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Prime Day Brings Steep Discounts on Top Audio Gear from Apple, Sony, and Bose

Amazon's Prime Day sale is delivering deep discounts on audio equipment, with savings reaching up to 58 percent on headphones, earbuds, and speakers from leading brands. The event targets both music lovers and casual listeners looking to upgrade their gear. Rolling Stone reported that its curated list of Prime Day audio deals focuses on editor-tested products from major names including Apple, Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser. Many of the markdowns are exclusive to Prime members, though non-members can access a 30-day free trial to participate. "editor-tested products with discounts up to 58%" The magazine's emphasis on verified reviews adds a layer of credibility for shoppers navigating the vast selection of offers, helping them distinguish genuine bargains from inflated discounts. TMZ also promoted the sale, highlighting discounts on headphones and portable speakers. The outlet framed the deals as an opportunity to enhance summer listening experiences, whether for travel, workouts, or outdoor relaxation. Together, the coverage underscores how Prime Day has become a key shopping moment for audio enthusiasts, offering significant price cuts on both everyday earbuds and premium hi-fi equipment.

2 sources · 25 Jun

IBM's new chip packs 100 billion transistors with vertical 'nanostack' design

IBM has announced a major breakthrough in semiconductor technology, unveiling a sub-1 nanometer chip that packs nearly 100 billion transistors into an area the size of a fingernail. The transistor features are smaller than a DNA strand at 2.5 nanometers, though the architecture itself is built at the 0.7 nm (7 angstrom) node, according to Gizmodo. This new chip offers nearly twice the density of IBM's previous 2-nanometer chip from 2021. "IBM has announced the world's first sub-1 nanometer chip technology, featuring a revolutionary transistor architecture at the 0.7 nm (7 angstrom) node." Instead of shrinking transistors horizontally, IBM's design stacks them vertically using a novel approach. Hacker News reported that the company uses a "nanostack" 3D chip architecture, which allows more transistors per square millimeter and marks a major milestone as the industry approaches the physical limits of traditional scaling. The Register noted that IBM has also mapped a path down to 0.1 nm (1 angstrom) and expects commercial chips using the 0.7 nm process to reach markets within five years. The publication quoted the company as having "mapped a path down to 0.1 nm (1 Angstrom)," though the technology remains years away from mass production. "cram nearly 100 billion transistors onto a fingernail-sized die, almost double the density of its 2021 2 nm technology." IBM's achievement positions the company as a leader in advanced semiconductor research, promising more powerful and energy-efficient processors for the next decade. While the chip is still in the research phase, its vertical stacking and extreme density could redefine computing performance when it eventually reaches consumers.

3 sources · 26 Jun

Ex-Facebook executive challenges Meta's 'coercive surveillance' in First Amendment lawsuit

Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former director of global public policy at Facebook, has filed a lawsuit against Meta accusing the company of trying to block her from promoting her memoir through an arbitration ruling and a severance agreement she claims was signed under duress. The 57-page complaint, filed in a California district court, challenges what her legal team calls an unlawful prior restraint on speech, according to The Guardian. "coercive surveillance" The Guardian reported that the lawsuit specifically alleges Meta engaged in surveillance as part of an effort to silence the former executive, who served as Facebook's director of global public policy. The complaint argues that an interim arbitration ruling sought by Meta constitutes an improper and unlawful violation of the First Amendment. Wynn-Williams published her book, 'Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism,' in 2025 and recently appeared at the 2026 Hay Festival of Literature to discuss her experiences inside the social media giant, according to The Independent. The Independent noted that she is suing over a gag order that prevented her from speaking about the company or promoting the book. "the company is trying to 'silence' her" The Independent also reported that the lawsuit claims the severance agreement prohibiting criticism of Meta was signed under duress, adding another layer to the legal battle over Wynn-Williams's right to share her insider account of the company's operations.

2 sources · 26 Jun

Lizzy Caplan Boards FX's 'Far Cry' Anthology Series Alongside Co-Creator Rob Mac

Lizzy Caplan has joined the cast of FX's upcoming "Far Cry" anthology series, based on Ubisoft's video game franchise, according to multiple outlets. The series, created by Noah Hawley and Rob Mac, was first reported in November 2025, and Caplan will star alongside Mac, the co-creator who is also taking an on-screen role. "Her character details remain undisclosed." Deadline reported that the series will follow an anthology format, with each season set in a new location and featuring a new cast, mirroring the structure of the video game franchise. Variety noted that Caplan previously worked with FX on "Fleishman Is In Trouble," for which she earned an Emmy nomination. "The series, from creators Noah Hawley and Rob Mac, ... will follow an anthology format similar to the video game franchise, with a different cast and setting each season." Bleeding Cool added that the casting announcement arrives more than seven months after the project was first reported as being in development. Both Hawley (via 26 Keys) and Mac (via More Better Productions) are executive producing the series. Caplan was most recently seen in Netflix's "Zero Day" and FX's "Fleishman Is In Trouble."

3 sources · 25 Jun

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney Denounces Valve's AI Disclosure Rule as a 'Scarlet Letter' for Developers

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has publicly condemned Valve's policy requiring developers to disclose generative AI use on Steam, arguing it unfairly brands teams who adopt the technology. Sweeney called the rule "irresponsible" and harmful, especially to smaller studios trying to break into the market. "This is a Scarlet Letter that encourages players to attack developers using AI tools." According to VGC, Valve's mandate took effect in 2024 and was updated in January 2026 to distinguish between AI used to generate content for the game and AI-generated content produced during gameplay, while excluding standard AI-powered tools. Sweeney contrasted this with Epic's more permissive stance, positioning its Unreal Engine 6 as a platform that embraces AI to streamline development. GamesRadar reported that Sweeney used the example of a simple flower pot model to illustrate his point, arguing that the value in game development lies not in individual assets but in building complete scenes and games. The implication is that Valve's labeling stigmatizes a workflow that many developers see as a time-saving efficiency. The criticism arrives as even major publishers face backlash when AI involvement is revealed. Insider-Gaming noted that Sega encountered player pushback after confirming AI use in some assets, reinforcing Sweeney's argument that the disclosure system singles out developers unfairly. Epic, by contrast, is pushing forward with AI integration as a core feature of its future tools, betting that transparency without stigma will better serve the industry.

3 sources · 26 Jun

Xbox Prices Jump Up to $150 in Third Increase in 13 Months

Microsoft is raising prices on its Xbox Series X and S consoles by up to $150, effective August 1, marking the third price hike in just over a year. According to CNBC, the 512GB Xbox Series S will increase by $100 to about $499.99, while all 1TB models will rise by $150. Gematsu reported that the company is also discontinuing the 2TB Xbox Series X model. This latest increase follows two previous rounds: a global price hike in May 2025 and a U.S.-only increase of $20-$70 in October 2025, as noted by PureXbox. The repeated adjustments reflect what TechRaptor described as "broader trends of rising costs in console gaming." Microsoft has now raised prices on every storage tier available. Microsoft attributed the move to surging component costs, particularly for storage and memory. Xbox.com stated that console storage and memory prices have risen by more than 2.5 times, with expectations of "further doubling by fall 2027." Insider-Gaming quoted the company warning that these cost increases could lead to additional price hikes down the line. "The ongoing component shortage crisis... despite a previous increase in October 2025, further increases have become unavoidable." The price adjustments apply worldwide and coincide with significant leadership changes at Microsoft. Variety noted that the hikes come under new CEO Asha Sharma, who replaced longtime chief Phil Spencer earlier this year, and reported that the company has also undergone "significant layoffs." The combination of rising input costs and corporate restructuring signals a challenging period for the Xbox brand.

7 sources · 26 Jun

Heavens to Betsy Return After 32 Years With Tour and Portland Reunion

Heavens to Betsy, the influential feminist punk duo featuring Corin Tucker and Tracy Sawyer, are reuniting for their first tour in 32 years following a surprise reunion show in Portland, Oregon. The band, which formed in the early 1990s in Olympia, Washington, played its first show at K Records' International Pop Underground festival in 1991 and released the acclaimed 1994 album "Calculated" before disbanding, Stereogum reported. "influential feminist punk duo" Both Tucker and Sawyer, childhood friends from Eugene, Oregon, found their first musical project together in Heavens to Betsy, according to Pitchfork. The duo's split led directly to the formation of Sleater-Kinney, with Tucker becoming a central figure in the Pacific Northwest punk scene. The tour includes stops at New York's Bowery Ballroom and Chicago's Empty Bottle, Pitchfork reported. The band's return marks a rare live outing for a group that has not performed together in over three decades. Fans of 1990s riot grrrl and feminist punk have long hoped for a reunion, and the Portland show served as a surprise announcement that the duo are ready to revisit their raw, politically charged sound. Details on additional dates beyond the announced cities remain sparse, but the tour signals a significant revival of one of the era's key acts.

2 sources · 26 Jun

Empress Of Turns Personal Loss into Hopeful New Album 'Dream House'

Empress Of, the project of Lorely Rodriguez, has announced her new album 'Dream House,' a deeply personal follow-up to 2024's 'For Your Consideration.' The album arrives on September 18 via Giant Music and directly confronts the aftermath of the Altadena fires that destroyed Rodriguez's family home, according to Pitchfork. Alongside the album announcement, Rodriguez shared the lead single 'Wild Storm,' an uplifting track accompanied by a music video. According to Stereogum, the video was "shot on the rooftop of her new home," lending the song an unmistakable sense of resilience. Pitchfork also reported the video was directed by Mitch deQuilettes and filmed in the fire's aftermath. 'Dream House' features collaborations with Cecile Believe, as noted by both outlets, as well as Blood Orange and Rodriguez's mother Reina, according to Stereogum. Rodriguez will celebrate the album's release with a show at New York's Music Hall of Williamsburg on September 30, Pitchfork confirmed. "the new hopeful single" Stereogum described the lead track as hopeful, a tone that permeates an album born from catastrophe. The contrast between the destruction referenced in the album's theme and the optimistic sound of 'Wild Storm' suggests a narrative of rebuilding, both physically and emotionally. With 'Dream House,' Empress Of turns a devastating personal loss into a work of art that looks forward, capturing the process of finding stability after everything falls away. The project stands as a testament to moving through grief with creativity and purpose.

2 sources · 26 Jun

Micky Dolenz Marks Monkees' 60th Anniversary With EP Featuring Paul Westerberg Cover

Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, is celebrating the group's upcoming 60th anniversary with a new six-song EP titled 'Timeless.' The release includes a cover of an obscure Paul Westerberg song, bridging the band's 1960s television origins with the alternative rock world of The Replacements frontman. Rolling Stone reported that Dolenz is the sole surviving Monkee following the deaths of Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith. "a manufactured TV band that became genuinely countercultural" Stereogum noted Dolenz's personal musical taste drove him to choose a deep cut from Westerberg's 2008 catalog for the EP. The selection underscores how a band born as a scripted TV concept managed to forge a lasting identity beyond the screen, with Dolenz continuing to curate its musical legacy. "continuing the enduring legacy of a band that began as a 1966 TV show" The 'Timeless' EP arrives as The Monkees approach six decades since their debut, a milestone that Rolling Stone said Dolenz is honoring with this new collection. The project serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the group's improbable journey from fabricated pop act to a genuinely beloved fixture in rock history.

2 sources · 26 Jun

Adult Swim Commissions Genndy Tartakovsky's 'Heist Brothers' as Musical Action Comedy

Adult Swim has ordered a 10-episode animated series from Emmy-winning creator Genndy Tartakovsky, titled 'Heist Brothers,' a high-octane action comedy about three frog brothers who rob a bank. The series, originally pitched as 'Heist Safari' at the Annecy International Animation Festival in 2024, is now in production at Cartoon Network Studios, according to Deadline. The series was confirmed at the 2025 Annecy Festival during the Adult Swim Studio Focus, Bleeding Cool reported. Described as having a musical vibe, the comedy-robbery show marks Tartakovsky's second new series project announced at the festival, alongside a previously reported 'Conan the Barbarian' series, according to Variety. "It's a mix of Tex Avery and Guy Ritchie." Adult Swim head Michael Ouweleen delivered that distinctive description of the show's tone, as quoted by Variety, blending classic cartoon mayhem with stylish crime-caper energy. The new series joins Tartakovsky's storied career that includes 'Dexter's Laboratory,' 'Samurai Jack,' and 'Primal.'

3 sources · 26 Jun

Netflix Expands 'The Monster of Florence' with New Three-Episode Chapter on Infamous Serial Killer Case

Netflix has begun production on a new three-episode chapter of its Italian true crime series "The Monster of Florence," expanding the story of the notorious serial killer who terrorized the region between 1968 and 1985. The new installment follows the success of the initial four-part series, which premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival and became a global hit, according to Variety. Directed by Stefano Sollima and co-created with Leonardo Fasoli, the new chapter "promises to revisit Italy's most famous true crime case through a fresh perspective." The show's first chapter already established a compelling narrative around the unsolved murders and the flawed investigation that followed, and this sequel aims to deepen that exploration, Variety reported. Deadline reported that the new portion will "focus on the 'Snack Buddies' lead in the criminal investigation." That detail, referring to a key investigative thread in the case, suggests the series will home in on the specific leads that consumed detectives during the long hunt for the killer. The phrase "Snack Buddies" alludes to a well-known element of the case that became a focus for law enforcement, Deadline noted. With production now underway, Netflix is doubling down on a true crime story that has already proven its international appeal. The decision to greenlight a sequel so quickly underscores the streaming service's confidence in Sollima's vision and the enduring fascination with one of Italy's most confounding criminal mysteries.

2 sources · 26 Jun

Love Island USA Removes Bombshell Alannah Keyser Over Private Racist Posts

Love Island USA has removed contestant Alannah Keyser after racist social media posts from her past resurfaced shortly after she entered the villa, Peacock confirmed. Keyser appeared as a bombshell during the Casa Amor twist, but was ejected after a video showing her lip-syncing to a song while using a racial slur, along with a screenshot of her using the n-word on social media, began circulating, Deadline reported. "Peacock stated they were unaware of these posts prior to casting, as they had not been publicly shared before her appearance." The posts, which included a video of Keyser mouthing the slur while singing and a Snapchat message containing the same word, were originally made on private accounts and only became widely known after her TV debut, Variety noted. This made them inaccessible during Peacock's standard pre-screening vetting process, according to the outlet. This marks the second time this season that a Love Island USA contestant has been removed for using the racial slur, following the earlier ejection of Vasana Montgomery, Vulture reported. The recurrence raises questions about the show's background-check protocols for contestants with limited public social media histories. "the show's narrator, Iain Stirling, confirmed her departure without providing details on the reason." The announcement of Keyser's exit was made during the June 25 episode, TVLine reported, though the show did not elaborate on the circumstances. Peacock has not commented further on whether the vetting process will be adjusted going forward.

4 sources · 26 Jun

MS NOW Replaces Weekend Evening Live Shows with Taped Podcasts; Alex Witt to Depart

MS NOW is overhauling its weekend evening lineup, replacing live hosted hours after 6 p.m. ET with taped video podcasts. The restructuring, announced in a memo from network president Rebecca Kutler, also marks the departure of veteran anchor Alex Witt, who joined the network in 1999 and is set to leave later this summer. The move signals a deepening embrace of creator media and podcast-driven programming by the cable news channel. "This move reflects the growing convergence between creator media and traditional TV news." Variety reported that the new taped slots will include shows from Crooked Media as well as podcasts hosted by Nicolle Wallace and Chris Hayes, underscoring MS NOW's strategy to expand content partnerships and attract a weekend audience accustomed to on-demand viewing. "The network cites success from its content agreement with Crooked Media." Deadline noted that the restructuring ends The Weekend: Primetime on Saturdays, with co-anchor Antonia Hylton moving to weekend daytime hours from 1 to 4 p.m. ET. Co-anchors Ayman Mohyeldin, Elise Jordan, and Catherine Rampell will remain at the network as contributors. Alex Witt's departure after 25 years marks the end of an era for the channel. Both outlets confirmed that the longtime anchor has announced her exit, with Deadlining specifying she will leave this summer. The programming shift, as outlined by Kutler, reflects a broader industry trend as traditional news outlets adapt to the rise of on-demand content and podcast audiences.

2 sources · 26 Jun

Animated Pastry Competition Comedy 'Yes Chef' Gets $25 Million Backing from Studio TF1

Studio TF1 is making a major bet on the animated family comedy "Yes Chef," investing $25 million in a story set inside a televised pastry competition. The project was unveiled at the Annecy Animation Film Festival, where the studio signaled its growing ambitions in feature animation. "a $25 million family comedy set in the world of a televised pastry competition" The premise taps into the enduring popularity of baking shows, offering a fresh twist for younger audiences. Variety reported that the film is being produced by Studio TF1 alongside Octopolis and nWave Pictures, a partnership that brings together European animation expertise. The screenplay was written by Laur..., based on an original idea by Clara Oheyen and Matthieu Zeller. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the focus on a pastry competition suggests a blend of high-stakes culinary action and character-driven humor. Studio TF1 is positioning the film for a 2028 release, giving the production team several years to develop the animation. The investment reflects a broader trend of European studios ramping up original animated features to compete on the global stage.

2 sources · 26 Jun

Directors Guild Ratifies Contract Curbing Non-Director Episodes as Hollywood Seeks Stability

The Directors Guild of America has overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract designed to protect members' jobs during a significant downturn in film and television production. DGA President Christopher Nolan and National Executive Director Russell Hollander announced the approval, which places limits on how many episodes non-directors can direct per TV season. According to Variety, the deal was aimed at protecting members and strengthening the Guild amid industry challenges. "We are pleased to announce that DGA members have overwhelmingly ratified the new four-year contract." The contract's most notable provision restricts the number of episodes that can be directed by non-directors in a given TV season, a measure Variety reported was intended to preserve directing opportunities for DGA members. This comes as Hollywood grapples with a production slump that has reduced employment across the industry. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers praised the agreement, highlighting what they called a foundation of trust between guilds and studios. Deadline reported that the AMPTP noted "historic contributions" in the deal, which marks a stark contrast to the severe strikes that roiled Hollywood three years ago. "This agreement is a testament to the trust between the AMPTP and the DGA." With the DGA's ratification, all three of Hollywood's major guilds have approved new contracts this summer, signaling a period of labor peace after years of contentious negotiations. TheWrap noted that the deal was designed to address "a period of profound change" in the industry, as streaming continues to reshape production models and employment patterns.

4 sources · 26 Jun

Pixar Debuts Two New Animated Shorts at Annecy: A Dory Romance and a Venetian Cat Caper

Pixar used the Annecy International Film Festival to unveil two new animated shorts, including a theatrical return to the world of Finding Dory and a Venice-set thriller about a black cat. The studio showed finished scenes from both projects at the festival, according to reports from Deadline and Variety. The first short, "Loving Dory," is directed by Lou Hamou-Lhadj and revisits the beloved Dory and Nemo universe. As Deadline reported, the plot follows "Dory's unexpected encounter with a plastic bag in the sea." The encounter appears to be a romantic one, adding a surreal twist to the beloved fish's story. Dory's unexpected encounter with a plastic bag in the sea. The second project, "Gatto," comes from Enrico Casarosa, the Oscar-nominated director of "Luca." Variety described it as a short about "a black cat named Nero on the run from a cat mob boss in Venice." The film, set in the canals of Venice, adds a crime element to Pixar's signature animal storytelling. a black cat named Nero on the run from a cat mob boss in Venice. Deadline noted that the Loving Dory short is a theatrical release, while Gatto's distribution format was not specified. Both shorts aim to expand Pixar's cinematic universe beyond feature films, with each offering a distinct visual style and tone. The Annecy festival continues to be a key venue for Pixar to preview its upcoming projects, as it has done in past years with "Soul" and "Inside Out 2."

2 sources · 26 Jun

Disney Unveils New Stitch Short and 'Hexed' Footage at Annecy

Disney made a pair of animated announcements at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, surprising attendees with a theatrical short featuring Stitch and showing new footage from the upcoming feature 'Hexed'. The short, titled 'Lilo & Scratch', serves as a follow-up to the 2002 classic 'Lilo & Stitch' and will premiere in theaters ahead of the November release of 'Hexed'. The short is set shortly after the events of the original film and centers on Stitch learning to adjust to family life when Lilo brings home a new cat. According to Variety, director Fawn Veerasunthorn noted that this is Disney's first theatrical short in five years. Chris Sanders, who originally voiced Stitch, reprises his role for the new project. "Lilo brings home a new cat, leading to a chaotic chase around the island." Disney also used the festival to preview 'Hexed', its upcoming animated feature scheduled for release on November 25, as reported by Deadline. The new footage was presented alongside the short's surprise premiere, building anticipation for both projects. The 'Lilo & Scratch' short will play in theaters before screenings of 'Hexed', creating a direct pairing for audiences. The combination marks a notable return to theatrical shorts for Disney, with the short serving as a bridge between the original film and a new generation of viewers, while 'Hexed' carries the studio's current animated slate forward.

2 sources · 26 Jun

Broadway Revival of 'Three Days of Rain' Set for 2027 with All-Star Cast

A Broadway revival of Richard Greenberg's 'Three Days of Rain' is officially on the calendar, with a starry cast and a Tony-winning director attached. The production will open in February 2027 at a Shubert Theatre to be announced, featuring François Arnaud, David Corenswet, and Yvonne Strahovski in the leading roles, according to Variety and Deadline. Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro will direct the revival, which is being produced by David Binder, Deadline reported. The exact Shubert Theatre has not yet been named, but the show's creative team is expected to be announced in the coming months. "The play was previously mounted on Broadway in 2006 with Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper." That earlier production helped cement the play's reputation as a showcase for rising stars. The new cast, drawn from television and film, suggests producers are aiming for similar buzz this time around. "The production will be directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro and produced by David Binder," Shapiro, who won a Tony for 'August: Osage County,' brings considerable prestige to the project. With a February 2027 opening still more than two years away, ticket buyers can expect additional details about the venue and creative team to emerge as the date approaches.

3 sources · 25 Jun