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Richard Lawler

Richard Lawler

Senior News Editor

Senior News Editor

    More From Richard Lawler

    Elon Musk’s new round of X Ads Revenue Sharing payments arrived — eventuallyElon Musk’s new round of X Ads Revenue Sharing payments arrived — eventually
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    The FCC is taking public comments on its plan for a cybersecurity version of the Energy Star sticker.

    If you have questions about the proposed US Cyber Trust Mark that’s supposed to help customers answer questions about security and privacy; this 30-day comment period is a good time to speak up.

    Details are in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (PDF) here. FCC commissioners are taking input on questions like who will run the program, what kinds of devices it applies to, and what security standards should be involved.

    Proposed U.S. Cyber Trust Mark logo
    Proposed U.S. Cyber Trust Mark logo
    Image: FCC
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    More Starfield-branded gear for you to Starfield on.

    In addition to a remastered edition of Quake II for all platforms, Bethesda just announced this Starfield limited edition AMD hardware at QuakeCon 2023.

    However, unlike the $299.99 Starfield Constellation Edition that comes with a real-life watch and access to the game up to five days before its September 6th launch, you won’t be able to buy these. Only 500 were made, and apparently, you’ll only be able to get them during giveaways on the QuakeCon livestream this weekend.

    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Standalone ESPN sounds like it’s coming sooner rather than later.

    Disney just worked out a licensing deal for ESPN and gambling, bringing in a couple of billion over the next ten years (and sending Barstool Sports back into control of Dave Portnoy for $1 and some non-compete agreements).

    Now, while announcing streaming price hikes, account sharing crackdowns, and acknowledging the ongoing Hollywood strikes, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the following about ESPN:

    Taking our ESPN flagship channels direct to consumer is not a matter of if, but when,” Iger said. “And the team is hard at work looking at all components of this decision, including pricing and timing... overall, we’re considering potential strategic partnerships for ESPN, looking at distribution, technology, marketing, and content opportunities where we retain control of ESPN

    Disney CEO Bob Iger Addresses Future Plans on Q3 2023 Earnings Call - The Walt Disney Company %

    [The Walt Disney Company]

    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Another former FTX executive is reportedly close to cutting a plea deal.

    Bloomberg reports Ryan Salame, who donated $24 million to Republican campaigns, is negotiating a guilty plea on charges of violating campaign finance laws.

    Coincidentally, prosecutors recently confirmed (PDF) they’re still charging FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried for an illegal campaign finance scheme (as well as other alleged fraud and money laundering). He is due back in court on Friday (PDF) after a New York Times article published details from the diary of Caroline Ellison, who has already pleaded guilty and is cooperating in the case against him.

    Ex-FTX Executive Ryan Salame Talking to Prosecutors About Plea Deal

    [Bloomberg.com]

    $1.5 billion licensing deal turns Barstool Sportsbook into ESPN Bet$1.5 billion licensing deal turns Barstool Sportsbook into ESPN Bet
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Amazon Prime Day Part 2: Bigger and Primer.

    Amazon announced a Prime-exclusive shopping event coming in October.

    Prime Big Deal Days will be available in 19 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, the U.S., and the UK.

    When? We don’t know yet, but we’re sure you’ll hear about it a few times once that news is out.

    Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event is coming this October

    [US About Amazon]

    $5 billion Google lawsuit over ‘Incognito mode’ tracking moves a step closer to trial$5 billion Google lawsuit over ‘Incognito mode’ tracking moves a step closer to trial
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Marvel Studios visual effects workers file for a union election.

    In a move highlighted by Hollywood’s ongoing strikes and reports of unsustainable working conditions during the production of Across the Spider-Verse, a supermajority of the more than 50 people in Marvel Studios’ visual effects crews signed cards saying they want to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

    Vulture reports they’re seeking an election as soon as August 21st.

    Mark Patch, VFX Organizer for IATSE:

    For almost half a century, workers in the visual effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers and crewmates have relied upon since the beginning of the Hollywood film industry. This is a historic first step for VFX workers coming together with a collective voice demanding respect for the work we do.

    Apple’s M3 Max MacBook Pro rumored to have 40 GPU cores and up to 48GB of RAMApple’s M3 Max MacBook Pro rumored to have 40 GPU cores and up to 48GB of RAM

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