Amazon is rebooting its live-action adaptation of the God of War reboot

Amazon is reshuffling the deck with its God of War series. After the success of Fallout, it wants its next Prime Video gaming adaptation to live up to those lofty expectations — and it’s apparently willing to start fresh to do so. Deadline first reported on Thursday that the series showrunner and two executive producers have left the project as the streamer recalibrates “to move in a different creative direction.”

Showrunner and executive producer Rafe Judkins (Wheel of Time) and executive producers Mark Fergus and Hawk Otsby (Children of Men and Iron Man) are no longer involved with the project. Amazon and Sony reportedly praised their screenplays, which suggests the shakeup is more about wanting a fresh take than quality concerns. According to Variety, Amazon plans to hire a new showrunner and put together a new writers’ room to take another stab at a live-action Kratos.

Kratos and Atreus in a still from God of War. Atreus sits in a boat while Kratos looks grimdark.
Sony / Santa Monica Studio

The series is an adaptation of the 2018 franchise reboot that shifted the action from Greek to Norse mythology. Amazon’s description should sound familiar to anyone who played the game:

“When his beloved wife dies, Kratos sets off on a dangerous journey with his estranged son to spread her ashes from the highest peak — his wife’s final wish.[The quest] will test the bonds between father and son, and force Kratos to battle new gods and monsters for the fate of the world.”

Amazon Studios is co-producing the series alongside Sony Pictures Television. According to Deadline, Santa Monica Studio creative director Cory Barlog is staying on as an executive producer. Also reportedly remaining are PlayStation Productions’ Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan, as well as Santa Monica Studio’s Yumi Yang and Vertigo’s Roy Lee.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-is-rebooting-its-live-action-adaptation-of-the-god-of-war-reboot-203305237.html?src=rss

ESPN faces $146K fine for using emergency alert tones in NBA ads

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could go all the way with a proposed fine against ESPN.

The proposal calls for a penalty of $146,976 against ESPN for violating the Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules when the network aired ads to promote the 2023-2024 NBA season. The FCC said the tones were used “in the absence of an actual emergency.”

The offending ads contained the unauthorized EAS tune and were aired six times from October 20 to 24, 2023. Several complaints were filed on October 20 about the TV spots. The cable network admitted in response to a letter of inquiry that it used the EAS attention signals in the ads.

ESPN will have an opportunity to respond to the proposed fine. The Commission will examine all the evidence and legal arguments surrounding the alleged illegal tone use before making a final decision on the matter.

This is the third time the network misused an emergency tone on air. The FCC issued a $1.12 million fine as part of a forfeiture order in 2015 when ESPN used EAS tones a total of 13 times across three of its cable networks. ESPN violated EAS tone usage rules a second time during an airing of one of its 30 for 30 documentaries Roll Tide/War Eagle, leading to a $20,000 fine in 2021.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/espn-faces-146k-fine-for-using-emergency-alert-tones-in-nba-ads-200054993.html?src=rss

Our Sunroom’s New Masterpiece: The Hisense CanvasTV Review

Finding the perfect balance between cutting-edge technology and home décor can feel like a never-ending quest. We didn’t just want another big screen; we wanted something to enhance our living space, not dominate it. Enter the Hisense CanvasTV, a television that promises performance and seamless integration into your home’s aesthetic.

PROS:


  • Stunning Art Mode with over 120 free artworks included.

  • Sleek, customizable frame blends seamlessly into any room.

  • Versatile setup options—wall mount or mobile stand.

  • Crisp, vibrant QLED display with 144Hz refresh rate for smooth viewing.

  • Eco-friendly design with responsibly sourced materials and efficient power use.

CONS:


  • Lacks Mini-LED backlighting, affecting black level depth.

  • Art Mode requires manual activation through the remote, limiting automation.

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

This TV turns your living room into an art gallery, transforming entertainment into a visual masterpiece.
award-icon

Designer: Hisense

 

A Sunroom Makeover

Our journey began in our sunroom, a bright and airy space with an entire wall of windows that flood the room with natural light. For too long, this beautiful room was overshadowed—literally—by an outdated, bulky 85″ VIZIO TV that felt more like an eyesore than a centerpiece. It was high time for a change.

Swapping it out for the sleek 65″ Hisense CanvasTV was like lifting a veil. The room instantly felt more spacious and inviting. The TV’s slim profile and minimalist design complemented the room rather than competing with it. It wasn’t just about replacing a piece of hardware; it was about transforming the atmosphere of our home.

Art Mode: More Than Just a Screen

One of the features that drew us to CanvasTV is its Art Mode. Instead of staring at a blank, lifeless screen when the TV is off, we’re now greeted by a rotating gallery of stunning artworks or our own cherished photos. Setting it up was a breeze—intuitive controls let us switch between various curated collections or upload our own images without any hassle.

What impressed us most is that the TV comes pre-loaded with over 120 free art pieces across multiple categories, such as landscapes, still life, and modern art—no subscription fees required. This thoughtful feature transforms the TV from a mere electronic device into an artistic statement that enhances the ambiance of any room.

Design That Speaks Volumes

The CanvasTV doesn’t just display art; it is art. Hisense has clearly put thought into every aspect of its design. The TV features a slim bezel that focuses on the content, not the frame. It comes standard with a teak frame, but thanks to its magnetic design, you can easily swap it out to match your décor or mood. We love the light wood tones, which perfectly complement our sunroom’s natural aesthetic.

One of my favorite moments was seeing Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” displayed on the screen. The soft blues, greens, and pinks seemed to come alive against the backdrop of our vibrant blue walls. This created a mesmerizing interplay of color that transformed the space and added a sense of tranquility and elegance.

Beneath the TV, we placed a natural wood console that echoes the frame’s light wood tones. The simplicity of its design, with clean lines and earthy textures, ties the whole look together. The result is a harmonious blend that feels more like a curated art installation than just a TV setup.

Versatility with the 55″ Model

While the 65″ CanvasTV found its permanent home in the sunroom, we decided to get adventurous with the 55″ model. Instead of mounting it, we opted for the mobile stand—a decision that has added a whole new layer of versatility to our home entertainment.

The mobile stand is a game-changer. Its clever design includes an integrated power outlet, reducing cable clutter and making it incredibly easy to move the TV from room to room. Need a screen in the kitchen for following a new recipe? Roll it in. Hosting friends in the dining room and want to display a slideshow of memories? Easy. Cozy movie night in the bedroom? Done.

All the necessary ports—power, HDMI, and USB—are neatly integrated into the back of the TV. There’s no need for external boxes or messy cables, keeping the setup clean and elegant.

For families, this flexibility is a huge plus. Imagine being able to wheel the TV into the kids’ room for a special movie night or setting up an impromptu gaming session in any part of the house. It’s the convenience of a portable entertainment center without sacrificing style or quality.

Ergonomic Design and User Experience

The CanvasTV is designed with the user in mind. Wall mounting the 65″ model was straightforward, thanks to its lightweight build and slim profile. It sits flush against the wall, enhancing that art gallery feel.

The remote control continues the minimalist theme. With its brushed metal finish, it feels substantial yet sleek in hand. The button layout is intuitive—quick-access buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+ are right at your fingertips. The inclusion of voice control via Google Assistant adds an extra layer of convenience. We can navigate content, adjust settings, or even control other smart devices in our home with simple voice commands.

Performance: A Visual and Auditory Delight

Now, let’s talk about performance. The CanvasTV might not feature Mini-LED backlighting—a technology known for delivering deep blacks and high contrast—but it makes up for it in other ways. The matte display is amazing, especially in a room like ours where the entire back wall is glass and the sunrise shines directly into the space. The CanvasTV’s matte screen does a fantastic job, offering more than adequate brightness, even under direct sunlight.

The matte display quite literally ‘eats up’ and swallows any shadow thrown at it—making the artwork look like real art instead of something viewed through a monitor. Add in the Quantum Dot (QLED) technology, and the colors are vibrant and true to life, enhancing everything from movies to artwork.

With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, the TV handles fast-paced action scenes and gaming without breaking a sweat. We connected our gaming console, and the experience was smooth and immersive. The visuals were crisp, with no noticeable lag or motion blur.

The audio doesn’t disappoint, either. With Dolby Atmos support, the built-in speakers deliver sound that fills the room. Dialogue is clear, music is rich, and the overall audio experience complements the high-quality visuals. While audiophiles might prefer an external sound system, we found the integrated speakers to be more than sufficient for our needs.

Navigating the TV’s interface is a breeze, thanks to the VIDAA U operating system. It’s clean, responsive, and doesn’t bog you down with unnecessary clutter. Integration with Google TV means easy access to all our favorite streaming services, including Dish Anywhere. If you’ve ever dealt with Dish Network, you know the hassle—wiring, coaxial cables, and setting up a box. With CanvasTV, it’s as simple as installing the Dish Anywhere app, and you’re good to go. The 55″ model on a mobile stand makes this even more convenient—art and entertainment on wheels, ready to roll into any room. Plus, support for Apple HomeKit and AirPlay 2 ensures seamless connectivity with our Apple devices.

Connecting my laptop and extending the use of CanvasTV as a second or third monitor makes life easier for meetings, streaming shows, and those long Zoom calls.

Sustainability Matters

Being eco-conscious is more important than ever, and we’re pleased to see that Hisense shares this value. The CanvasTV uses responsibly sourced wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring that materials meet high environmental and social standards.

Energy efficiency is another highlight. The TV includes advanced power management features to minimize energy consumption during use and standby. It meets or exceeds international energy efficiency standards, which not only reduces our carbon footprint but also helps lower our electricity bill.

Even the packaging reflects Hisense’s commitment to sustainability. They use recyclable materials and minimize the use of plastics, reducing waste without compromising product protection during shipping.

Value That Hits the Sweet Spot

One of the most compelling aspects of CanvasTV is its value proposition. The current price for the 55″ CanvasTV at Best Buy is $850, making it an appealing entry point for those looking to bring this blend of technology and art into their homes without breaking the bank. The 65″ model, priced around $1,100, offers many of the premium features found in higher-priced competitors like Samsung’s The Frame or TCL’s Nxtframe, but at a more accessible price point.

Including over 120 free pieces of curated art—without any subscription fees—is a significant bonus. Competitors often require monthly fees to access similar features. The ability to upload personal images at no extra cost adds another layer of personalization that enhances the overall value.

The TV’s compatibility with various smart home ecosystems—Google Voice, Google TV, Apple HomeKit, and AirPlay 2—makes it convenient for users across different platforms. The thoughtful design extends to every aspect of the user experience, highlighting Hisense’s focus on usability.

The versatile mounting options further enhance its utility. Whether you choose to wall-mount it for a sleek, integrated look or use the mobile stand for adaptable use throughout your home, the CanvasTV adapts to your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: A Seamless Blend of Lifestyle and Technology

The Hisense CanvasTV has redefined our expectations of what a television can be. It’s a device for consuming content; it’s an integral part of our home’s aesthetic and functionality. From its stunning design and customizable art displays to its practical mobility and solid performance, it checks all the boxes.

For anyone torn between wanting the latest technology and maintaining a stylish, inviting home, the CanvasTV offers the best of both worlds. It’s elevated our living space in ways we didn’t anticipate, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice.

Would We Recommend It? Absolutely.

If you’re in the market for a new TV that does it all, the Hisense CanvasTV deserves serious consideration. Its blend of art, design, and technology offers a unique experience that’s hard to find elsewhere, especially at this price point.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a tech lover, or someone who appreciates thoughtful design, this TV has something to offer. It’s become an integral part of our home entertainment setup; it’s a conversation piece, a mood setter, and, quite frankly, a joy to own.

Key Takeaways:

  • Art Mode with 120+ Free Artworks: Transform your TV into a personal art gallery without extra costs.
  • Sleek, Customizable Design: Slim profile and magnetic frames let you tailor the look to your home.
  • Versatile Mounting Options: Choose between wall mounting or a mobile stand to suit your lifestyle.
  • Solid Performance: Vibrant QLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos sound.
  • Smart Home Integration: Compatible with Google Voice, Google TV, Apple HomeKit, and AirPlay 2.
  • Eco-Friendly Features: Uses responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient technology.
  • Great Value: Offers premium features at a more accessible price compared to competitors.

The post Our Sunroom’s New Masterpiece: The Hisense CanvasTV Review first appeared on Yanko Design.

DirecTV to acquire rival Dish Network for $1, subject to regulatory approval

It’s always beautiful when two lonely corporations find one another. DirecTV has reached an agreement to acquire Dish Network, according to reporting by The New York Times. This would create a global behemoth in the satellite TV space.

It would also provide some financial armor for the struggling Dish Network. The company’s in debt to the tune of billions of dollars because, well, satellite TV isn’t exactly a growth industry anymore. Stream, baby, stream. All told, Dish has $2 billion in debt that’s due in November and only $500 million in available cash. That math don’t add up to anything but bankruptcy.

The specifics of the deal are pretty dang convoluted. It’s a multi-step transaction with a few players. First, the private equity firm TPG will acquire a majority stake in DirectTV from AT&T for $7.6 billion. Next, DirecTV will buy Dish Network for just a single dollar. However, it’ll also take on that $2 billion in debt. EchoStar, the parent company of Dish, will hold onto some parts of the business as part of the transaction, including over $30 billion in wireless spectrum investments. DirecTV will get the Sling TV video service as part of the deal.

The acquisition would create a massive pay-TV provider, with a combined total of around 19 million subscribers. As a counterpoint, cable TV leader Comcast has 13.2 million subscribers. Netflix is creeping up on 300 million subscribers, to show the stark contrast between pay-TV and streaming.

The companies say they expect the deal to close in the second half of 2025, though the whole thing is subject to regulatory approval. The Justice Department denied a similar merger back in 2002, but that was when the satellite TV industry was at its peak.

More recently, the federal government side-eyed a potential merger between the two companies in 2020 on the grounds that it would deprive rural customers a viable alternative to Dish and DirecTV when looking to purchase 5G wireless service.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/directv-to-acquire-rival-dish-network-for-1-subject-to-regulatory-approval-152041300.html?src=rss

Indie classic To the Moon comes to Xbox Series X/S and PS5 October 8

The emotional 2011 indie game To the Moon will soon be playable on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Developer Freebird Games and publisher Serenity Forge announced this week that ports for the consoles will arrive on October 8 for $10. At the same time, they released a new installment in the series — a short called Just a To the Moon Series Beach Episode that offers one of the series’ endings. It’s available now on Steam.

To the Moon is a time travel adventure that follows two doctors who have developed a way to help dying patients fulfill their greatest dreams by taking them back in time within their minds. The patient at the heart of the story is an elderly man named Johnny, whose final wish is to go to the moon. The game, which originally launched for PC, has become beloved over the years and eventually expanded to mobile and Nintendo Switch.

Freebird Games followed it up with another episode called Finding Paradise, which focuses on a different patient, and the time-travel murder mystery, Imposter Factory. There’s also a heartfelt short called A Bird Story. They’re all tear-jerkers. The developer has described the latest, Beach Episode, as “​​half of an ending” to the series.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/indie-classic-to-the-moon-comes-to-xbox-series-xs-and-ps5-october-8-193949307.html?src=rss

Black Mirror season 7 cast revealed in a cryptic computer message

Get ready to question humanity’s control over the technology that surrounds us because another season of Netflix’s Black Mirror is in the works. Earlier today, the official Black Mirror X page revealed the cast of the new season coming next year along with some other interesting clues and Easter eggs.

The video features an old, flickering computer screen that appears to unload a complete data dump of the entire cast for season 7. Some of the names that jumped out at us includes Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti, Doctor Who star and Oscar winner Peter Capaldi (he won in 1995 with his live action short film Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life), Awkwafina, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross and Rashida Jones. 

The list also included some of the cast who played virtual crew members of the USS Callister from the iconic fourth season episode of the same name. The names from the USS Callister episode that appeared on the list include Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Milanka Brooks and Osy Ikhile.

We’ve known for a while now that series creator Charlie Brooker has been planning to revisit the crew of the USS Callister. The season 4 opening episode starred Jesse Plemmons as the chief technology officer named Robert of a top tier game studio and a big fan of a Star Trek-esque TV show called Space Fleet. By day, he gets pushed around and little credit for the company’s success from his colleagues and staff. He uses immersive virtual reality technology to play as Space Fleet Capt. Robert Daly away from work on a virtual starship and takes out his frustrations and anger on the crew in increasingly cruel and inhumane ways. The crew members were replicated in the game using his boss and staff members’ DNA that Robert obtained without their permission or knowledge. The crew revolt and escape to the open Internet while leaving a seething “Capt. Robert” stranded in the game.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a true Black Mirror reveal if it didn’t contain some clues and hidden items in the teaser. The loading screen features the studio name Tuckersoft, a reference to the game studio in the interactive “Bandersnatch” movie. The cast names are listed in alphabetical order by first name but they’ve been broken into eight groups. There are some cryptic phrases between the scrolling group names like “Too soon?”, “A rose for a rose” and “Shields 58 percent.”

Could these be episode titles? The latter definitely sounds like a reference to the USS Callister and Brooker and company love symbolic episode titles taken from songs for their tech hell stories like “Shut Up and Dance” and “Hang the DJ.” The new Black Mirror episodes haven’t even landed yet and they’ve already screwing with our heads.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/black-mirror-season-7-cast-revealed-in-a-cryptic-computer-message-203343148.html?src=rss

Shogun and The Bear win big for Disney at the Emmys

The second Emmys of 2024 have come and gone, with streamers once again winning big for some of our favorite television shows. Disney had a fantastic night, winning 60 awards across all its platforms, including Hulu and Disney+. Hulu's limited series Shogun led it to victory with 18 wins — 14 at the Creative Arts Emmys and four on Sunday. 

Shogun, based on a book of the same name, is a fictional retelling of 17th-century feudal Japan. The show took home the awards for best lead actor and lead actress in a drama series, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai becoming the first Japanese recipients in their respective categories. It also won for outstanding drama series, directing and period costumes, among other accolades.

The Bear also did its share, taking home 11 awards, including Jeremy Allen White's win for outstanding lead actor. Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colón-Zayas won for supporting actor and actress in a comedy series, respectively. The Max show Hacks beat out The Bear for outstanding comedy series and lead actress. The Bear already won Disney 10 Emmys earlier this year (four coming from the Creative Arts Emmys) as the 75th Emmys were postponed to January 2024 from September 2023 due to last year's WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. 

Disney's competitor HBO's Max received 14 wins, while Netflix received 24 and Apple TV+ got 10 — the excellent Slow Horses scored an Emmy for outstanding writing for a drama series. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/shogun-and-the-bear-win-big-for-disney-at-the-emmys-123049460.html?src=rss

ESPN and other channels return to DirecTV as it finally reaches a deal with Disney

After a two-week blackout, ESPN and other Disney-owned channels are back on DirecTV. The Walt Disney Company and DirecTV released a joint statement on Saturday announcing that they are in the process of finalizing a new contract, and that all channels affected by their dispute have been restored. That includes ABC, Freeform, FX and National Geographic channels. Disney yanked its networks off DirecTV at the beginning of September after the two companies failed to reach an agreement before their old contract expired. Inconveniently for sports fans, the blackout coincided with the start of football season.

The new multi-year contract brings Disney’s full linear suite of networks back to DirecTV, with package options for genre-focused channel bundles (sports, family, etc) and Disney’s streaming services — Disney+, Hulu an ESPN+. ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service, which is expected to launch this fall, will be included for free. In their statement, Disney and DirecTV said the new deal will give customers “the ability to tailor their video experience through more flexible options.” They also added, “We’d like to thank all affected viewers for their patience and are pleased to restore Disney’s entire portfolio of networks in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/espn-and-other-channels-return-to-directv-as-it-finally-reaches-a-deal-with-disney-144938541.html?src=rss

Disney cuts DirecTV customers’ access to ABC, ESPN and more

ESPN's broadcast of the US Open was cut short for DirecTV users on Sunday after Disney issued a blackout midway through on all of its networks. It occurred after a 2019 deal expired without a new agreement for a licensing deal between the two companies.

Unsurprisingly, DirecTV and Disney disagree on which company is to blame. "The Walt Disney Co. is once again refusing any accountability to consumers, distribution partners, and now the American judicial system," Rob Thun, chief content officer at DIRECTV, said in a statement. "They want to continue to chase maximum profits and dominant control at the expense of consumers — making it harder for them to select the shows and sports they want at a reasonable price."

DirecTV's release also claimed that Disney mandated at the last minute that it "must agree to waive all claims that Disney's behavior is anti-competitive" to proceed with a deal. The provider further called out Disney for being unpopular with many of DirecTV's customers. It also took issue with Disney putting its "best programming," like The Bear and Only Murders In The Building, directly on streaming services while filling ABC with "cheap-to-produce primetime gameshows, unscripted spinoffs, old former ABC hits, or simulcast content."

In contrast, Disney claimed that DirecTV "chose" to deny their subscribers access to content. "While we're open to offering DirecTV flexibility and terms which we've extended to other distributors, we will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs," stated Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, co-chairmen of Disney Entertainment, and Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN. "We invest significantly to deliver the No. 1 brands in entertainment, news and sports because that's what our viewers expect and deserve. We urge DirecTV to do what's in the best interest of their customers and finalize a deal that would immediately restore our programming."

A similar disagreement occurred at the same time last year. In that instance, Disney pulled its networks from Spectrum for 12 days until making a new deal with Charter, Spectrum's parent company. The agreement brought back channels like ABC and ESPN, and Spectrum TV Select and Select Plus subscribers also got access to the Disney+ basic tier and ESPN+ (only Select Plus users). In its release, DirecTV called out this pattern, claiming that "Disney is again taking an anti-consumer approach."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/disney-cuts-directv-customers-access-to-abc-espn-and-more-123047594.html?src=rss

Star Wars: The Acolyte isn’t getting a second season

Lucasfilm has decided not to renew The Acolyte for a second season, according to Deadline and Variety. Fans won't get to see how the show was supposed to end and won't get to know how the plotlines its creator, Leslye Headland (Russian Doll), teased at the end of the first season would unravel. Engadget Senior Editor Devindra Hardawar called The Acolyte "Star Wars at its best" in his review, discussed how unique its premise was, and drew parallels between the series and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Deadline says the show had a strong start and garnered 4.8 million views in the first day it became available for streaming, reaching 11.1 million views after five days. However, viewership fell in the coming weeks, and its finale was reportedly the poorest performing finale for a Star Wars series. 

The Acolyte was a mystery-thriller story featuring a former Jedi trainee played by Amandla Stenberg, who's suspected of committing a series of crimes. Her former Jedi Master played by Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game) now has to find her to get to the bottom of things. Manny Jacinto, who played the smuggler Qimir, gained a lot of attention online due to this shirtless scenes. It was revealed in the later episodes that he plays a bigger role in the story, and viewers were even supposed to learn his real name in the next season. 

The show is still available to watch on Disney+ for those who don't mind not getting closure for its story. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/star-wars-the-acolyte-isnt-getting-a-second-season-120033350.html?src=rss