The internet, freshly baked.

X pushes original video creation with a new in-app editor and recorder for iOS

X is rolling out a built-in video editor and recorder for iOS, the company announced, adding tools that include multilingual captions, green-screen effects, and other editing features to encourage users to produce original content. The move comes as videos now account for close to half of all impressions on the platform, according to The Verge. "Many top accounts on the platform are stealing videos from other users, sometimes years after they originally went viral." X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, acknowledged the platform’s “recycled content” problem, The Verge reported. The new editor aims to shift incentives toward original posts that don’t exist on other platforms, rather than reposting stolen clips. TechCrunch noted that the editor is designed to encourage creators to share content that is not simply repurposed from elsewhere. Engadget reported that the video editor is now available on iOS, giving users a way to record and edit directly within the X app without needing third-party software. The suite includes features such as multilingual captioning and green-screen effects, which could help creators produce short-form videos that stand out amid the flood of reposts. By bundling these tools, X is taking a direct approach to curb the behavior Bier described, where top accounts repost viral content from smaller creators often years after the original clip gained traction. The addition of a native editor may also make it easier for casual users to try their hand at original video creation, potentially shifting the platform’s content mix toward fresher material.

3 sources · 7 Jul

Alibaba Labels Anthropic's Claude Code 'High-Risk' After Discovery of User-Tracking Code

Alibaba has banned employees from using Anthropic's Claude Code, classifying the AI coding tool as high-risk software due to security concerns. The internal directive, seen by the South China Morning Post, stems from a hidden code in Claude Code designed to identify Chinese users, which Alibaba says poses back-door risks. "The discovery of what Alibaba calls 'back-door risks' in Claude Code has led to its classification as high-risk software within the company." The ban, effective July 10, directs employees to switch to Alibaba's own Qoder platform, according to Slashdot and Tom's Hardware. This move follows security researchers uncovering code that could detect users based in China, deepening tensions between the two companies. The fresh restrictions are part of a wider dispute between Alibaba and Anthropic. As Slashdot reported, Anthropic accused Alibaba of illicitly extracting its AI model capabilities through a process known as distillation, training a less capable model on the outputs of a stronger one. "The ban is part of a deepening spat between the two companies after Anthropic accused Alibaba of illicitly extracting its Claude AI model capabilities , a dispute that highlights the frantic race between the U.S. and China to take the lead in artificial intelligence." Alibaba's decision to ban Claude Code and promote its in-house alternative underscores the growing competition between Chinese and American AI firms, with trust and security now at the forefront of corporate policy.

7 sources · 7 Jul

Inde Navarrette credits Henry Cavill's PC build tutorial for inspiring her own gaming rig

Obsession star Inde Navarrette joined the ranks of PC builders who learned the craft by watching others, specifically after seeing Henry Cavill put together his own machine, PC Gamer reported. The outlet highlighted that her path to a custom gaming PC mirrors the experience of many enthusiasts who turn to online tutorials for guidance. "built her gaming PC just like you and me: By watching Henry Cavill do it first" The publication noted that Navarrette's build story is a lighthearted example of how even Hollywood figures engage with PC building culture in the same way as everyday gamers. By following Cavill's step-by-step video, she essentially navigated the same process that countless hobbyists have used to assemble their own rigs. PC Gamer's coverage also leaned into self-deprecating humor about the overlap between celebrity culture and its own beat. The author closed with a playful nod to the article's meta nature, writing that "I'm basically a Hollywood star," a line that underscores the publication's tongue-in-cheek expansion into reporting on famous gamers. "I'm basically a Hollywood star." The brief story serves as a reminder that the barrier to building a PC is no higher for a celebrity than for anyone else, provided they have access to the right YouTube tutorial. Navarrette's choice to learn from Cavill's build adds a small, relatable chapter to the ongoing conversation about how public figures engage with gaming hardware.

2 sources · 7 Jul

Team Fortress 2 Drops Summer 2026 Update with Six New Community Maps and Cosmetics

Valve has released a substantial Summer 2026 update for Team Fortress 2, rolling out on July 7, 2026, according to teamfortress.com. The update introduces six new community-designed maps, a fresh cosmetic case, and a host of new taunts and unusual effects, breathing new life into the nearly two-decade-old shooter. "Summer 2026! Featuring 6 new community maps: Dryfield, Camp Saxton, Shorelight, Redwood, Premuda, and Mojave" The six new battlegrounds range from desert landscapes to woodland campsites, offering players fresh terrain for competitive and casual matches alike. Steam reported that the maps were contributed by the community, continuing Valve's long tradition of incorporating fan creations. Alongside the maps, the update adds the Summer 2026 Cosmetic Case, which contains 24 new community-contributed items. As a bonus, the case has a chance to drop a taunt Unusualifier, a rare item that can convert a regular taunt into an unusual variant. Steam also noted the inclusion of 12 new community-created unusual effects, split between seven for hats and five for taunts. "Added the Summer 2026 Cosmetic Case Contains 24 new community-contributed items" Four new taunts are now available in the Mann Co. Store: The Circuit Breaker, Buffoon's Bivouac, Faux-calization, and Friendly Fire. All of these were contributed by community creators, a detail that underscores TF2's enduring modding scene, as noted by both teamfortress.com and Steam. The update also includes a new War Paint collection, though specific patterns were not detailed in the brief patch notes. The Summer 2026 update arrives as a rare major content drop for Team Fortress 2, which has not seen a seasonal event of this scale in years. With dozens of new items and maps, the patch is likely to re-energize the player base, at least through the summer months.

2 sources · 7 Jul

Capcom Shifts Onimusha: Way of the Sword Launch Three Weeks Earlier to Dodge Packed Fall Calendar

Capcom has moved the release of Onimusha: Way of the Sword up to September 4, 2026, pulling the revival of the demon-slaying franchise three weeks ahead of its originally planned September 25 release date. The game will be available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, according to IGN. The decision slides the title out of a late-September window that is already crowded with other major releases. "We can't back out now!" Onimusha: Way of the Sword developer laughs off concerns around 2026's packed September release window Eurogamer noted that many publishers are moving games into September and October to avoid the gravitational pull of Grand Theft Auto VI, creating a glut of triple-A and indie titles. Capcom did not publicly give a reason for the date change, Insider Gaming reported. As part of the shift, the pre-order bonus has been converted into an early adopter bonus available until the original September 25 date, and the demo has been updated to reflect the new launch but will not receive new content. Digital pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 version have been automatically cancelled, according to Nintendo Life, and customers will need to place new pre-orders through the eShop. The game is the first new Onimusha entry in over two decades, reviving the franchise that began in 2001 with its blend of Edo-period swordsmanship and supernatural combat. Polygon reported that the title was originally announced at The Game Awards 2024 with a vague 2026 window, before Capcom locked in the early September date. Set in feudal Japan, players wield a magical gauntlet as a samurai battling malevolent forces, Pure Xbox reported. With the early September slot, Way of the Sword lands ahead of many of its Fall 2026 rivals, though it will still face stiff competition in what Polygon described as a "crowded period" for gaming releases.

7 sources · 7 Jul

Mariska Hargitay to Host 2026 Emmys, Breaking the Comedy Casting Mold

Mariska Hargitay, who has portrayed Detective Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" for more than two decades, will host the 78th Emmy Awards in 2026, NBC announced. The news, reported by TVLine, taps an actor known for dramatic work rather than stand-up comedy, a departure from recent Emmy hosting choices. "This marks Hargitay's first major hosting gig, following her recent Broadway debut with the solo show 'Every Brilliant Thing.'" The ceremony is set for September 14, 2026, airing live on NBC and streaming on Peacock from the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE, according to Deadline. Hargitay's hosting role comes after she spent years as one of television's most recognizable faces, though she has never emceed an awards show before. "marks a departure from the tradition of hiring stand-up comedians or comic actors as hosts" Rolling Stone noted that Hargitay becomes the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years, since Jane Lynch in 2011. The choice signals a shift away from the recent pattern of enlisting comedians like Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, or Kenan Thompson to lead the broadcast. Hargitay's casting highlights NBC's long relationship with the "Law & Order" franchise, as TVLine emphasized her cultural impact. The network is betting that her built-in fan base will draw viewers to the awards show, even without a traditional comic host's monologue chops.

3 sources · 7 Jul

Big Brother Season 28 Kicks Off with YouTube 'Broveal' Event, Unveils Full Cast and 'Time Trip' Theme

The 28th season of Big Brother is officially underway, as CBS revealed the full cast just days before the premiere. To mark the occasion, host Julie Chen Moonves will lead a new YouTube special called "Big Brother: Broveal" on Tuesday, July 7, at 12 PM ET, giving fans a first look at the houseguests and this season's "Time Trip" theme. According to Bleeding Cool, the livestream will include a tour of the themed house and the reveal of the contestants who will spend the summer under 24/7 surveillance on the popular reality competition series. "Big Brother: Broveal, a special event hosted by Julie Chen Moonves on July 7 to reveal the season's houseguests and share hints about the 'Time Trip' theme." The YouTube special represents a new digital push for the franchise, which also includes limited-time live feeds on the platform for the first time. Deadline reported that fans are encouraged to subscribe to the official Big Brother YouTube channel to catch the Broveal and the live feed offerings, expanding how viewers can engage with the show beyond traditional broadcasts. Longtime followers of the series are used to the format where strangers live in an isolated house under constant surveillance, competing in challenges and social strategy, as Decider outlined in its season preview. The 2026 edition continues that tradition with a fresh group of housemates who will vie for the grand prize in a season built around a nostalgic, time-travel aesthetic. "During the stream, she will tour the 'Time Trip'-themed house and reveal the new houseguests." The season officially launches Thursday, July 9, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS with a 90-minute premiere episode, as confirmed by DraftKings. With the Broveal setting the stage and the live feeds ready to roll, the summer ritual of watching alliances form and backstabbing unfold is about to begin all over again.

4 sources · 7 Jul

Netflix to Feature Short-Form Publisher Videos on Homepage Starting in August

Netflix has struck video licensing deals with a broad set of major magazine and digital publishers, bringing news, lifestyle, and how-to content to the streaming platform for the first time. The new programming will begin appearing on the service’s homepage on August 3, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. "offerings, which range from three-minute shorts to 20-minute episodes, will be featured on the streamer’s homepage starting Aug. 3." The deal marks a significant expansion of Netflix’s content library, which has traditionally focused on scripted series, films, and unscripted reality shows. By adding short-form publisher video, the streamer is competing more directly with YouTube and other ad-supported platforms for viewers’ attention. Variety reported that the agreements cover multiple publishing groups, including Penske Media’s PMX unit (which owns Variety, Rolling Stone, and other titles), BuzzFeed Studios, Condé Nast, Hearst Magazines, People Inc., and Tastemade. The content will be selected from each publisher’s existing video offerings rather than produced exclusively for Netflix. "complementing its existing scripted and unscripted programming" Industry observers noted that the arrangement gives Netflix a steady stream of topical, non-fiction content without the production costs of original series, while publishers gain exposure on one of the world’s largest streaming platforms. The financial terms of the deals were not disclosed by either outlet. The rollout underscores Netflix’s strategic push to diversify its content mix beyond Hollywood movies and TV shows, as it faces slower subscriber growth in mature markets. With publisher videos arriving in August, the company is betting that bite-sized news and lifestyle clips can keep users engaged between major releases.

2 sources · 7 Jul

Belgium routs US 4-1 to advance, silencing Seattle crowd

Belgium ended the United States' World Cup run with a commanding 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 on Monday in Seattle, extinguishing the host nation's hopes in front of a raucous pro-US crowd. According to ESPN, the Americans were "comprehensively dismantled" as their tournament dream went up in smoke. Fox News reported that costly errors by Team USA led to the loss, with the final score reflecting a dominant Belgian performance. Days before the match, Belgium's players had dismissed the intimidating atmosphere they would face. Left-back Maxim De Cuyper told reporters, as reported by Yahoo News New Zealand and The Guardian, that they needed to "show balls on the pitch" to neutralize the home support. "If you play against 80,000 supporters or with 80,000, you have to try to do the same," De Cuyper added, according to The Guardian. The United States had enjoyed strong home backing throughout the tournament, including in Seattle where just under 67,000 watched them defeat Australia in the group stage, Yahoo News New Zealand noted. That same venue was expected to be a factor again, but the Red Devils proved unfazed, as KSN-TV reported that Belgium ended America's run with the 4-1 win. Belgium's victory advances them to the quarterfinals, while the US must regroup after a match that laid bare the gap between the sides. The final scoreline, as Fox News detailed, showed a team undone by its own mistakes against a clinical opponent.

7 sources · 7 Jul

Valkyries visit Mystics as Golden State’s defense and depth fuel a climb to the top

The Golden State Valkyries take on the Washington Mystics on Monday as a 6.5-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a total of 155.5 points set for the contest. According to DraftKings, the Mystics enter the game with a 10-9 record and the 11th-best net rating in the league this season. Golden State’s recent surge has been driven by strong fundamentals on both ends of the floor. As ESPN reported, "Golden State's defense and depth are paying dividends as the top spot once again changes hands." The Valkyries have used a deep rotation and disciplined defensive schemes to overtake the league’s best, and Monday’s matchup offers another test against a Mystics team that has been competitive but inconsistent. DraftKings noted that the Mystics’ net rating of 11th overall reflects a middling performance, though they have managed to stay above .500. Washington will need to contain Golden State’s balanced attack to keep the game close, particularly if the Valkyries’ defense continues to force tough shots and limit second-chance opportunities. With the top of the standings shifting frequently, this game carries extra weight for both sides. The Valkyries aim to hold their position, while the Mystics look to make a statement at home and improve their own standing in the playoff race.

3 sources · 7 Jul

Jalen Brunson has surgery on left wrist after playing through injury to lead Knicks to title

Jalen Brunson, the Finals MVP who led the New York Knicks to the 2026 NBA championship, recently underwent surgery on his left wrist. According to ESPN, sources confirmed that the surgery was performed and Brunson is expected to return to basketball activities later this summer. The surgery sheds light on the discomfort Brunson played through during the Knicks' title run. Yahoo News New Zealand reported that the All-Star point guard dealt with discomfort in his shooting wrist throughout the entire championship campaign. "The Jalen Brunson lore just went to a whole other level following a wild new report about the New York" That "wild new report" revealed the extent of the injury, adding to the narrative of Brunson's toughness and determination. ESPN noted that Brunson, who earned Finals MVP honors, is now on a recovery timeline that will have him back on the court later this summer. Yahoo News New Zealand also highlighted that Brunson's performance in the playoffs and Finals was heroic, given the significant injury he was managing. The combination of his postseason success and the revelation of the playing-through-injury story further cements Brunson's legacy with the Knicks, showing his commitment to the team's first championship in decades.

4 sources · 7 Jul

Charli xcx Enlists David Cronenberg for Surprise Guest Appearance on New Album

Charli xcx has unveiled the tracklist for her upcoming seventh studio album, "Music, Fashion, Film," which is set to arrive on July 24. The 11-track project includes previously released singles "Rock Music," "SS26," and "Wink Wink," but the biggest surprise is a sole guest appearance from acclaimed horror director David Cronenberg. According to Variety, Cronenberg appears on the closing track, "No One Lasts Forever." "The singer is currently promoting the album with listening sessions at independent venues." Rolling Stone added that the nearly six-minute Cronenberg feature closes the record, and Charli shared the tracklist on Instagram alongside a series of photos, including one where she poses nude holding a T-shirt printed with the tracklist. It is a bold visual that matches the album's title and its obsession with pop culture trifectas. The album title itself, "Music, Fashion, Film," suggests a thematic exploration of the intertwined industries that have defined Charli's career. While the tracklist is concise at 11 songs, the inclusion of a filmmaker like Cronenberg points to an artistic ambition that extends beyond typical pop collaborations. Rolling Stone noted that the album is led by a single, though no further details on promotional plans have been shared beyond the listening sessions. With a July 24 release date set, Charli xcx appears to be leaning into avant-garde territory. The choice of Cronenberg, known for his body horror and psychological thrillers, signals that this album may push boundaries sonically and conceptually. Fans will have to wait until summer to hear how the director's voice or presence shaped the closing track. "The album's 11-track tracklist features a sole guest appearance from horror director David Cronenberg on the closing track 'No One Lasts Forever.'" As the rollout continues, independent venue listening sessions are giving early access to the album's sound. Whether the rest of "Music, Fashion, Film" matches the eccentric energy of its featured guest remains to be seen, but Charli xcx has certainly set an unpredictable tone for her seventh studio effort.

2 sources · 7 Jul

Punk Royalty Unites as Cretin Family for Ramones 50th Anniversary Gig

A new punk supergroup featuring Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, Rancid's Tim Armstrong, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, and former Ramones bassist CJ Ramone will make its debut at the Official Ramones 50th Anniversary Tribute on Aug. 30 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, according to Rolling Stone. The band, named Cretin Family, will anchor a special set during the celebration. "The special Aug. 30 set will also feature Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and ormer Ramones bassist CJ Ramone." The inclusion of Barker and CJ Ramone completes a lineup that merges multiple generations of punk and pop-punk royalty, as Billboard noted. The evening is expected to draw a large crowd to the historic cemetery venue. "Proceeds benefit Dr. David Agus' cancer research at the Ellison Institute Research Foundation." Rolling Stone reported that all proceeds from the tribute will support cancer research led by Dr. David Agus, adding a charitable dimension to the event. The foundation has been a longtime focus for Agus, whose work has included innovative approaches to cancer treatment. Cretin Family's debut marks a rare collaboration between members of Green Day, Rancid, and Blink-182, three of the most commercially successful punk-adjacent acts of the past three decades. The Ramones anniversary tribute, organized to honor the band's 50th year, will likely feature other guests and performances throughout the evening at the iconic Hollywood location.

2 sources · 7 Jul

Gilla Band Detail Upcoming Album 'Pugnello' With New Self-Produced Track 'Placeholder'

Irish post-punk band Gilla Band have announced their forthcoming album 'Pugnello', set for release on September 25 via Rough Trade, according to Pitchfork. Alongside the announcement, the band shared a new single 'Placeholder' with a music video directed by Cuan Roche. The album is self-produced and mixed by band member Daniel Fox. The release marks the band's first album since 2021's 'Most Normal' and follows their May single 'Giraffe', Stereogum reported. The Dublin noise-rock outfit, formerly known as Girl Band, have been relatively quiet recently, with members pursuing side projects during the hiatus. Vocalist Dara Kiely described 'Placeholder' as a reflection on his childhood comforts, including the television show Big Brother, Pitchfork noted. The track continues the band's signature abrasive yet melodic sound, blending noisy guitars with Kiely's distinctive vocal delivery. 'Pugnello' is expected to arrive as the fall season begins, with the band building momentum through the new single and its accompanying visual. The self-production approach suggests the album will carry a particularly personal and hands-on sensibility from the group.

2 sources · 7 Jul

Chinese court hands death sentence to former Nanjing official for $325 million, 30-year bribery scheme

A Chinese court has sentenced former Nanjing city official Yang Youlin to death for accepting over 2.2 billion yuan ($325 million) in bribes over a period spanning 30 years, from 1993 to 2023. The 69-year-old exploited his various government positions to help companies secure engineering contracts and financing, according to Hacker News. Yang Youlin, an ex-official in the eastern city Nanjing, accepted bribes in exchange for business favours, court says. The sentence comes as President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign intensifies ahead of the 2026 Party Congress, reported Seoul Economic Daily, a move that underscores the regime's continuing crackdown on graft among local officials. The 69-year-old exploited his various government positions to help companies secure engineering contracts and financing in exchange for money. BBC noted that the court heard how Yang helped companies secure valuable contracts in exchange for money. The death penalty in corruption cases is reserved for the most egregious offenses, and Yang's case, involving such a vast sum and long duration, fits that pattern. Seoul Economic Daily highlighted that the embezzlement, calculated at nearly 500 billion won, reflects the scale of corruption that Xi's campaign aims to root out. Al Jazeera added that Yang was a former official in the eastern city of Nanjing, a major economic hub where his influence likely extended over many government dealings.

4 sources · 7 Jul

Petro promises to step down in August while vowing to challenge election result

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has pledged to leave office on August 6 but reiterated that he will contest the recent election and does not recognize Abelardo de la Espriella as the victor, according to El Comercio. The declaration came amid escalating tensions over the electoral outcome. "Petro aseguró que entregará el poder el 6 de agosto, pero reiteró que impugnará las elecciones y desconoce el triunfo de Abelardo de la Espriella." Petro's refusal to accept the result has drawn a sharp response from the Conservative Party, which backed De la Espriella. The party defended the integrity of the vote and noted that international observers had endorsed the process. "La colectividad aseguró que las autoridades electorales actuaron con transparencia y recordó que el proceso contó con el respaldo de misiones de observación internacional." The Conservative Party's statement pushes back against the president's allegations of fraud, underscoring the institutional divide that now surrounds Colombia's transition of power. With Petro vowing to both hand over power and challenge the election, the political situation remains tense leading up to the August date.

3 sources · 7 Jul

Platner denies 'categorically untrue' assault claim as Maine Senate race spirals

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing a new sexual assault allegation that has thrown his campaign into uncertainty. The allegation, first reported by Politico and covered by multiple outlets, accuses Platner of forcing a woman to have sex with him while he was drunk. Platner has denied the claim and said he is considering whether to remain in the race. According to Rolling Stone, the woman who made the accusation dated Platner between 2019 and 2021. The Guardian identified her as Jenny Racicot, 41, who alleges Platner forced her to have sex despite repeated objections. The report landed just ahead of a key deadline in the race, Fox News reported, and multiple campaign events were canceled as rumors swirled on social media. Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer running as a progressive, issued a statement denying the allegation. NPR reported that he called the claim "categorically untrue." Rolling Stone quoted him calling it "troubling, serious, and false." He added that he and his campaign would "reflect on the best path forward" regarding his candidacy. "categorically untrue." "troubling, serious, and false." In a separate statement covered by Congress, Platner said he is "taking the time to reflect" on his candidacy. NBC News described the development as "explosive" and said it injected tumult into a key Senate race. CBS News noted that Platner has faced previous scandals, a point The Guardian also highlighted, calling it a series of controversies. Platner has not formally withdrawn, but his public equivocation has left the race in limbo. Fox News reported that the rumors about the future of Platner's campaign intensified after event cancellations and the Politico report. The timing is particularly significant because a filing deadline looms, potentially limiting Democrats' ability to replace him on the ballot. Platner has given no timeline for his decision, and his campaign has not responded to further inquiries from the outlets covering the story.

7 sources · 7 Jul