its promised internet service in a competitive market.

3 sources · 4 Jul

Geely enlists Brazilian celebrity couple to accelerate EV push in South America's largest market

Chinese automaker Geely has turned to one of Brazil's most beloved celebrity couples, Fernanda Lima and Rodrigo Hilbert, as brand ambassadors to rapidly build trust and visibility in the country's growing electric vehicle market. The company only entered Brazil last year and is now accelerating its marketing efforts through local influencer partnerships, according to The Economist. "Chinese brands are gaining traction in Brazil, with consumers perceiving Chinese technology as superior to American alternatives." This positive consumer perception gives Geely and other Chinese manufacturers a useful edge as they compete with established Western automakers. The strategy pairs cultural marketing with aggressive expansion into Latin America's largest economy. "Chinese brands are gaining popularity in Brazil, with companies like Geely, BYD, and Great Wall Motors investing billions in manufacturing and marketing." That wave of investment goes well beyond advertising. Chinese EV firms are building local production capacity and taking advantage of Brazil's incentives for electrified vehicles, positioning themselves for long-term dominance rather than a quick sales push. Geely's choice of Lima and Hilbert is particularly strategic: the couple are household names across Brazilian demographics, giving the brand immediate recognition and an aura of reliability. By pairing celebrity endorsements with substantial manufacturing commitments, Chinese automakers are working to convert short-term buzz into lasting market share in a country where EV adoption is still in its early stages.

2 sources · 4 Jul

Musk Calls WSJ Report of SpaceX AI Handset 'Utterly False' as Details Emerge

Elon Musk has publicly denied a Wall Street Journal report claiming that SpaceX is developing a handset-like AI device, calling the story "utterly false." The denial was amplified via social media, with Musk's associate DogeDesigner posting the rebuttal, according to Zero Hedge. The report had generated buzz by suggesting SpaceX was moving beyond satellite communications into consumer hardware. The Wall Street Journal, as relayed by MacRumors, reported that SpaceX showed investors a prototype of a handset-like AI device designed to compete with Apple. The device was described as slimmer than an iPhone, running a proprietary operating system, using a Qualcomm chipset, and integrating AI from Musk's xAI subsidiary. Android Authority also covered the initial report, noting the device would feature Qualcomm silicon and a custom OS. "utterly false." Musk's blunt denial, posted in response to a now-deleted tweet as noted by Android Authority, casts doubt on whether such a prototype ever existed or was shown. The denial stands in stark contrast to the detailed technical specifications cited in the original article. Beyond the device itself, Zero Hedge discussed broader momentum around SpaceX's Starlink positioning as a potential mobile carrier to challenge traditional telecom companies. That context suggests the handset rumor may have emerged from speculation about Starlink's expansion into direct-to-device services. MacRumors added that Musk has previously discussed creating an "everything app" similar to China's WeChat. That long-standing ambition could explain why some investors might interpret Starlink's growth as a step toward a dedicated hardware device, even if Musk now insists the specific prototype story is false.

3 sources · 3 Jul

Spike Chunsoft Brings Steins;Gate Octet of Shifting Space Westward in Retro PC Style

Spike Chunsoft has announced that the visual novel STEINS;GATE: Octet of Shifting Space will be released in the West on PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Switch, and PC via Steam, according to Gematsu. The game originally launched in Japan for PC in October 2011, but the western release presents it with a distinctly retro feel. Gematsu described the title as a "retro-style visual novel," while Bleeding Cool elaborated on its unique presentation: "The game takes a unique retro approach by adapting a 2011 title into a format styled after late '80s/early '90s PC gaming." This aesthetic choice sets the title apart from the franchise's usual visual style. In Japan, Spike Chunsoft plans to include the game as an early purchase bonus with the physical edition of STEINS;GATE RE:BOOT, Gematsu reported. However, details on how Western players will obtain the game have yet to be revealed. No release date has been confirmed for either region, Bleeding Cool noted. Fans of the series will have to wait for further announcements on availability and pricing in the West.

2 sources · 4 Jul

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 to Deliver Its Final Content Drop on July 8 After a Decade of Support

Bandai Namco and Dimps have set a July 8 launch date for "Future Saga Chapter 4," the final DLC for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, according to announcements and a new trailer from the publisher. The decade-old game is receiving what appears to be its last major content update, and the publisher has teased additional reveals in the days leading up to the release. "This appears to be the final DLC release for the decade-old game, marking the first of several reveals planned over the coming days." Bleeding Cool noted that the announcement trailer doubles as the first of several planned reveals, building anticipation for two unannounced surprises. Gematsu reported that those specific reveals are scheduled for July 4 and 5, just before the DLC drops. The DLC pack includes new playable characters Chronoa and Goku in new forms, an Extra Missions Arc, Parallel Quests, new moves, costumes, Super Souls, a new stage, and loading screen illustrations, as detailed by Gematsu. The breadth of content suggests that Bandai Namco is giving Xenoverse 2 a substantial farewell rather than a modest sendoff. With the game having launched in 2016, its continued support for nearly a decade is a rarity in the fighting-game space. The July 8 release of Future Saga Chapter 4 marks the end of an era for one of Dragon Ball's longest-running video game entries, though the publisher has not ruled out further surprises after the launch.

2 sources · 4 Jul

Spike Chunsoft Pushes Danganronpa 2×2 to 2027, Reveals Dual Story Modes and Collector's Edition

Spike Chunsoft and Gemdrops have delayed the release of Danganronpa 2×2 from 2026 to early 2027, the companies announced. The game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam, according to both Noisy Pixel and Gematsu. At launch, players will find two distinct story modes: Original mode, a retelling of Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair with updated visuals, and a completely new alternate scenario called Slayhem mode. Noisy Pixel reported that Slayhem mode features different victims, culprits, and murder methods, containing roughly 20% more content than the original. "Slayhem mode (a completely new alternate scenario with different victims, culprits, and murder methods, containing roughly 20% more content than the original)" This substantial new content gives returning fans a fresh mystery to unravel while preserving the classic Danganronpa experience. Gematsu additionally detailed the "Psycho Tropical Vacation Package" collector's edition, priced at $139.99. The set includes a variety of physical extras, though the specific contents were not fully listed in the announcements captured by either outlet. The enhanced world map was also confirmed as a new feature. "Details on the 'Psycho Tropical Vacation Package' collector's edition ($139.99) and new features like 'Slayhem Mode' and an enhanced world map were also revealed." With the extra development time and the ambitious Slayhem mode, Spike Chunsoft appears to be aiming for a polished and expanded package when Danganronpa 2×2 arrives in early 2027.

2 sources · 4 Jul

Beyoncé Drops 'Morning Dew (Donk),' a Pharrell Collab from the Vaults, to Kick Off B'Day Reissue Campaign

Beyoncé surprised fans on July 4 with the release of a new single, 'Morning Dew (Donk),' a slow-groove track that simultaneously celebrates Independence Day and the 20th anniversary of her sophomore album B'Day. According to Deadline, the release kicks off a 60-day countdown to her birthday and the upcoming reissue of B'Day, which originally came out in September 2006. ELLE reported that Beyoncé kicked off the holiday with the song to mark the reissue. "Beyoncé surprised fans on July 4th by releasing a new song called 'Morning Dew (Donk),' a slow-groove track." The track represents her first new music since 2024's Cowboy Carter, Stereogum noted. Co-written and co-produced by Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams, the song also credits The-Dream and Darius Dixson as co-writers, according to Pitchfork. The collaborators helped craft a piece that bridges her past and present. "Fans were already aware of the track's existence as it had been registered in copyright databases since 2013, with a snippet circulating on social media in 2021 and a full version leaking in 2023." Folha further reported that the track was originally recorded in 2013 but left off her self-titled album Beyoncé. The song's long journey to an official release adds a layer of history for longtime listeners. Pitchfork noted that 'Morning Dew (Donk)' will appear on the upcoming reissue of B'Day, scheduled for September 4, and that the release includes a visual featuring old footage shot by photographer Cliff Watts. The reissue campaign turns a birthday milestone into a broader retrospective moment for the album that defined her early solo career.

5 sources · 4 Jul

Nirvana's Grunge Anthem 'Breed' to Anchor Anime Adaptation of Viral Manga

The anime adaptation of the manga "The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't A Guy At All" will open with Nirvana's 1991 track "Breed," as announced at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles, according to Stereogum. The manga, which originally gained popularity on Twitter, is known for its heavy Nirvana references. Stereogum noted that a character is introduced wearing a Nirvana hoodie, tying the story's aesthetic directly to the band. "Dave Grohl commented on the adaptation, suggesting Kurt Cobain would have loved the manga." Grohl's endorsement adds a layer of authenticity to the collaboration, bridging the gap between '90s grunge culture and contemporary anime fandom. The choice of "Breed" as the opening theme is a fitting selection, given the manga's embedded homages. The song's raw energy and iconic riff will likely introduce the series to a new generation of listeners, while long-time Nirvana fans may find themselves drawn to the adaptation. With the anime now in production, the convergence of grunge and manga underscores a growing trend of cross-cultural musical licensing in Japanese animation. Stereogum's report highlights how the project has already generated buzz across both music and anime communities.

2 sources · 4 Jul

Zach Bryan Teases 'Young Manhood And Other Donatable Organs' With Stripped-Down Videos

Zach Bryan has announced a new EP titled "Young Manhood And Other Donatable Organs" and shared acoustic performances of two songs, "Lodi When" and "Better Friends," on YouTube, according to Stereogum. The stripped-down videos offer a first look at the project, which follows a busy stretch of releases for the country star. "Young Manhood And Other Donatable Organs" The EP's deliberately odd title continues a pattern of unexpected moves from Bryan, who has been steadily rolling out new material. Stereogum reported that the announcement comes on the heels of the single "Breakfast In Bed" and a teased track called "Pocket Change," suggesting the singer is staying prolific even while on tour. Bryan is currently supporting his January album "With Heaven On Top" with a stadium tour, and the new EP appears to be a companion piece. Stereogum noted that the acoustic previews were posted as "acoustic snippets," giving fans a raw, unpolished taste of the songs before a full release. "acoustic snippets" The decision to preview the EP with minimalist performances rather than studio cuts signals an intimate approach to the rollout. With both a new album and an EP in rapid succession, Bryan seems determined to keep his audience engaged as the tour continues across major venues.

2 sources · 4 Jul

Joseph Zada Stars as Young Haymitch in New 'Hunger Games' Prequel Promo Released on Reaping Day

Lionsgate has released a new promo for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," offering the first look at Joseph Zada as the young Haymitch Abernathy. The prequel film is set to hit theaters on November 20, according to both Deadline and Variety. The promo was dropped on July 4, which Deadline noted coincides with the character's birthday and Reaping Day in the story. The brief clip features an exchange between Haymitch and his girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird, played by Whitney Peak, as reported by Deadline. Variety described the release as a "Meet Haymitch" featurette that includes scenes from Haymitch's Reaping Day, his Capitol interviews, and the 50th Hunger Games. The featurette provides the first footage of Zada in the role, following the casting announcement. The film adapts Suzanne Collins's upcoming novel of the same name, exploring the events of the Second Quarter Quell that made Haymitch the victor of District 12. The November 20 release date places it four years after the previous Hunger Games prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes."

2 sources · 4 Jul

Prince William Joins Kelce Brothers' Podcast Hours Before Travis Kelce's Reported Wedding to Taylor Swift

Prince William made a surprise appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce's "New Heights" podcast, a conversation that dropped on the same day Travis Kelce is reportedly set to marry Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden, according to Variety. The 30-minute interview covered everything from soccer to Swift's Eras Tour, blending royal curiosity with sports banter. Jason Kelce introduced William with an elaborate list of his royal titles, setting a tone of playful reverence. "It's not every day we get to interview royalty instead of athletes," Jason quipped, as reported by Variety. The Prince of Wales, a known Aston Villa fan, discussed his love of soccer and his anticipation for the upcoming World Cup. "I think it's a very different sport, but I love it. I love the energy." William also revealed a surprising family detail during the conversation. According to Rolling Stone, the prince said his father, King Charles, "doesn't like football," contrary to public assumptions about the monarchy's sporting preferences. The episode included a noteworthy moment about Wembley Stadium, where William recalled Travis Kelce scoring a touchdown there in 2015 during an NFL game. The discussion also touched on William's experience attending Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in 2024, a show he attended with his children. The Hollywood Reporter noted the appearance was teased on social media and announced via Instagram, building buzz ahead of the wedding day. "It was epic. The kids absolutely loved it. We had the best time." William's appearance on the podcast, just hours before Travis Kelce's nuptials, added a surreal layer to an already celebrity-filled day. The overlapping worlds of British royalty, NFL stardom, and pop music converged in a lighthearted half-hour that gave listeners a rare glimpse into the Prince's off-duty interests.

3 sources · 4 Jul

CBS Drops First 'Marshals' Season 2 Teaser, Teases Kayce Dutton's Dual Loyalties

CBS has released the first teaser trailer for Season 2 of 'Marshals,' the Yellowstone spin-off starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton. The series is scheduled to premiere on CBS in Fall 2026, with the teaser arriving less than a month after filming began. "Death and violence comes to Kayce's doorstep." TVLine reported that the teaser reveals the return of a major character, though the outlet kept details of the spoiler under wraps. The trailer sets a grim tone, suggesting the Dutton family's violent legacy remains inescapable even as Kayce works as a federal lawman. "While Kayce is a U.S. Marshal, his identity as a Dutton remains central to the character." Bleeding Cool highlighted that the promo emphasizes Kayce's struggle between his official role and his family ties. The teaser's early release caught some observers off guard, as it dropped well before the typical marketing cycle for a broadcast series. Bleeding Cool noted its surprise at how early the teaser appeared, calling it an unusually quick move for a show that just started production. The clip offers fans a first look at where the story is headed, even as the Season 2 premiere remains more than a year away.

2 sources · 4 Jul

Patti LuPone Slams Turkey's Ban of LGBTQ+ Cruise, Vows to Sail Anyway

Patti LuPone condemned Turkey's decision to block an Atlantis LGBTQ+ cruise ship from docking at its ports, calling the move discriminatory and homophobic. The Broadway legend announced the news on Instagram, expressing shock and fury at the ban, which targeted the vessel due to its predominantly gay passenger manifest. "Patti LuPone announced via Instagram that an Atlantis cruise ship she was scheduled to perform on, carrying primarily gay passengers, has been denied entry to Turkey." The ship, Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, carries approximately 2,000 mostly gay passengers and is scheduled for a July 5-15 sailing, according to The Hollywood Reporter. LuPone confirmed she will still sail despite the ban, underscoring her defiance of what she described as a discriminatory policy. "LuPone publicly condemned the decision as homophobic in a scathing Instagram post, expressing shock and readiness to perform despite the ban." LuPone's outrage reflects broader concerns about LGBTQ+ rights in Turkey, where authorities have increasingly targeted queer events and spaces, Vulture reported. The cruise, organized by Atlantis, was denied port entry based on its passenger demographics, a move LuPone and many others have denounced as unjust. The incident has drawn widespread attention to Turkey's treatment of LGBTQ+ travelers, with LuPone's high-profile involvement amplifying calls for the country to reconsider such discriminatory practices. As the cruise prepares to set sail without a Turkish stop, the controversy continues to highlight tensions over queer visibility in the region.

3 sources · 4 Jul

Punk-Rap Duo Bob Vylan Takes Legal Action Against BBC Over Glastonbury Chant Coverage

London punk-rap duo Bob Vylan has filed a defamation lawsuit against the BBC, challenging the broadcaster's characterization of their chant "Death to the IDF!" at Glastonbury 2025. According to Stereogum, the BBC described the chant as "deeply offensive" and refused to make the set available on demand, prompting the legal action. The duo is also pursuing defamation proceedings against Irish broadcaster RTÉ, as novaramedia.com reported. "The band members filed separate legal proceedings at the high court in Ireland, and have also launched defamation proceedings against Irish broadcaster RTÉ." The lawsuit centers on the BBC's label of the chant as containing "antisemitic sentiments," a characterization the band rejects. Rolling Stone reported that the group claims the BBC placed "unfair labels" on them and criticized the publicly-funded broadcaster for not representing the interests of the people. Bob Vylan frames the chant as a political statement against the Israel Defense Forces amid the Gaza conflict, according to novaramedia.com. The fallout from the incident has been severe. Stereogum detailed that the duo lost a tour with Gogol Bordello, were dropped from festival lineups, and had their US visa canceled by the State Department. These repercussions highlight the significant career damage they attribute to the BBC's coverage. "Following the incident, the duo faced significant career fallout including being dropped from festival lineups, losing a tour with Gogol Bordello, and having their US visa canceled by the State Department." The legal action underscores a broader debate about free expression and the role of public broadcasters in labeling protest chants. Bob Vylan's defamation suit against both the BBC and RTÉ signals their intent to challenge what they see as damaging and unfair reporting, with the band insisting that their chant was a political protest rather than hate speech.

3 sources · 4 Jul

California bill to preserve online games stalls after trade group likens fan-run servers to piracy

A California bill that would require game publishers to keep titles playable after official server shutdowns has failed to advance in a Senate committee, derailed in part by a trade group's controversial comparison of community-run servers to piracy. The bill, AB 1921, needed a majority vote but fell short, with four Democrats voting yes, three Republicans voting no, and the remaining Democrats abstaining, GamingOnLinux reported. The hearing took a sharp turn when a representative from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) spoke out against the proposal. "private Minecraft servers are 'illegal' and constitute 'piracy'" The ESA's claim drew immediate criticism from gamers and digital rights advocates, especially because the bill's author, Assemblyman Chris Ward, had pointed to Minecraft and Call of Duty as examples of games that already rely on community-run servers, according to IGN. Ward suggested that such models could serve as a blueprint for preserving other online games after official support ends. The ESA has since quietly distanced itself from the most inflammatory part of its testimony, though it has not fully abandoned its opposition to private servers. According to PC Gamer, the trade association is "now quietly walking back these statements" while still criticizing Minecraft community servers for lacking Microsoft's safety standards. The walkback did little to soothe the backlash, as the gaming community saw the initial remarks as a fundamental attack on fan-run preservation efforts. The failure of AB 1921 is a setback for the Stop Killing Games campaign, which has been pushing for legislation to prevent publishers from rendering purchased games unplayable. GamingOnLinux noted that the campaign "continues its fight despite this setback," and supporters are already looking to future legislative sessions or alternative strategies. The controversy over the ESA's remarks has at least brought wider attention to the issue of game preservation, even if the bill itself did not advance.

3 sources · 3 Jul

Trump's 2025 Financial Disclosure Shows Crypto Earnings Exceeding $1.4 Billion, Dwarfing Other Income

President Donald Trump's 2025 financial disclosure report, released by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, reveals that cryptocurrency ventures have become the most profitable arm of his business empire, generating an estimated $1.4 billion in earnings. The 927-page document, as reported by USA Today, shows digital assets dwarfing his traditional business income and marking a sharp increase from prior disclosures. The figures vary across outlets, with Forbes reporting over $1 billion primarily from World Liberty Financial token sales and CIC Digital, while HuffPost put the total at $1.2 billion. CNBC offered a narrower breakdown, noting over $580 million in crypto-related income specifically, including approximately $515 million from token sales by World Liberty Financial and $65 million from equity sales. Newsweek and CoinDesk both cited the $1.4 billion figure, underscoring how Trump's pivot to crypto has transformed his financial portfolio. That pivot represents a dramatic reversal from Trump's previous stance. "calling crypto a 'scam'" The industry's support during his 2024 presidential campaign helped fuel the change, and now crypto is the largest driver of his income, according to USA Today. In response to the disclosure, Trump defended the earnings in a CNBC interview. "There's nothing wrong" with the income, he said, adding that he was not aware of the extent of his crypto holdings. He also stated his goal is for the U.S. to lead in crypto, according to CoinDesk, which reported that he asserted his involvement was legal. Critics have raised ethical concerns. CoinDesk reported that opponents argue Trump is profiting from the presidency while his administration writes regulations for the industry. The report also notes that Trump handed day-to-day control of his businesses to his sons but did not divest his assets, leaving potential conflicts of interest unresolved.

6 sources · 4 Jul

President Trump professes ignorance of crypto earnings that made up bulk of $2.2 billion income

President Trump's 2025 mandatory financial disclosure reveals that his family's business holdings generated at least $2.2 billion in income, with cryptocurrency ventures accounting for roughly $1.4 billion of that total, according to The New York Times. The filing provides a rare, detailed look at the Trump family's financial empire, which includes crypto businesses, real estate, licensing deals, and other holdings. Trump, however, told CNBC on July 2 that he was unaware of the cryptocurrency windfall until the disclosure was made public, as reported by USA Today. The bulk of the crypto income came from World Liberty Financial, a company involving his sons Eric, Donald Jr., and Barron Trump, USA Today reported. The disclosure underscores how central digital assets have become to the president's business portfolio since returning to the White House. "It provides a detailed look at the Trump family's financial empire...showing a stunning level of profitability since returning to the White House." That extraordinary profitability, however, comes with a twist. Trump's professed lack of awareness about the crypto ventures that generated a majority of his income raises questions about the president's involvement in and oversight of his family's business operations. "President Donald Trump claims he was unaware of his family's cryptocurrency ventures that generated over $1.4 billion of his $2.2 billion in 2025 income." The claim of ignorance, made during a CNBC interview, adds an unusual layer to a disclosure that otherwise paints a picture of immense wealth driven largely by volatile digital assets. The report notes that the president's crypto ventures alone generated approximately $1.4 billion in revenue, with total holdings reaching at least $2 billion, according to The New York Times.

3 sources · 3 Jul