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Meta drops Ray-Ban branding from its latest smart glasses, starting at $299

Meta has launched a new line of smart glasses called "Meta Glasses" that are no longer co-branded with Ray-Ban, marking a strategic shift for the company. Priced at $299, the glasses feature updated AI capabilities, adjustable nosepads and temple tips, and come in three styles and seven colors, with one style being a collaboration with Kylie Jenner, according to The Verge. "Meta has launched a new line of smart glasses called 'Meta Glasses' that are no longer co-branded with Ray-Ban, marking a strategic shift." The three new models are named Adventurer, Fury, and Starfire, and they start at $299, matching the price of Meta's first-generation glasses but significantly cheaper than the Ray-Ban Gen 2 models from last year, Wired reported. The glasses feature the same camera, microphones, and chatbot as the Ray-Bans, and come in three styles, one co-designed with Kylie Jenner. Meta's VP of industrial design, Peter Bristol, emphasized the company's focus on making smart glasses more accessible, customizable, and comfortable to encourage mainstream adoption, according to Wired. The new glasses include adjustable nosepads and temple tips to improve fit for a wider range of users. While Meta could have gone solo from the start, The Verge noted that partnering with EssilorLuxottica and Ray-Ban was a smart entry strategy into the smart glasses market. Now, with the new Meta-branded glasses, the company is taking a more independent approach while still offering a range of styles and price points to attract consumers.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Michael Caine's AI Voice Brings Homer's 'The Odyssey' to Life in Free Audiobook

A new audiobook adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey' is narrated by a digitally replicated voice of actor Michael Caine, created in partnership with ElevenLabs. The roughly 13-hour production is available for free on the ElevenReader app, according to Deadline. The release comes just weeks before Christopher Nolan's upcoming film adaptation of the Greek epic hits theaters. "Michael Caine's AI voice clone, created in partnership with ElevenLabs, has narrated a 13-hour audiobook adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey.'" Variety reported that the production was created with four producers and several AI tools, showcasing ElevenLabs' voice synthesis technology applied to classic literature. The audiobook features a full cast of AI voices and music, as noted by Deadline. This release highlights the growing use of AI in creative industries, particularly in reviving or replicating iconic voices. ElevenLabs' technology allows for a faithful reproduction of Caine's distinctive narration style, offering listeners a unique experience of the ancient epic. The free availability on the ElevenReader app aims to make the classic work accessible to a wider audience. "ElevenLabs has released an AI-narrated audiobook version of Homer's 'The Odyssey' using a digitally replicated voice of actor Michael Caine." While the audiobook stands on its own as a literary experience, its timing alongside Nolan's film adaptation suggests a strategic move to capitalize on renewed interest in the story. The project demonstrates how AI can bridge traditional storytelling with modern technology, though it also raises questions about the ethics of using a living actor's voice without direct involvement in the recording process.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Rising Memory Costs Force Apple to Prepare Price Hikes, Cook Says

Apple CEO Tim Cook has warned that the company will need to raise prices on its products due to an ongoing memory shortage, according to an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Cook stated that price increases are unavoidable despite Apple's efforts to mitigate the rising costs being passed to them, 9to5mac reported. The timing and scale of the increases remain unspecified, leading to widespread speculation. "Price increases are unavoidable despite Apple's efforts to mitigate the rising costs being passed to them." The warning comes as Apple faces rising costs for RAM and SSDs, key components in its devices. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggested these price hikes are imminent, possibly tied to Apple's upcoming back-to-school sale as a buffer, according to Hacker News. The increases are expected soon, not delayed until fall. "These price hikes are imminent, possibly tied to Apple's upcoming back-to-school sale as a buffer." Cook's unusual public warning signals a significant shift for Apple, which has historically absorbed component cost increases to maintain pricing stability. The company now appears to be signaling to consumers and investors that higher prices are on the horizon, though exact figures and affected product lines have not been disclosed.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Capcom Lines Up June 25 Spotlight Showcase for Monster Hunter, Dragon's Dogma, and Onimusha

Capcom has announced a special livestream event scheduled for June 25, 2026, promising a 30-minute roundup of news and updates on its announced lineup of games. The showcase, dubbed the Capcom Spotlight, will focus on several key titles including Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. "A Capcom Spotlight arrives on June 25, 2pm PT, focused on MHStories3, Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword." The event will stream live at 2 p.m. PT, according to Capcom's official announcement. Polygon reported that the showcase is expected to feature gameplay, trailers, and release dates, with potential additional reveals for Monster Hunter Wilds, Street Fighter 6, and other Capcom franchises. Nintendo Life noted that this follows a busy year of announcements for the gaming company, which has been steadily building anticipation for its upcoming slate. The 30-minute format suggests a tightly curated presentation rather than a sprawling showcase. Capcom's focus on Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen as an expansion and Onimusha: Way of the Sword as a revival of the classic series indicates the company is balancing new installments with fan-favorite franchises. The Monster Hunter Stories series continues its trajectory with a third numbered entry, Twisted Reflection, which was previously announced. Fans can expect concrete details on release windows and possibly new gameplay footage during the June 25 broadcast. As Polygon highlighted, the event will serve as a key moment for Capcom to clarify its 2026 release calendar.

3 sources · 23 Jun

Valve revives Steam Machine concept with DIY-friendly SteamOS 3.8 release

Valve has announced that PC gamers can now build their own Steam Machines by installing SteamOS 3.8 on custom-built desktops, marking a shift from the company's original 2015 initiative that relied on pre-built hardware. The updated operating system supports a wide range of AMD GPUs and APUs, as well as recent Intel and AMD platforms, according to Polygon and The Verge. "Valve has announced that PC gamers can build their own Steam Machines instead of buying pre-built ones, thanks to the release of SteamOS 3.8 which now supports a wide range of AMD hardware." This move positions SteamOS as a viable alternative to Windows for gaming, potentially expanding the ecosystem beyond the Steam Deck handheld. The Verge reported that the latest SteamOS 3.8.10 release includes improved support for recent Intel and AMD platforms, and Valve is working on Nvidia graphics support, though Polygon noted that NVIDIA GPU support remains limited for now. "This marks a return to the Steam Machine concept, but this time with Valve's own mature Linux-based operating system that users can install on any compatible hardware." The original 2015 Steam Machine initiative failed due to limited hardware options and high costs, according to Polygon. By allowing users to install SteamOS on their own custom-built PCs, Valve is effectively turning any compatible desktop into a Steam Machine, potentially avoiding the pitfalls of the earlier approach. The update includes support for AMD GPUs from the RX 5000 series and newer, as well as AMD APUs and various other components.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Valve Revives Steam Machine Concept as DIY Builders Gain SteamOS Support

Valve has announced that PC gamers can now build their own Steam Machines, resurrecting the concept in a more flexible, user-driven format. The release of SteamOS 3.8, which supports a wider range of AMD hardware, allows DIY enthusiasts to install the operating system on custom-built PCs rather than relying on pre-built consoles from partners, as reported by Polygon. "Valve confirms PC gamers can build their own Steam Machines with SteamOS 3.8" This marks a significant shift from Valve's original Steam Machine initiative, which depended on pre-built systems from hardware partners. According to Digital Foundry, Valve is positioning the Steam Machine as a premium pre-built gaming system but emphasizes that building your own is a viable alternative, with configurations ranging from budget to premium. "Valve Confirms SteamOS Ready for DIY Builds: Four Steam Machine Configurations from Budget to Premium" Digital Foundry further noted that SteamOS now supports discrete AMD graphics cards, enabling enthusiasts to create custom setups. The update effectively opens the door for PC gamers to tailor their Steam Machines to their specific needs and budgets, a departure from the earlier model's limited options. Polygon highlighted that the move allows DIY PC builders to install SteamOS on their own hardware, while Digital Foundry provided guidance for those looking to assemble their own systems. Both outlets agree that the update breathes new life into the Steam Machine concept by prioritizing user flexibility over pre-built uniformity.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Turnstile Plots Fall 2026 Tour with Rotating Openers Across Every City

Turnstile has announced a second North American leg of their Never Enough tour, set for fall 2026, with a rotating lineup of support acts that changes in nearly every city. The tour, which Pitchfork reported as the Never Enough Tour Pt. 2, will feature a diverse roster of guest artists including Clipse, Slayyyter, Vince Staples, Thundercat, Yves Tumor, Hatebreed, and Pennywise, among many others across different dates. According to Rolling Stone, the tour spans 16 dates and each show will have a unique combination of artists, with only a handful of acts like Yves Tumor, Die Spitz, and Cold World playing multiple dates. The outlet noted that the tour supports Turnstile's Grammy-winning album 'Never Enough,' making each night a distinct experience for fans. "Each show will have a unique combination of artists, with only a handful of acts like Yves Tumor, Die Spitz, and Cold World playing multiple dates." Stereogum reported that the hardcore band is continuing their tradition of bringing multiple supporting acts on tour, following last year's run with Blood Orange, Mannequin Pussy, Amyl And The Sniffers, Speed, and Jane Remover. The tour runs from September to mid-October, according to the outlet. Pitchfork provided a full breakdown of the itinerary, noting that the diverse range of guest artists includes Slayyyter, Ceremony, and many others across different dates. The tour's rotating support acts ensure that no two shows will feature the same lineup, a move that underscores Turnstile's commitment to offering fans a fresh experience at every stop.

3 sources · 23 Jun

Wednesday and Mannequin Pussy Team Up for Fall Bitch Cabal Tour Across the South and Midwest

Indie rock heavyweights Wednesday and Mannequin Pussy have announced a co-headlining tour this fall, dubbed the Bitch Cabal Tour, covering the American Midwest and South. The run kicks off on October 30 and wraps up on November 18, with both bands known for their commanding live shows and powerful frontwomen, according to Pitchfork. "the Bitch Cabal Tour, a co-headlining run across the American Midwest and South this fall." Stereogum reported that the tour is focused on the American South, and both bands are celebrated for their relentless touring schedules and energetic performances. Nashville-based acts will open select dates, as noted by Pitchfork. Wednesday members have been particularly busy, with recent collaborations involving Weezer and Wild Pink, and a packed summer schedule ahead of the joint tour, according to Stereogum. The Bitch Cabal Tour marks a pairing of two acts that have built devoted followings through their raw, visceral stage presence. Mannequin Pussy and Wednesday share a reputation for intensity and emotional depth in their music, making this co-headlining run a notable event for fans of modern indie rock. The tour's name, Bitch Cabal, hints at the unapologetic energy both bands bring to their performances.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Brandon Flowers Goes Full Country with New Solo Album 'Thrasher'

Brandon Flowers, the frontman of The Killers, is returning to solo work after more than a decade with a new album that fully embraces country and Americana sounds. Titled 'Thrasher,' the record is set for release on August 21 via Island Records, as reported by Pitchfork. Recorded in Nashville at RCA Studio A, the album features contributions from David Rawlings, pedal-steel player Bruce Bouton, and harmonica player Charlie McCoy, according to Rolling Stone. Flowers described the project to Pitchfork as a return to his father's music as he's gotten older, with Stereogum noting he called it his 'country/western' album. "Every image and person in the film is created using AI video tools." Wait, that quote is from a different source. Let me correct: The album follows Flowers' 2015 solo release 'The Desired Effect' and comes after The Killers' 2021 album 'Pressure Machine,' as Stereogum reported. Rolling Stone noted that while The Killers have previously incorporated Americana and rootsy sounds on albums like 'Pressure Machine' and 'Sam's Town,' this solo project represents Flowers' first complete embrace of the country sound inspired by his father's love for Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings during his Utah upbringing. "This is my country/western album." Stereogum also reported that Flowers had previously scrapped a half-finished Killers album in 2023, positioning 'Thrasher' as part of a broader trend of major artists exploring country music. The album marks a full pivot to country western music for the singer, according to Rolling Stone.

3 sources · 23 Jun

Two Below-the-Line Agencies Join Forces to Create a Global Talent Powerhouse

Dattner Dispoto and Associates (DDA Talent) and Worldwide Production Agency (WPA) have announced a merger that will create one of the largest below-the-line representation firms in the entertainment industry. The combined entity will operate from offices in Los Angeles and London, with strategic partnerships spanning Europe, Canada, South America, and Australasia, according to Deadline. "The combined company will have offices in Los Angeles and London, with strategic partnerships across Europe, Canada, South America, and Australasia." This global reach positions the new agency to serve a broad range of clients in film, television, commercial, and digital media, as reported by Variety. The merger brings together rosters that include cinematographers, production and costume designers, editors, visual effects artists, directors, and producers under a single banner, creating a top-three agency for below-the-line creative talent. Financial details of the merger were not disclosed, and the new company name will be announced later this summer, Deadline reported. The move consolidates two significant players in the below-the-line representation space, signaling a trend toward larger, more globally integrated talent agencies in the entertainment industry. As the new entity takes shape, it will likely reshape competitive dynamics for below-the-line talent representation across multiple continents.

2 sources · 23 Jun

TV Industry's Premier Gathering Leaves Edinburgh for Manchester After 50 Years

The Edinburgh TV Festival, a cornerstone of the British broadcasting calendar for five decades, is relocating to Greater Manchester starting in summer 2027. The move follows a competitive bidding process between British cities and a strategic review prompted by rising costs in Edinburgh, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The final festival in Edinburgh will take place in 2026. "Greater Manchester's vision combining creative ambition with practical accessibility and affordability for delegates." Organizers cited the region's ability to offer significant cost reductions while maintaining the festival's creative energy, the Hollywood Reporter added. The decision marks a major shift for the UK television industry's premier annual gathering, as Deadline reported. According to Variety, the relocation was driven by concerns over accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. The festival's late-August timing had long coincided with the Edinburgh Fringe, causing expensive and difficult travel and accommodation for attendees. The board of directors made the decision following a consultation and bidding process that began in 2025. "The move is driven by concerns over accessibility, affordability, and sustainability." Deadline noted that Greater Manchester was chosen for its creative ambition, future-facing energy, and practical accessibility. The festival's organizers emphasized that the new location will allow for a more sustainable and cost-effective event, addressing long-standing logistical challenges that had plagued the Edinburgh edition. The relocation represents a significant change for an event that has shaped the UK television industry for half a century.

4 sources · 23 Jun

Disney+ Bolsters UK Scripted Team with Two Key Hires to Drive Original Content Growth

Disney+ is deepening its commitment to British storytelling by appointing Ron O'Berst as Director of Scripted Originals UK and Laura Klimke as Senior Development Manager, Scripted Originals UK. The hires, reported by Deadline and Variety, come six months after Disney+ EMEA Head of Content Angela Jain promoted four executives and unveiled a slate of European originals at Series Mania, signaling a sustained push into local production. O'Berst, an executive producer on 'What It Feels Like For a Girl,' joins from Hera Pictures, while Klimke, a development executive from the series 'Wreck,' arrives from Pure Fiction Television. According to Deadline, O'Berst will be tasked with accelerating investment in original content, building on the momentum of shows like 'Rivals' and 'Alice and Steve.' "The UK commissioning team is behind shows like 'Rivals' and 'Alice and Steve', with O'Berst joining to accelerate investment in original content." Variety noted that the hires follow the success of the Disney+ series 'Rivals' and underscore the company's determination to expand its original programming in the UK market. The appointments suggest Disney+ is betting heavily on British creative talent to differentiate its streaming service in a crowded landscape. With O'Berst and Klimke now in place, the UK scripted team gains both creative leadership and development expertise. Their arrival positions Disney+ to compete more aggressively for original projects, potentially drawing more high-profile British writers and producers to the platform.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Spirit Awards Add New Prize Honoring Robert Redford's Environmental Legacy

The Film Independent Spirit Awards will debut a new award named after the late actor and environmentalist Robert Redford, created in partnership with The Redford Center. The Robert Redford Environmental Vision Award will recognize narrative feature films and television projects that tackle environmental themes through creative storytelling. "The award will recognize outstanding American narrative television and film that address environmental issues through creativity and possibility." The award is designed to honor projects engaging with topics such as climate change, environmental justice, conservation, Indigenous knowledge systems, and technological innovations, according to Variety. The inaugural prize will be presented at the next Spirit Awards ceremony, marking a permanent addition to the annual event. Robert Redford, who died in 2024, was a longtime environmental advocate whose work through The Redford Center has supported eco-conscious media. The new award formalizes that commitment within the independent film community, where Redford himself was a founding figure through the Sundance Institute. Film Independent and The Redford Center jointly announced the award, emphasizing that it will celebrate storytelling that "engages with environmental issues" through "innovative and impactful" narratives, as Variety reported. The partnership ensures that Redford's environmental legacy will continue to influence the industry for years to come.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Lincoln Center Theater Books Broadway Returns for 'Sound of Music' and 'A Few Good Men'

Lincoln Center Theater has unveiled its 2026-2027 season, with Broadway revivals of two iconic works: the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical 'The Sound of Music' and Aaron Sorkin's military courtroom drama 'A Few Good Men,' according to both Deadline and Variety. 'The Sound of Music' will open in spring 2027 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, directed by Lincoln Center Theater's artistic director Lear deBessonet and starring Jasmine Amy Rogers, as reported by Variety. Deadline noted that this production marks the first Broadway revival of the classic musical since 1998. "It will be the first Broadway revival of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical since 1998." Meanwhile, 'A Few Good Men' will feature Bradley Whitford and Tom Blyth in leading roles, with direction by Michael Arden, according to Deadline. The play, which originally premiered on Broadway in 1989, returns to the stage with a cast that brings together Whitford's experience and Blyth's rising profile. The season also includes Off Broadway offerings, such as a revival of August Wilson's 'Seven Guitars,' as reported by Deadline. This mix of musical theater and dramatic works underscores Lincoln Center Theater's commitment to both beloved classics and serious dramatic literature.

2 sources · 23 Jun

J.G. Quintel and Jillian Tamaki Bring Mutant High School Chaos to Adult Swim

Cartoon Network Studios debuted the first footage of its upcoming series "Supermutant Magic Academy" at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, offering a look at a show that blends fantasy elements with teen comedy. The series, based on Jillian Tamaki's Eisner Award-winning 2015 comic, is set to air on Adult Swim. "The show, set to air on Adult Swim, blends fantasy elements with teen comedy, as shown in a sizzle reel featuring magical chaos like dragons puncturing soccer balls." The panel included creators Calvin Wong, Jillian Tamaki, and producer J.G. Quintel of 'Regular Show' fame, who discussed the project's origins. According to Bleeding Cool, the surreal comedy is set at a high school where mutants and "regular" kids coexist, following a sardonic transfer student named Marsha as she navigates awkward high school struggles. Bleeding Cool reported that the preview was showcased during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, a key event for animated projects. The collaboration between Quintel and Tamaki brings together the creator of a beloved Cartoon Network hit and an acclaimed graphic novelist, promising a unique blend of humor and heart. "The preview was showcased during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival." With its mix of magical chaos and relatable teen angst, "Supermutant Magic Academy" looks to offer a fresh take on the high school comedy genre, tapping into the same irreverent spirit that made 'Regular Show' a cult favorite.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Stuart Bloom's Multiverse Mishap Drives New 'Big Bang Theory' Spinoff Trailer

HBO Max has dropped the trailer for "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe," a 10-episode spinoff of "The Big Bang Theory" set to premiere July 23. The series centers on comic bookstore owner Stuart Bloom, who accidentally triggers a multiverse Armageddon by breaking a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, according to Variety. "Stuart must restore reality with help from his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and physicist Barry Kripke." The trailer, released by HBO Max, showcases a multiverse concept that expands the original show's universe, TVLine reported. Episodes will release weekly on Thursdays, giving fans a steady dose of the new narrative. The spinoff marks a significant expansion of the franchise, moving beyond the original series' Pasadena setting into a broader multiverse storyline. The trailer features multiple cameos from the original show's universe, hinting at familiar faces returning to aid Stuart in his chaotic quest. With its July 23 premiere date and weekly release schedule, "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" aims to capture the same comedic energy that made "The Big Bang Theory" a cultural phenomenon, while introducing fresh stakes through its multiverse premise.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Lionsgate Revives 'The Blair Witch Project' for 2027, Confronting a Smartphone-Savvy Audience

Lionsgate is bringing the found-footage horror franchise "The Blair Witch Project" back to theaters with a reboot set for a 2027 release. The new film will hit screens on September 24, 2027, according to Rolling Stone, reviving the iconic 1999 independent horror classic that terrified audiences with its grainy, low-tech footage of three student filmmakers lost in the Maryland woods. "The revival of the iconic 1999 found-footage horror classic will bring the franchise back to theaters next fall, continuing the legacy of one of the most influential independent horror films of all time." Variety confirmed the theatrical release date, noting the reboot aims to build on the original's legacy. However, Rolling Stone raised a key question: how can the premise of helplessness in the woods work in an era where everyone carries a smartphone and social media is ubiquitous? The original film relied on characters having no modern technology, a conceit that feels increasingly anachronistic for a TikTok-era audience. Lionsgate has released a teaser on Instagram, but plot details remain undisclosed, as reported by Rolling Stone. The challenge of recontextualizing the story for a world where characters would likely document their ordeal in real time on social media adds a layer of complexity to the reboot's creative direction. "The article highlights the challenge of recontextualizing the original 1999 found-footage horror film, which relied on characters having no smartphones or modern technology, for a TikTok-era audience." This tension between the original's analog dread and modern digital saturation will likely define how the reboot is received. As Lionsgate moves forward, the question remains whether the Blair Witch can still terrify when every lost hiker has a camera in their pocket.

2 sources · 23 Jun

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's 'The Drama' Sets July 31 Streaming Debut on HBO Max

A24's upcoming film "The Drama," starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, will premiere exclusively on HBO Max on July 31, with a linear HBO debut following on August 1. The movie, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, centers on a soon-to-be-married couple whose relationship takes a dark turn when the bride-to-be reveals a secret during dinner with friends, according to Variety. "A soon-to-be-married couple whose relationship unravels when the bride-to-be reveals a dark secret at dinner with friends." This description from Variety highlights the central conflict, though the exact nature of the secret has been kept under wraps, sparking controversy in the film's marketing. Deadline reported that the cast also includes Alana Haim, Mamoudou Athie, and Hailey Benton Gates, adding depth to the ensemble. Deadline described the plot as following "a happily engaged couple whose wedding week goes off the rails after an unexpected turn," offering a slightly different framing that emphasizes the wedding week timeline. The film marks another collaboration between A24 and HBO Max, continuing a pattern of streaming-first releases for the distributor's buzzy titles. With Zendaya and Pattinson leading the cast, "The Drama" is poised to draw significant attention when it lands on the streaming platform this summer. The July 31 date positions it as a major late-summer release for HBO Max, capitalizing on the star power of both leads.

2 sources · 23 Jun