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SMPTE Opens Century-Old Standards Library to All, Free of Charge

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has made its entire catalog of technical standards freely available to the global media technology community, removing paywalls that previously limited access to documents that have underpinned entertainment technology for over a century. The move covers all previously published standards, recommended practices, engineering guidelines, and registered disclosure documents, as well as all future releases. "The move removes barriers to access for the standards that have underpinned interoperability in the entertainment technology industry for over a century." SMPTE announced the change as part of an effort to accelerate innovation and collaboration across the media technology ecosystem. According to TVB Europe, the organization aims to drive adoption, accelerate implementation, and strengthen interoperability across the industry by making these technical standards openly accessible. The decision marks a significant shift for an organization whose standards have long been essential for ensuring compatibility in film, television, and digital media production. By eliminating cost barriers, SMPTE hopes to encourage broader participation from smaller companies, independent developers, and emerging markets that may have found the previous fee structure prohibitive. Industry observers note that the move could speed up the adoption of new technologies, as engineers and researchers will no longer need to purchase individual documents to understand or implement SMPTE standards. The free access applies to the entire catalog, meaning both legacy documents and newly published standards are included from the outset. SMPTE's standards cover a wide range of technologies, from film and video formats to audio compression and network protocols. With this open-access policy, the society positions itself as a more central resource for a media technology community that increasingly demands rapid, barrier-free collaboration.

2 sources · 21 Jun

Fox Corp. to Acquire Roku in $22 Billion Deal, Reshaping the Streaming Landscape

Fox Corp. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Roku, the connected TV platform, in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $22 billion, including debt. The acquisition, priced at $160 per share, is expected to close in the first half of 2027 and marks a major expansion of Fox's streaming footprint, according to Variety. "The acquisition combines Fox's live news and sports content with Roku's streaming platform, which reaches approximately 100 million global streaming homes and over half of U.S. broadband households." Upon closing, Fox shareholders will own about 73% of the merged entity, while Roku shareholders will hold the remaining 27%, Deadline reported. The combined company is expected to become the third-largest player in U.S. television by viewing share, according to AP News. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch stated that the two companies will remain separate, but Fox plans to leverage Roku's platform to distribute Fox Sports, news content, and local stations, The Verge reported. While the familiar purple Roku interface may remain unchanged, the deal gives Fox significant control over user data and the streaming ecosystem. "The acquisition raises concerns because Fox owns Tubi (one of the best free streaming services) and Roku owns the Roku Channel." The merger could potentially eliminate or consolidate these free streaming platforms, negatively impacting consumers who rely on free ad-supported streaming, Tom's Guide reported. Roku will continue operating as an open, partner-friendly platform with no immediate changes for customers, according to AP News. The deal follows reports that Roku was exploring strategic options including a potential sale.

7 sources · 21 Jun

OpenAI's 2025 Losses Hit $38.5 Billion as Cloud Costs and IPO Plans Emerge

OpenAI's financial losses ballooned to approximately $38.5 billion in 2025, according to audited financial documents obtained by journalist Ed Zitron and verified by the Financial Times. The company generated $13.07 billion in revenue last year, more than triple 2024's $3.7 billion, but spent $34 billion, resulting in the staggering loss attributable to OpenAI, as reported by Hacker News. "The documents, obtained by journalist Ed Zitron and verified by the Financial Times, show costs include $17 billion paid to Microsoft for cloud computing." Thedeepdive.ca noted that the $17 billion Microsoft cloud bill underscores the enormous compute infrastructure required to sustain leading AI model development. Despite the deep losses, OpenAI has quietly filed for an IPO, asking investors to bet on a high-growth but deeply unprofitable business, according to the same outlet. OpenAI's spending surge continued into 2026. The-decoder.com reported that the company generated $5.7 billion in revenue in Q1 2026 (triple year-over-year) but spent $3.7 billion to achieve it, with stock-based compensation alone exceeding $2.3 billion. The company reported a $9.3 billion operating loss and a net loss over $21.3 billion, largely from paper revaluations. Despite the heavy spending, OpenAI holds over $73 billion in cash and securities, though the-decoder.com cautioned that a potential price war with Anthropic could change its capital needs. Wheresyoured.at reported that the company's losses surged nearly 8x in 2025 compared to 2024, when it had $3.7 billion in revenue against $12.4 billion in costs, highlighting the accelerating capital burn required to stay competitive in the AI race.

4 sources · 21 Jun

Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in French Plane Crash

Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of the video game giant behind Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, died Friday evening when the twin-engine plane he was piloting crashed in western France. He was 69. "Ubisoft has learned with deep sadness of the passing of Claude Guillemot in a plane accident." According to Deadline, the Cessna 421 crashed near the aerodrome of La Baule, a beach resort where Guillemot owned a vacation home. Both Guillemot and his flight instructor died in the accident. Fox Business reported that the crash occurred ahead of a planned air show in the French Atlantic coast town. Guillemot was one of five brothers who founded Ubisoft in 1986, building it into a global powerhouse known for franchises including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, as noted by TMZ. He also served as chairman of Guillemot Corp., the family holding company, according to Hacker News. Ubisoft confirmed the news in a brief statement expressing condolences to his family, Hacker News reported. The loss removes a key figure from the founding generation of one of the world's largest video game publishers.

4 sources · 21 Jun

SEGA's SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Slashes onto Nintendo Switch 2 This September

SEGA has confirmed that SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026, bringing its hand-drawn action to the new platform with enhanced visuals. The announcement, made via SEGA's official website and Nintendo Life, marks the latest entry in the classic ninja franchise. "Ready your katana, there's a new platform to enact vengeance on." According to SEGA, the Switch 2 version boasts an updated resolution, with the company promising that "Joe and vengeance have never looked better." Nintendo Life reported that pre-orders for the Deluxe Edition are now live, offering a bundle of extras for fans eager to dive in early. The Deluxe Edition includes the Sega Villains Stage DLC, a ghost outfit, a medic lite amulet, a digital art book, and the game's soundtrack, as detailed by Nintendo Life. This package gives players additional content beyond the base game, which itself promises "battle challenging enemies and epic bosses in a uniquely hand-drawn world," per SEGA. With its distinctive art style and classic ninja gameplay, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance aims to leverage the Switch 2's capabilities while staying true to the series' roots. The September release date positions it as a key title for the platform's early lineup, offering both nostalgia and fresh content for returning and new players alike.

2 sources · 21 Jun

Olympic canoeist arrested after touching loose paint at D.C. reflecting pool

Three-time Olympic canoe slalom athlete David Hearn was arrested for touching detached paint from the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., according to the Washington Post as reported by Bitcoin.com. Hearn stopped by to view the results of the $14 million renovations after a bike ride, Bitcoin.com reported. The incident has drawn attention due to the athlete's Olympic background and the high-profile nature of the renovation project. "Three-time Olympic canoe slalom athlete David Hearn was arrested for touching detached paint from the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C." The arrest occurred at a site that has been a focus of recent political attention, with the renovations being tied to former President Trump's administration. The reflecting pool, a major tourist attraction, had undergone significant upgrades. Hearn's arrest for such a minor infraction has sparked discussion about security and enforcement at national monuments. The Washington Post provided the initial reporting on the incident, which was then picked up by other outlets.

2 sources · 21 Jun

Jimmy Kimmel Taps Rosie O'Donnell and Others to Fill In During Summer Break, Matt Damon Makes Surprise Appearance

Jimmy Kimmel signed off for a two-month summer hiatus from 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on ABC, announcing a lineup of guest hosts that includes Rosie O'Donnell, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, and Jelly Roll. The announcement came during his final show before the break, which also featured an unexpected visit from Matt Damon, who crashed the set inside a Trojan Horse, according to Deadline. Kimmel specifically highlighted O'Donnell as a guest host, framing it as a deliberate jab at former President Donald Trump, with whom O'Donnell has a long-running feud. Decider reported that Kimmel joked about the hiatus being voluntary, referencing last year's controversy that sidelined the show after his comments about reactions to a death. "Rosie O'Donnell, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, will serve as guest host during his absence." The move underscores Kimmel's willingness to keep his political edge even while off the air, as O'Donnell's history of clashing with Trump is well documented. Deadline noted that Kimmel specifically called O'Donnell a treat for Trump, adding a layer of provocation to the summer schedule. Matt Damon's appearance in a Trojan Horse was a playful callback to his long-running bit with Kimmel, where the actor has repeatedly interrupted the show in elaborate ways. The moment capped off Kimmel's last episode before the break, blending humor with a nod to the show's recurring gags. With a mix of comedians, actors, and musicians filling in, the summer lineup aims to keep the show fresh during Kimmel's absence. The two-month hiatus is a voluntary break, as Kimmel emphasized, giving the guest hosts a chance to steer the late-night ship through the summer months.

2 sources · 21 Jun

Exposed Records Reveal Elite Guest List for Peter Thiel's Secretive Dialog Retreats

A trove of internal records from Dialog, a secretive invitation-only society cofounded by billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel, was left exposed online, according to Wired. The leak reveals more than 200 of the world's elites registered for a retreat with agenda items ranging from cult-building and sex to prepping for World War III, along with sensitive personal details participants were assured would remain private. "The leak reveals more than 200 of the world's elites registered for a retreat with agenda items ranging from cult-building and sex to prepping for World War III." The Hollywood Reporter added that an independent Swiss researcher leaked information revealing members of Dialog, which bills itself as an off-the-record forum for leaders in politics, tech, and media. The leaked data suggests the ranks include prominent figures from Hollywood, media, and entertainment, alongside C-suite executives and political titans, and the group is reportedly planning an expansion. Dialog convenes US officials, foreign government figures, and Silicon Valley executives at off-the-record annual retreats, as reported by Wired. The group has maintained a low public profile for decades, according to The Hollywood Reporter, making the exposure of its membership list a rare glimpse into its operations. "The group, which bills itself as an off-the-record forum for leaders in politics, tech, and media, has maintained a low public profile for decades." The leak underscores the tension between the group's promise of privacy and the reality of digital security, as the exposed data included personal details that participants were assured would remain confidential. Both outlets noted the sensitivity of the information, with Wired emphasizing the range of topics discussed at the retreats, from the mundane to the extreme.

2 sources · 21 Jun

Toy Story 5 Races Past $129 Million Globally, Eyes Record $275 Million Opening Weekend

Disney and Pixar's 'Toy Story 5' has stormed into theaters with a global haul of $129.3 million so far, putting it on track to surpass the franchise's all-time opening weekend record of $275 million worldwide. The Andrew Stanton-directed film earned $71 million domestically on its opening Friday, the second highest Friday ever for an animated feature behind only 'Incredibles 2's $71.2 million, according to Deadline. Variety reported that the film is projected to earn between $150 million and $175 million over its opening weekend in North America, which would easily beat 'Toy Story 4's franchise record of $120 million. "The domestic outlook has been raised to $160M-$170M, up from the earlier $140M projection." This upward revision reflects strong audience reception, as The Hollywood Reporter noted the film earned an A CinemaScore and is outperforming 'Toy Story 4's $120.9 million opening from 2019. The film's focus on Jessie's story, as highlighted by Deadline, appears to have resonated with fans, driving the biggest domestic start of 2026 so far. Internationally, 'Toy Story 5' added $58.3 million to its global tally, according to Deadline, contributing to a summer box office season that has already reached nearly $1.6 billion in North America. The film is playing at 4,425 North American theaters, per Variety. With Andrew Stanton directing and Kenna Harris co-directing, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, 'Toy Story 5' is poised to continue Pixar's streak of blockbuster openings. The strong debut suggests that audiences remain eager for new adventures with beloved characters, even as the franchise enters its fifth installment.

5 sources · 21 Jun

Pippi Longstocking Returns in a New 3D CGI Animated Series from StudioCanal and Heyday Films

Pippi Longstocking, the iconic red-headed character from Astrid Lindgren's beloved children's books, is making a comeback in a new animated television series. StudioCanal has partnered with Heyday Films, the production company behind the Paddington films, along with Submarine and The Astrid Lindgren Company, to develop a 3D CGI animated series based on the classic stories, as reported by Variety. The series will consist of 52 episodes, each running 11 minutes, marking the first animated adaptation of the character in nearly 30 years, according to Bleeding Cool. Production is scheduled to begin in October, with StudioCanal handling worldwide distribution and its Kids & Family division overseeing merchandising and licensing in France and the U.K., Variety noted. "a fresh, modern reboot of the beloved red-headed character" This description from Variety highlights the creative team's aim to update the character for a new generation while staying true to the original stories. The partnership with Heyday Films, known for their successful work on the Paddington franchise, suggests a focus on high-quality animation and storytelling. Bleeding Cool reported that this project represents the first animated series for Pippi Longstocking in nearly three decades, underscoring the significance of this revival for fans of the character. The 52-episode order indicates a substantial commitment to the series, which will likely explore various adventures from Lindgren's books. With StudioCanal's distribution expertise and the involvement of The Astrid Lindgren Company, the series is poised to reach a global audience. The combination of modern animation techniques and a beloved literary property could introduce Pippi Longstocking to a new generation of viewers while delighting longtime fans.

2 sources · 21 Jun

Amazon MGM Drops Nearly Finished Sam Altman Biopic After OpenAI Partnership

Amazon MGM Studios has dropped Luca Guadagnino's nearly finished film "Artificial," a biopic about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman starring Andrew Garfield, just months after Amazon announced a major strategic partnership with OpenAI. The decision, made by Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios chief Mike Hopkins, was communicated to the filmmaker and producing team, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film will now be shopped to other studios. The film, which was centered on OpenAI's 2023 leadership crisis involving Altman's brief ousting and reinstatement as CEO, according to Engadget, also stars Monica Barbaro, Ike Barinholtz, and Yura Borisov in key roles, as reported by The Verge. The project was described as covering the dramatic five-day period in 2023 when Altman was fired and reinstated. "The film will be better served if it were released by a different studio." Rolling Stone reported that Amazon made the statement about the film's release, adding that the decision came four months after Amazon and OpenAI announced a "strategic partnership," creating a clear conflict of interest. The outlet explored the implications of corporate partnerships influencing creative content and the tension between Amazon's business relationship with OpenAI and its prior commitment to the film. The partnership between Amazon and OpenAI, announced in February, included a $50 billion investment and expanded use of Amazon Web Services, according to Variety. Gizmodo reported that the massive $50 billion investment partnership raised questions about potential conflicts of interest between Amazon's corporate investments and its film studio's creative projects. Vulture noted the irony and complications of corporate interests interfering with artistic projects, highlighting how Amazon's business relationship with OpenAI made it untenable to move forward with a biopic that could portray Altman in any potentially negative light.

7 sources · 21 Jun

Ken Carson Sets July 3 Release for New Album Xperiment

Ken Carson has announced his fifth studio album, Xperiment, which is set to drop on July 3 via Opium/Interscope Records, according to Pitchfork. The announcement comes after a mixed reception to his previous album More Chaos, as Stereogum reported, and the Opium label rapper has been building momentum through recent festival appearances. "Following a lukewarm reception to his previous album More Chaos, the Opium label rapper has been building anticipation through festival performances." Carson has been previewing unreleased songs during live shows, including at Rolling Loud Orlando and Chicago's Summer Smash, where he debuted a new 2hollis-produced track and a Playboi Carti collaboration called "Cover My Ears," according to Stereogum. Pitchfork confirmed that a track reportedly produced by 2hollis has been teased in performances, though no singles or tracklist have been revealed yet. Alongside the album announcement, Carson has shared the cover art for Xperiment, as Pitchfork noted. He is also slated to headline ComplexCon, according to Stereogum, adding to a busy period for the rapper following his recent releases More Chaos and A Great Chaos.

2 sources · 21 Jun

Tragedy Strikes at Madison Square Garden as Concertgoer Dies in Fall

A 51-year-old man died Saturday night after falling from an elevated area during a concert by the jam band Goose at Madison Square Garden in New York. The incident occurred around 9:51 p.m., according to the NYPD, which is investigating the circumstances. The man was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Rolling Stone reported. "The man fell from the upper 300 level to the 100 level, prompting evacuations." Stereogum noted that the fall prompted evacuations of parts of the venue. The victim's name has not been released, and authorities have not disclosed what led to the fall, though the NYPD confirmed the incident remains under review, according to Rolling Stone. Goose, the Connecticut-based jam band known for its improvisational live shows, released a statement expressing their sadness over the tragic event, Stereogum reported. The band did not provide further details, deferring to the ongoing investigation by law enforcement. "Police responded to a 911 call around 9:51 p.m. and found the man unconscious and unresponsive." 1011now.com reported that officers found the man unconscious and unresponsive upon arrival. The death marks a somber moment for fans of the band, which has built a devoted following through extensive touring and live recordings. The NYPD continues to investigate the incident, and no further information has been released at this time.

4 sources · 21 Jun

New public database reveals millions of copyrighted songs powering AI music models

The Atlantic's Alex Reisner has launched a searchable public database cataloging four datasets used to train AI music models, exposing the scale of copyrighted material feeding generative audio systems. The tool provides an unprecedented look into the data behind popular AI music generators. "Two massive datasets contain 12 million and 9 million tracks respectively, while two smaller ones each have over 100,000 songs." According to The Verge, these datasets have been downloaded thousands of times, with Google and Stability AI confirming their use in research. The sheer volume of material raises significant questions about consent and compensation for artists. The database highlights that millions of copyrighted tracks are freely available in these training datasets, a fact that owspakistan.com reported as raising concerns about unauthorized use of music in AI training. This comes amid growing legal battles between rights holders and AI companies over unlicensed use of creative works. Reisner's database allows users to search for specific artists and tracks within the datasets, offering transparency into what has been used without permission. The tool serves as both a resource for researchers and a potential evidence cache for copyright litigation. "These datasets have been downloaded thousands of times, with Google and Stability AI confirming their use in research." The revelation underscores the tension between AI development and intellectual property law, as the music industry grapples with how to protect creators in an era of machine learning. The database may accelerate calls for clearer regulations around training data provenance.

2 sources · 21 Jun

Aubrey Plaza's Animated Cat Series 'Kevin' Dropped by Prime Video After One Season

Aubrey Plaza announced on Instagram that Prime Video has canceled her adult animated series "Kevin" after just one season, according to multiple outlets. The show, co-created by Plaza and her ex Joe Wengert, followed the adventures of a tuxedo cat named Kevin, a spoiled house cat who joins a family of strays in New York City, as reported by Variety. Plaza expressed disappointment in the cancellation, noting the show was "just getting going," and thanked fans, cast, and crew, according to Variety. TheWrap reported that Plaza drew a parallel to NBC's decision to renew "Parks & Recreation" early on despite low ratings, implying that Prime Video didn't give "Kevin" the same chance. "just getting going" Deadline reported that Plaza hopes the show will find a new home elsewhere. The co-creator also commented on the changing industry landscape, expressing hope that "machines won't ruin everything," according to TheWrap. TVLine noted that despite its unique premise and notable creators, the series will not be renewed for a second season on the streaming platform. Amazon has not commented on the cancellation, as reported by Variety. "machines won't ruin everything" The cancellation leaves the fate of "Kevin" uncertain, but Plaza's public appeal may attract interest from other networks or streaming services looking to pick up the series.

5 sources · 21 Jun

George Lucas Ends Retirement for Voice Role in Illumination's Minions & Monsters

George Lucas is coming out of retirement to voice a character in Illumination's upcoming animated film Minions & Monsters, set for release on July 1. The Star Wars creator agreed to join the project after a meeting two years ago, during which he revealed his admiration for the studio's work. Illumination founder Chris Meledandri shared the news, noting Lucas's enthusiasm for the franchise. "He expressed his love for Illumination movies, particularly Despicable Me and the Minions." Meledandri met with Lucas about two years ago and learned that the filmmaker is a big fan of Illumination's films, according to Variety. This marks a unique crossover between the creator of one of cinema's biggest franchises and the popular animated series, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Lucas joins the cast of the latest installment in the Minions franchise, which has been a major success for Illumination. The film is set to open on July 1, bringing together two iconic names in entertainment. Details about Lucas's character have not yet been disclosed. The announcement has generated buzz among fans of both Lucas and the Minions series. It remains to be seen how the Star Wars visionary will fit into the world of the mischievous yellow creatures, but the collaboration highlights the broad appeal of Illumination's animated universe.

4 sources · 21 Jun

Kayce Dutton's 'Marshals' Spin-Off Gets Season 2 Greenlight, Set for 2026 on CBS

The 'Yellowstone' universe is expanding further as the spin-off series 'Marshals' has officially been confirmed for a second season, according to tasteofcountry.com. The show, which follows Kayce Dutton as he leaves the Yellowstone Ranch to join the U.S. Marshals, is set to air on CBS starting in 2026. "The show features Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton, who leaves the Yellowstone Ranch to join the U.S. Marshals, using his military and cowboy skills to fight crime in Montana." This confirmation comes as fans have been eagerly awaiting news about the series' return, with Decider noting the show's absence from Sunday night programming and expressing nostalgia for its comeback. The last episode left viewers with several cliffhangers, including Kayce staying at East Camp and the team saving Rainwater from an assassination attempt. Decider also reported on other developments in the 'Yellowstone' universe, such as Tate fishing with Tom Weaver in Texas, which adds to the rich tapestry of characters and storylines that have made the franchise a hit. The spin-off's renewal underscores the continued popularity of the 'Yellowstone' brand and its ability to generate compelling narratives beyond the original series. With Season 2 now confirmed, fans can look forward to more action-packed episodes featuring Kayce Dutton's unique blend of skills as he navigates his new role in law enforcement. The 2026 premiere date gives the production team ample time to craft a season that lives up to the high expectations set by the first season and the broader 'Yellowstone' saga.

2 sources · 21 Jun