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  • German Court Rules Against Suno In Lawsuit Challenging Use Of Copyrighted Music In AI

    German Court Rules Against Suno In Lawsuit Challenging Use Of Copyrighted Music In AI

    A German court ruled against Suno over its use of copyrighted works in its generative AI music service.

    U.S.-based Suno said that it is evaluating its options in the wake of the ruling, including an appeal.

    A regional court in Munich ruled Friday that Suno violated copyrights when it used music covered by the licensing agency GEMA, per Reuters.

    The case reflected the ongoing debate over the use of copyrighted works in training models, with a number of lawsuits in the United States focused on inputs and outputs. The specifics of the German ruling were not clear, but Suno does not expect the decision to impact cases in the U.S.

    GEMA CEO Tobias Holzmüller, said in a statement, “The court made it clear today: AI models based on the theft of intellectual property do not enjoy legal protection. AI providers must acquire licenses and cannot simply help themselves to our members’ works for free. In doing so, the court has significantly strengthened Europe as a hub for culture. If systems are operated in Europe, legal action can be taken before European courts. This is crucial for legal enforcement.”

    Kai Welp, GEMA’s general counsel, said that the ruling was “very gratifying to see the assessment of the legal situation in the USA and the fact that we can sue in Munich regardless of where the training takes place.”

    A spokesperson for Suno said: “From the beginning, we trained our models to create new songs, not reproduce existing ones, and built protections into our platform. We disagree with today’s ruling – which rests on a fundamental mischaracterization of how Suno’s technology works, how it is used and how U.S. law applies — and are evaluating all available options, including an appeal.”

    One of the highest-profile cases in the U.S. is a lawsuit brought by three studios — Warner Bros., NBC Universal and Disney — challenging Midjourney’s unauthorized use of copyrighted works, including IP from Star Wars and Superman. The AI company has said that it is a fair use of the material under the Copyright Act.

    Wolfram Weimer, Germany‘s minister of state for culture and media, said in a statement that the ruling was an “important signal for strengthening the rights of creatives in the digital music market.”

    In November, the German court ruling in favor of GEMA over its challenge to OpenAI’s use of song lyrics.

  • Paramount Pitches Judge On November Start Of WBD Merger Antitrust Trial, While State AGs & WGA Propose April

    Paramount Pitches Judge On November Start Of WBD Merger Antitrust Trial, While State AGs & WGA Propose April

    Paramount wants a trial to start in November in the antitrust lawsuit brought by a dozen state attorneys general and the Writers Guild America. Not surprisingly, the state AGs and the guild want an April start to the proceedings.

    The sides outlined their proposals ina joint filing Friday, with the ultimate decision on scheduling left to the federal judge in the case, Araceli Martinez-Olguin.

    “The parties have discussed the trial schedule, but they have not reached agreement,” the parties wrote.

    The trial dates are hugely important for the transaction, and even Paramount’s proposed date likely will cost the company hundreds of millions. After September 30, Paramount will be on the hook for about $7 million for every day that the transaction doesn’t close, under an agreement with WBD that was a sweetener to the deal.

    A Paramount spokesperson said, “Our request for a November trial date is more than sufficient to give both sides the time they need to conduct discovery, gather evidence, and prepare for trial. Plaintiffs’ request to delay proceedings until April is nothing more than a stonewalling tactic that goes well beyond the timelines sought in similar prior proceedings and ignores the substantial evidence plaintiffs have already received in this matter. Delay will also harm the many individuals outside this courtroom who will be denied the expanded content offerings and industry stability that a combined Paramount-WBD promises to bring.”

    California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading 12 states in the lawsuit, said in a statement, “Our challenge to the unlawful Warner Bros./Paramount merger is a clean-cut antitrust challenge through and through: it’s about protecting the vibrancy of an industry, the pockets of consumers, and the quality of films and television programs that take center stage in many of our lives. This challenge deserves careful and thorough review and today my office and attorneys general across the country asked the court for a trial date next spring. We are eager to continue to make our case and look forward to a final determination of the schedule by the court.”

    Last week, Paramount said it would not close the merger until June 1, 2027, or until days after the legal issues are resolved, and indicated it wanted to go directly to trial. Its announcement came just days after the judge granted the state AGs a temporary restraining order that prohibited the transaction from closing for 14 days, an order that was later extended to 28 days.

    The company spokeswoman said a trial “on the merits is the best and most direct way for us to prove what we’ve said from the start — this transaction is lawful, pro-competitive, and raises no antitrust concerns.”

    In the filing Friday, Paramount proposed a 12-day trial starting November 4 that would encompass the cases brought by the states and the WGA.

    Paramount also noted that the later date would give the judge “much less time to decide” the case by June, the outside date it had set for the merger to close, as well as time for the company to appeal.

    Among other things, they noted that the DOJ’s antitrust case seeking to block AT&T’s merger with Time Warner went to trial on March 19, 2018, four months after the federal government brought the case. Makan Delrahim, who is Paramount’s chief legal officer, was then the chief of the DOJ’s antitrust division; on the other side was attorney Daniel Petrocelli, representing Time Warner, and now representing WBD in this case.

    The company also noted that Bonta had last week favored a January trial start, but now was proposing a date four months later.

    “Given the stakes of this case, there is no basis and no time to delay for the sake of delay, particularly when delay significantly prejudices Defendants and the Hollywood ecosystem more broadly,” Paramount’s legal team wrote in the filing.

    The company also argued that Paramount and the WGA will have had sufficient time for discovery.

    Paramount’s legal team wrote, “State Plaintiffs had six-plus months before they filed their complaint to conduct unilateral discovery regarding the proposed transaction. State Plaintiffs also had the benefit of waivers granted by Defendants to enable the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to share with State Plaintiffs all information and materials that Defendants produced to the DOJ. In sum, the discovery that State Plaintiffs received many months ago includes over two million documents from more than 80 of Defendants’ employees.”

    The company’s legal team noted that the later date would require them to refile merger materials with the Justice Department, which has already cleared the transaction, and that it would leave the creative community in a period of uncertainty, as Paramount plans to boost production to 30 films per year.

    The state AGs and WGA proposed a start of April 5, 2027, lasting at least 12-15 days, with each plaintiff presenting their cases sequentially.

    The state plaintiffs wrote that extensive discovery is needed, including of “the definition of the relevant product and geographic markets, the nature and scope of harm in those markets, whether expansion by other firms will prevent harm in those markets, and whether the merger will produce verifiable, merger-specific efficiencies sufficient to outweigh harm in those markets.”

    They pointed specifically to areas like Paramount’s assertion that the merger will generate billions in synergies, “a claim that Plaintiff States are entitled to test in discovery, including discovery of Defendants’ integration plans for their merged company.”

    The states noted that Paramount’s document productions “largely cut off” before the merger agreement was signed in February, leaving the plaintiffs with few internal documents about post-closing plans.

    The state AGs wrote, “Defendants’ pre-complaint productions also do nothing to address the need for discovery from third party customers and competitors. Importantly, no depositions of percipient fact witnesses from Defendants or third parties have occurred.”

    The states also contended that their schedule was “reasonable,” claiming that the 402 days from the signing of the merger agreement on February 27 to the proposed trial date “moves this case to trial more rapidly than virtually every merger case in recent history.” The AT&T-Time Warner trial started 513 days after the merger deal was signed, they noted, as opposed to when the DOJ lawsuit was filed. The state AGs also wrote that an April trial would still leave the judge with time to decide the case by June.

    The state AGs also called Paramount’s proposed schedule “one-sided,” arguing, “Their extraordinarily truncated schedule unfairly favors Defendants because they (1) have information Plaintiff States need to prove their case and (2) do not bear the burden of persuasion.”

  • FIFA Boss Infantino Under Fire Over World Cup Sell Off Plans

    FIFA Boss Infantino Under Fire Over World Cup Sell Off Plans

    Less than a month after celebrating the most commercially successful World Cup in history, the boss of FIFA is in the hot seat.

    Gianni Infantino, president of the global soccer governing body, is under fire from in and outside FIFA over his controversial plan to sell off a stake in the World Cup to private investors.

    Soccer governing bodies in Europe and the Americas have come out against the proposal, which would see FIFA transfer its commercial operations to a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and sell 20 percent of the company to Thrive Capital, an invest group run by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

    European soccer body UEFA on Thursday said it would boycott FIFA events, including the World Cup, if the plan went through. Concacaf, the association which represents national soccer associations across the Americans and the Caribbean, including the United States, has also voted to reject the deal.

    On Friday, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), without directly rejecting the FIFA proposal, issued a statement of solidarity with UEFA and Concacaf. The plan has provoked “unprecedented divisions” between FIFA members, the AFC said in a statement, and “cannot realistically” achieve “the necessary broad consensus and unity” needed to go forward.

    The united opposition should mean the end of Infantino’s deal. Together, the UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC account for 143 of FIFA’s 211 members, more than enough to sink the proposal.

    For the first time since he was elected president of FIFA in 2016, Infantino himself looks under threat.

    In its statement, the Asian Football Confederation called on FIFA to undertake “an urgent review of its governance and decision-making framework.”

    On Friday Carlos Cordeiro, one of Infantino’s senior advisors, resigned in protest over the controversial plan, calling it “a bad deal” that would “mortgage football’s future.”

    U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a passionate soccer fan, has called out Infantino directly, saying Friday he was “the wrong man” to lead FIFA.

    Before this scandal, Infantino looked certain to win a fourth term as FIFA president. He was running unopposed in elections, to be held in March, 2027. Now, North American soccer chief Victor Montagliani is looking to challenge him, according to media reports.

  • ‘Spider-Man’: THR’s 1977 Review

    ‘Spider-Man’: THR’s 1977 Review

    On Sept. 14, 1977, during the 8-9:30 p.m. time slot, Spider-Man swung to screens across America in CBS’ special presentation before launching a 14-episode run on the network. The TV movie bowed to a 17.9 rating and 30 share but ABC’s Charlie’s Angels led the way on that Wednesday with a 32.6 rating and 50 share. Notably, weeks after the Nicholas Hammond-starring web-slinger show debuted, Columbia Pictures snapped up distribution rights to air the title as a feature film overseas. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review is below.

    Spider-Man is the most popular manifestation of the Marvel Comics mystique, and the celebrated character is introduced accurately in this 90-minute presentation. Some liberties have been taken, but the basic mold remains as we watch grad student Peter Parker gain super human powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. He then discovers he can clamber up the sides of buildings and possesses strength proportionate with his other heightened senses. He needs them all as he takes on a sophisticated brainwashing extortion plan which will send a group of people to their suicidal deaths unless ransom demands are met.

    The film is played absolutely straight, as it should be, and, while there’s a certain incongruity in seeing superheroes in real-life elements, the overall spirit is maintained and captured. Nicholas Hammond is a physically perfect specimen as Parker, in addition to being a sensitive actor, whether it’s sneezing on his way to beat the bad guy or trying to think of ways to effectively utilize and capitalize on the opportunities fate has handed him. David White’s J. Jonah Jameson is as ornery as the character calls for, and Thayer David’s villainous blackmailer is decent. Lisa Eilbacher brightens the scenery with charm as Parker’s companion.

    E. W. Swackhamer’s direction doesn’t mock his situations, and he handles the superbly believable wall- crawling sequences with style. Alvin Boretz’ script is faithful to its Marvel Comics source, and his additions or deletions are properly employed. Johnnie Spence’s music is lively, Frank Novak’s costumes complimentary and Aaron Stell’s editing shrewd. Edward J. Ontagne produced for executive producers Charles Fries and Daniel Goodman for CBS. — Earl Davis, originally published on Sept. 13, 1977.

    Nicholas Hammond as Spider-Man.

    Everett Collection

    Nicholas Hammond as Peter Parker.

    U.S. poster art for 1977’s ‘Spider-Man.’

    ©Columbia Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

    A 1977 trade advertisement for ‘Spider-Man’ that appeared in The Hollywood Reporter.

  • Woot’s Best Deals of the Weekend: Save $110 on Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Pro Portable Outdoor Speaker

    Woot’s Best Deals of the Weekend: Save $110 on Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Pro Portable Outdoor Speaker

    With prices on the rise just about everywhere, it pays to shop at Woot. The site is essentially a deals hub where you can find discounted items every single day of the year across seven categories, including electronics and computers. While the selection is constantly changing, it’s not unusual to find devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other top tech brands at steep markdowns. Since items tend to sell out quickly, don’t wait to checkout when you see something that catches your interest. Plus, Prime members automatically get free shipping.

    Right now, you can take advantage of a $1,000 markdown on a Samsung 11-channel surround sound system and save $700 off a Samsung 65-Inch The Frame QLED 4K TV. Plus, pick up a self-emptying iRobot Roomba Combo 2 for $340 less. The deals don’t stop there: snag the award-winning Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $610 less, and get a year of NordVPN Standard for just $24.99.

    Let’s take a closer look at the best Woot deals so you can start saving!

    VR Headset Deal


    the Meta Quest Pro headset with hand controllers

    Meta Quest Pro

    With 1,920 by 1,800 resolution (per eye), 90 Hz refresh rate, and 6DOF motion detection

    $679.99
    at Woot

    $999.99
    Save $320.00


    Get Deal

    Earning our PCMag Best of the Year Award in 2022, the Meta Quest Pro is an impressive standalone virtual reality headset with performance that makes it suitable for professionals and enthusiasts alike. We were highly impressed by the eye- and face-tracking tech, color pass-through camera, and comfortable fit. Plus, the headset and controllers are all rechargeable, and you don’t need a PC to operate.

    Smartphone Deals


    the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    1 TB, 14-hour tested battery life, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, Android 15, IP68 rating

    $1,049.99
    at Woot

    $1,659.99
    Save $610.00


    Get Deal

    Per our expert, Iyaz Akhtar, “The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate Android handset with top-of-the-line power, terrific cameras, a built-in stylus, and the most innovative AI features we’ve seen in a phone to date”. The large 6.9-inch screen provides an immersive experience for watching content, while the rounded corners and narrower body make the phone ergonomic and comfortable to hold. Performance is exceptionally smooth, too. It earned our Editor’s Choice Award last year, and right now, you can pick one up for $610 less.

    Computer Monitor Deals


    the Odyssey G9 Curved Gaming Monitor

    Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9 Curved Gaming Monitor

    32:9 ratio, 240 Hz refresh rate, Neo Quantum processor, FreeSync Premium Pro, Gaming Hub

    $954.99
    at Woot

    $1,299.99
    Save $345.00


    Get Deal

    In the words of our expert reviewer, Zackery Cuevas, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is “a feast for the eyes and the ultrawide monitor to beat for immersive PC gaming”. It’s slim in design with a dazzling 49-inch screen featuring glare-free technology and automatic brightness control. Both color gamut and color accuracy are exceptional, and it boasts a near-instant 0.03ms GTG response time. Premium performance comes at a premium price, but you can save $345 right now.


    the 27-inch curved monitor

    Samsung 27-Inch Essential S3 FHD Curved Monitor

    FHD 1800R, Game Mode, Advanced Eye Comfort, HDMI and D-sub Ports

    $99.99
    at Woot

    $159.99
    Save $60.00


    Get Deal

    If all you need is basic curved monitor for work or play, then the Samsung Essential S3 delivers. The wide screen is slightly curved to enhance depth perception and minimize peripheral distraction, immersing you in your content. In terms of performance, it’s fast and smooth so you don’t have to put up with lagging or motion blurring. Plus, it features plenty of optimizable game settings.

    More Deals on Monitors

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Smartwatch Deal


    the smartwatch

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

    3,000-nit AMOLED display, 26-hour battery life, WearOS, GPS, ECG, Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Pedometer

    $249.99
    at Woot

    $499.99
    Save $250.00


    Get Deal

    Samsung’s flagship smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 8, is our Editors’ Choice pick for Android-compatible smartwatches. It looks as stunning as previous models but now has more accurate exercise and sleep tracking, plus advanced AI abilities. Google’s AI Gemini is built in to allow for convenient voice assistance, and an AI coach provides health insights for training, sleep, and stress. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 8 is an exceptionally capable fitness, wellness, and lifestyle wearable — and right now, you can save $250.


    the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra with orange band

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

    Waterproof at depths up to 328 feet. Functions at up to 29,500 feet above sea level

    $389.99
    at Woot

    $649.99
    Save $260.00


    Get Deal

    The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed for Android users who enjoy exploring and going off-grid, as well as athletes. It offers advanced technical performance and rugged durability. In addition to highly detailed sleep analysis (including snore detection) and multisport tracking, it features AI-based recommendations to maximize your progress, giving an energy score, wellness score, and more. In terms of hardware, it’s slightly bigger and beefier with a titanium build and includes a customizable quick button to speed up navigation. Currently $260 off, it’s a great time to invest in this adventure companion.

    More Smartwatch Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Robot Vacuum and Mop Deal


    the robot vacuum and mop

    iRobot Roomba Combo i5

    Smart navigation, Dirt Detect Technology, microfiber mop pad, Alexa, Siri, or Google voice control

    $149.99
    at Woot

    $349.99
    Save $200.00


    Get Deal

    The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is a capable robot vacuum and mop designed for dry and wet messes. It uses a 4-stage cleaning system with unique dual multi-surface rubber brushes that adjust to different floor types and don’t get tangled with pet hair. Plus, it empties itself into an enclosed bag that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt, making your life even easier. With a 57% discount, now is the time to grab this smart cleaning companion!

    See how it compares to other robot vacuums we’ve reviewed.

    Earbuds Deals


    the earbuds

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

    IP57 rating, 24-bit hi-fi codec, HD voice conversations, and intuitive touch-control

    $199.99
    at Woot

    $249.99
    Save $50.00


    Get Deal

    The sleek and stylish Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a premium pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, offering a comfortable fit, excellent audio quality, and nifty AI features – and all for under $200 right now. In addition to crisp high-res audio, adaptive ANC technology automatically adjusts the noise cancellation in real time for a strong, smooth, and distraction-free listening experience. Plus, you can access Galaxy’s AI assistant hands-free and take advantage of live translation. We awarded their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, a rating of “Excellent.” If you’re an Android user, these are a top pick.


    the Beats Fit Pro

    Beats Fit Pro

    H1 chip, Spatial Audio with head tracking, one-touch iOS pairing, IPX4 rating, USB-C charging

    $109.99
    at Woot

    $199.95
    Save $89.96


    Get Deal

    The Beats Fit Pro are designed to fit securely in your ears and stay in place, making them a compelling choice for those who find typical earbuds tend to slip out of their ears. In terms of sound, they deliver the classic bass-forward Beats audio profile, with above-average noise cancellation and adaptive EQ. We already recommend them for iPhone users who love strong bass, and now they’re $90 cheaper.


    the Galaxy Buds FE 3

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE

    IPX4 rating, Auto Switch, EQ presets, Bluetooth 5.2, ANC and Ambient modes, on-ear controls

    $71.99
    at Woot

    $149.99
    Save $78.00


    Get Deal

    Currently on sale for under $80, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE are an affordable but quality option for Samsung users. They provide above-average noise cancellation with a bass-forward sound signature and crisp mics. We reviewed a prior model of these earbuds and especially appreciated how seamlessly they integrate across the Samsung device ecosystem. If you’re an Android user looking for capable earbuds on a budget, these are for you.


    the Beats Studio Buds

    Beats Studio Buds

    On-ear controls, IPX4 rating, Bluetooth 5.2, support AAC and SBC codecs, multi-mic array

    $78.82
    at Woot

    $149.95
    Save $71.13


    Get Deal

    The Beats Studio Buds are another solid budget-friendly option for wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. While they’re significantly cheaper than AirPods Pro 2 (especially with this 47% discount), they offer similar features, including active noise cancellation, Spatial Audio, and one-touch pairing for iOS and Android devices. The overall audio output is solid with powerful bass and crisp highs, too. As you might expect, the noise cancellation is less impressive, but for the price, it’s a great value.

    More Deals on Earbuds

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Headphones Deals


    the headphones

    Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones

    AAC, AptX, AptX HD, and SBC codec support, 37mm dynamic drivers, adjustable five-band EQ

    $79.95
    at Woot

    $199.95
    Save $120.00


    Get Deal

    According to our expert, Tim Gideon, the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones “offer commendable active noise cancellation (ANC) and produce balanced sound with plenty of sub-bass power and high-frequency detail for half the price of category leaders from Bose and Sony” (and that’s at full price). Add a sleek design and a comfortable fit, and you’ll understand why we recommend them as a great value for wireless Bluetooth over-ear headphones. With a 55% discount, bringing the price to well under $100, they’re practically a no-brainer.

    Smart Thermostat Deal


    the thermostat and sensor

    Google Nest Smart Thermostat (4th Gen) + Nest Temperature Sensor

    Stainless steel design, Google Home App control, compatible with most 24V systems with no C-wire

    $189.99
    at Woot

    $299.99
    Save $110.00


    Get Deal

    This Google Nest smart thermostat bundle helps you save energy and money. Like any thermostat, you can program a specific heating and cooling schedule (either manually or through the app), but it goes one step further by learning your routine and adjusting the temperature in your home accordingly. It even takes into account the outdoor temperature and how it affects indoor temperatures in certain rooms! You can place the Google Nest temperature sensor in any room and use the app to set the temperature it should reach at a specific time of day.

    Portable Speaker Deals


    the purple JBL Charge 6

    JBL Charge 6

    IP68 rating, 30-watt woofer, 15-watt tweeter, Lossless audio via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast

    $129.95
    at Woot

    $199.95
    Save $70.00


    Get Deal

    Compact and rugged, the JBL Charge 6 produces surprisingly powerful sound for its size with strong bass and high-frequency clarity – and it’s $70 off right now! Plus, the companion app features adjustable EQ for a more personalized listening experience. Per our expert testing, this fully waterproof and dustproof device earned a rating of “Excellent,” and we recommend it as a top pick for a Bluetooth speaker you can bring anywhere and everywhere.


    the JBL Clip 5

    JBL Clip 5

    Weighs ~0.5 pounds, 12-hour battery, IP67 rating, 7W of power, and USB-C charging

    $49.95
    at Woot

    $79.95
    Save $30.00


    Get Deal

    Featuring a built-in carabiner, this fully waterproof (and dust-proof) Bluetooth speaker is super portable and easy to bring on the go. Considering its small size, the Clip 5 produces surprisingly loud and crisp sound, thanks to the powerful driver and passive radiator. The bass is punchy, and you can pair it with other JBL speakers for more robust stereo sound. With a sale price of $49.95, it’s a solid budget-conscious choice if you want to listen to music when you’re out and about. Clip it to your bag, belt, or bike, and get ready to jam out—for less.


    the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Pro

    Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Pro

    140W, IPX68 rating, 20-hour playtime, BassUp technology, built-in USB charging port

    $139.99
    at Woot

    $249.99
    Save $110.00


    Get Deal

    When you want big, loud, and powerful sound, pull out the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Pro. This fully waterproof (and dustproof!) portable outdoor speaker delivers rich audio with strong bass and nine-band EQ. Customizable LED lighting helps create a fun party ambiance. It’s basically the same speaker as our Editors’ Choice-Winning Anker Soundcore Boom Plus 2, only with a slightly more rugged build — it even floats!

    Recommended by Our Editors

    More Speaker Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Sound System Deals


    the 11-channel sound system

    Samsung HW-Q990H/ZC Surround Sound System

    11.1.4 ch sound, Wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Pro Mode

    $1,199.99
    at Woot

    $1,997.99
    Save $798.00


    Get Deal

    The Samsung HW-Q990H/ZC system features a powerful soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and rear speaker kit that work together to create rich, room-filling sound. The wireless soundbar automatically analyzes the environment to calibrate the sound to your space. At the same time, “Active Voice Analyzer” technology helps make sure dialogue and on-screen voices remain crisp, clear, and easy to understand. Plus, the sound system integrates easily with voice assistants and smart devices via Alexa, Chromecast, AirPlay, and more. It’s a robust, high-end sound system that’ll immerse you in your favorite on-screen content — and with roughly an $800 markdown, now is the time to upgrade.

    Curious how this model compares to other soundbars? Read our reviews for the best soundbars.

    More Soundbar Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Smart TV Deals


    the Samsung OLED TV

    Samsung 77-Inch OLED 4K S90D Smart TV

    NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, Samsung Tizen OS, Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, Pantone-validated color

    $1,497.99
    at Woot

    $3,297.99
    Save $1,800.00


    Get Deal

    If you’re looking to invest in a larger TV with stunning picture quality and innovative smart features, then the Samsung OLED 4K S90D offers superb value, especially with a $1,800 discount. In addition to the vivid, contrast-rich OLED HDR+ screen, it has built-in Dolby Atmos sound and Object Tracking Lite to produce crisp, clear 3D surround sound that automatically follows on-screen movement. Every scene looks incredibly life-like, thanks to Real Depth Enhancer and AI technology. For an OLED Smart TV of this size and quality, this is a serious bargain — and if you’re curious to learn more about OLED, you can dive into the differences between OLED and QLED.

    More TV Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Computer Mouse Deal


    the Corsair M75 mouse

    Corsair M75 Wireless RGB Gaming Mouse

    26,000 DPI optical sensor, iCUE-compatible, 650 IPS tracking, up to 50G acceleration,

    $44.99
    at Woot

    $129.99
    Save $85.00


    Get Deal

    The Corsair M75 wireless RGB gaming mouse sports an ergonomic, ambidextrous design with swappable side buttons, so anyone can play with extreme speed and precision. It’s lightweight at just 89 grams and offers virtually zero lag time, whether connected via wireless or Bluetooth, tracking movements and registering shots instantly. Plus, you can customize two-zone RGB lighting to add more style to your gaming.

    More Computer Mice Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Gamepad Deals


    the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro wireless gamepad

    Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Controller

    Hall Effect Precision Thumbsticks, Hypertrigger, Hyperspeed wireless, and 8-way floating D-Pad

    $109.99
    at Woot

    $199.99
    Save $90.00


    Get Deal

    The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro is a high-end gamepad featuring springy buttons, excellent swapping analog sticks, and a lightweight build with ultra-comfortable contours. While it’s designed for gamers who prefer a “claw” grip, any player will appreciate the ability to customize button functions, adjust the dead zone size, tweak vibration intensity, and even change the Razer logo’s color. It earned a rating of “Excellent” in our expert testing due to its overall fast responsiveness and smart design — and right now, it’s $90 off!


    the Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition gamepad

    Razer Wolverine V3 Tournament Edition Wired Gaming Controller

    Hall Effect Precision Thumbsticks, Hypertrigger, 10-ft USB-C cable, and 8-way floating D-Pad

    $54.99
    at Woot

    $99.99
    Save $45.00


    Get Deal

    If you don’t mind a wired connection, then the Razer Wolverine V3 is a cheaper gamepad that still delivers high-end performance. The analog thumbsticks are smoother, lighter, and more accurate than traditional models, ensuring anti-drift accuracy with the option to customize sensitivity and dead zones. Just like the wireless version, it’s lightweight and comfortable to hold with crisp, responsive buttons. Plus, there’s a special Tournament Mode that enables a 1,000-hertz polling rate.

    Smart Lighting Deal


    the Philips Hue Bridge 2.0 with box

    Philips Hue Bridge 2.0

    Zigbee advanced technology enables Wi-Fi free control. Voice Control via Apple HomeKit

    $31.99
    at Woot

    $52.79
    Save $20.80


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  • ‘The Odyssey’ Is Luring Tourists to the Sicilian Island That Stands In for Ithaca — and Could Generate $500 Million in Revenue

    ‘The Odyssey’ Is Luring Tourists to the Sicilian Island That Stands In for Ithaca — and Could Generate $500 Million in Revenue

    Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and Italy have special ties that are generating rich returns.

    The Greek epic was partly shot on the island of Favignana off the west coast of Sicily — which stood in for Ithaca, home to Penelope, her son Telemachus and its legendary, long-lost king Odysseus. The largest of the three Egadi Islands, Favignana is where Nolan and set designer Ruth De Jong found Ithaca’s perfect palace: the 15th century Castello di Santa Caterina, perched atop Monte Santa Caterina, a tall, craggy hill with a stunning view of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. 

    “It was just the most epic landscape, where you could see the water everywhere you were and the ships [used for filming] could pull up,” De Jong says in the film’s press notes.

    View of Castello di Santa Caterina from below Monte Santa Caterina.

    LightRocket via Getty Images

    It’s also where De Jong and her team built the secluded pig farm and humble hut inhabited by the loyal swineherd Eumaeus (played by John Leguizamo), where Odysseus first goes when he finally comes home, disguised as a beggar to plot against Penelope’s suitors. Nolan also shot in the coves and beaches surrounding Favignana’s coastline and in the nearby tiny islet of Preveto.

    After “The Odyssey” trailer dropped in May — two months before the epic hit theaters — Favignana started being heavily promoted and targeted as a tourist destination, including in Airbnb ads offering accommodations well-positioned “to explore the locations that inspired the film’s atmosphere,” as one listing puts it.

    A photo from an Airbnb listing in Favignana.

    Courtesy Noesis

    “I’m expecting a significant increase in international tourism, especially from the U.S.,” Sicilia Film Commission chief Nicola Tarantino tells Variety, noting that this also happened recently with HBO’s “The White Lotus” Season 2, shot in 2022 in the Sicilian resort town of Taormina.

    But the “Nolan effect,” as it’s being dubbed by the Italian press, is expected to have a much greater impact.

    While, according to estimates cited by newspaper La Repubblica, “White Lotus” has so far resulted in a €138 million ($158 million) tourism revenue windfall for Taormina, “The Odyssey” could generate more than twice that amount in Favignana. There, tourists inspired by the blockbuster are now expected to bring in a roughly $287 million haul over the next three years, according to initial estimates, and more than $500 million in the long run.

    Incidentally, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner’s June wedding in Palermo, which went viral worldwide, generated an immediate economic return of $17 million for the Sicilian capital and an estimated roughly $300 million in total revenue stemming from visibility and valuation of the Palermo brand, according to tourism consultancy JFC.

    According to scholars, Sicily was a location for Odysseus’ wanderings in the epic composed by Homer around 8th century BCE. And the fact that Nolan chose to shoot in “authentic locations that, in and of themselves, told the story, is hugely important,” Tarantino underlined.

    The Sicily Film Commission chief added: “We are very proud that Sicily is a real protagonist of this film,” pointing out that “through Nolan’s vision, these locations are entering the imagination of millions of spectators around the world, giving new value to a unique landscape and cultural heritage.”

    Speaking of cultural heritage, an unusually high portion of “The Odyssey” spectators are Italian.

    Italy currently ranks as the fourth top grossing territory in the world for “The Odyssey,” having scored a $35.6 million intake in Italian cinemas to date, according to figures from NBCUniversal. That box office result is preceded only by France ($37.9 million), U.K./Ireland ($56 million) and U.S./Canada ($334 million).

    “It’s an extraordinary film that is part of our life and our culture, even though we may not realize it. It’s been part of the canon that we grew up with,” Massimo Proietti, general manager, Italy, for Universal Pictures International, told the “Cineguru” podcast.

    Now, “The Odyssey” is also turning into a driver for the Italian economy.

  • ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Delivers Record $72M in Previews, Besting ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Delivers Record $72M in Previews, Besting ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    After a rare mid-summer weekend at the box office without a new wide release, moviegoers are gobbling up the chance to see Tom Holland and Zendaya return to the big screen for Sony Pictures‘ Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

    Marvel Studios‘ latest offering caught a staggering $72 million from Thursday previews on 4,300 North American screens. This sets the record for a previews sum, topping the $60 million that Avengers: Endgame took in 2019 before it scored the top marks for its opening weekend with $357.1 million domestically and an unbelievable $1.2 billion globally.

    Needless to say, Thursday’s tally gives the web-slinger by far the year’s biggest previews total. Universal’s The Odyssey had previously led the way in 2026 previews with $17.6 million, followed by Toy Story 5 at $17.5 million and Michael with $12.6 million. Both Toy Story 5 and Michael have surpassed the billion-dollar mark globally, while The Odyssey is well on its way to hitting that milestone, having crossed $700 million earlier this week.

    The last Spidey movie to hit the big screen was Spider-Man: No Way Home, which collected $50 million in Thursday previews when it opened in December 2021. Its opening weekend notched $260.1 million domestically and $587.2 million worldwide. At the time, No Way Home’s commercial success — culminating with its $1.9 billion global total for No. 8 all-time — appeared to be anomalous, given the surprise appearance of previous Peter Parkers in Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, along with the lack of major theatrical competition coming out of COVID.

    Spider-Man: Brand New Day

    Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures

    This blistering start for Spider-Man: Brand New Day suggests an opening weekend far beyond the $195 million domestic and $465 million global that the studio had been projecting. Even a domestic opening at $195 million would have put the film among the top 10 all-time debuts, and now the only question is how high it might climb on the chart. It carries a $225 million production budget.

    Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal and Mark Ruffalo also star in Destin Daniel Cretton‘s feature. It centers on the eponymous hero living a lonely existence without his loved ones before an invisible enemy tracks him down.

    Moviegoers have been impressed, as Brand New Day holds a 90 percent approval rating from reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a 98 percent audience score. In his review for The Hollywood Reporter, chief film critic David Rooney heralded “a never-better Tom Holland.”

    Also opening in wide release this weekend is filmmaker Gregg Araki‘s I Want Your Sex, starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman. Magnolia Pictures releases the comedic thriller in 700 North American theaters after acquiring the movie in a reported seven-figure deal following its Sundance premiere.

  • Starz’s U.K.-Set Boxing Crime Drama ‘Fightland’ Is a Knockout: TV Review

    Starz’s U.K.-Set Boxing Crime Drama ‘Fightland’ Is a Knockout: TV Review

    Created by Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith and executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, “Fightland,” is a stimulating crime drama that puts audiences directly in the boxing arena. Set in London, “Fightland” follows Maduka “Duke” Kilroy (Howard Charles), a disgraced former Heavyweight Champion who returns to his hometown seeking vengeance on the man who destroyed his life. Dynamic, bloody and engrossing, the show is an engaging account of revenge, fractured family dynamics and unbridled ego.

    “Fightland” opens in Las Vegas, eight years ago. Duke is flying high in the final rounds of the match that will make him the heavyweight champion of the world. His brother Calvin (Jurell Carter) and best friend Jay (Tyler Conti) are his cornermen, helping him navigate the ring. Seated front row in the audience are Duke’s promoter Kingsley Marshall (a thrilling Nicholas Pinnock), owner of Marshall Promotions, and his children, Ezekiel “Zeke” Marshall (Charles Babalola) and Cebella “Cece” Marshall (Anita-Joy Uwajeh), who aid their father in his boxing and criminal enterprises.  What begins as one of the greatest nights in Duke’s life ends in devastating, violent chaos, shattering everything he worked so hard to attain.

    Nearly a decade later, viewers meet Duke again. Hardened and withdrawn, he is not the shining star he once was. Newly released from prison, he returns home to the U.K. determined to take Kingsley down. But when Duke touches down in London, Kingsley is nowhere to be found. Neither his children nor his wife, Joy (Deborah Ayorinde), know where he’s vanished to, or why. Kingsley’s absence doesn’t stop Duke from infiltrating the Marshalls’ business ventures, determined to dismantle everything they hold near and dear and force Kingsley to resurface.

    The eight-episode season (critics received six episodes for review) moves swiftly, almost at a dizzying pace. Though “Fightland” is a totally different story, those familiar with Starz’s “Power” Universe will see similarities in the expansive narrative and characters woven in and around this world. Fajemisin-Duncan, Smith and Jackson have mastered the ability to keep audiences engaged. There are gun battles and knife fights (this is the U.K., after all), yet no character goes to waste. A character may initially appear inconsequential, but they often turn out to be integral to the overall plot. As a result, even though the show leans into the gimmicky aspects of the crime genre, stunning reveals and cliffhangers keep viewers drawn in across the episodes.

    This is a revenge tale at its core. Yet, “Fightland” thrives because of its characters. Duke is in the driver’s seat, but the show pulses to a new level when the camera is trained on either Cebella or Kingsley. Cool and calculated to a fault, in direct contrast to her hot-headed brother Zeke, Uwajeh brings a mesmerizing, lethal ferocity to Cebella. And she is no one-dimensional figure. As the show continues, it becomes clear there is much more to this woman than her cut-throat decision-making. Pinnock’s Kingsley is also towering. He is absent for nearly half of the season, which creates a void. Still, when he is on screen, he exudes an ominous viciousness, elevating the series beyond the run-of-the-mill tale of a conniving kingpin.

    “Fightland” as a whole is certainly entertaining, but Episode 6, “There Is a War Coming,” is a standout. Stuffed full of jaw-dropping revelations, thrilling twists and some sinister chess moves, the episode pulls every loose string from earlier moments in the series together. The result is a sensational tapestry of transgressions and secrets that Duke doesn’t see coming. Pinnock, in particular, is at his best here, showcasing a diabolical cruelty and terrifying manipulation, elevating the story and the show to a different level.

    There is no shortage of crime dramas on television networks and streaming platforms. However, in offering viewers a distinct backdrop — Black Londoners with boxing at the core — “Fightland” proves family dynamics, criminality and retribution have endless depths to explore. Though the show isn’t exactly breaking new ground, it succeeds because it’s willing to put a new spin on the genre while offering a crop of new villains and anti-heroes their chance to shine.

    “Fightland” debuts July 31 on Starz, with the remaining episodes airing weekly on Fridays.

  • US Treasury Sanctions Iranian Firms Taking Bitcoin for Hormuz Passage

    US Treasury Sanctions Iranian Firms Taking Bitcoin for Hormuz Passage

    In brief

    • OFAC sanctioned two Iranian firms behind a scheme requiring vessels to buy IRGC-approved “insurance” to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
    • One of them, Hormuz Safe, accepts Bitcoin and other digital assets to evade sanctions, Treasury said.
    • Blockchain analysts told Decrypt in April they saw no evidence crypto was being used at scale for Hormuz tolls.

    Iran is accepting Bitcoin from commercial shipping in exchange for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. Treasury, whose Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned two firms behind the scheme on Wednesday. Vessels crossing the chokepoint, which carries a fifth of the world’s oil, are required to buy maritime “insurance” approved by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

    The cover protects against risks Iran itself creates, Treasury said, chiefly the seizure of vessels. Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company, set up by Iran’s insurance regulator, brokers the policies. They are approved by the IRGC-backed Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which Washington designated in May.

    The Bitcoin rail

    The second firm, HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority, was developed by Iran’s Ministry of Economy and markets itself as a provider of traffic control, security and emergency response as well as insurance. It accepts Bitcoin and other digital assets, which OFAC said is part of an effort to bypass Western sanctions. Babak Morteza Zanjani, an Iranian financier sanctioned earlier this year, promoted it to his social media followers.

    When the Financial Times reported in April that Iran would demand crypto tolls from shipping, starting at $1 a barrel, blockchain analysts were initially unconvinced.

    At the time, TRM Labs policy head Ari Redbord told Decrypt he was skeptical, saying there was no data showing crypto being used at scale for Hormuz transit. Others noted that the man quoted in the report, an industry union spokesman, did not speak for the regime. Treasury’s designation settles part of that, naming a firm built by a government ministry that takes Bitcoin.

    The shadow fleet

    Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Iranian regime is “desperate for cash,” with its economy “in freefall” and inflation in triple digits, and that Washington would not let Iran “hold global commerce hostage.”

    The same action designated eight tankers and their operators over cargoes of Iranian crude and petroleum products, most of the companies registered in Hong Kong. More than 100 vessels tied to Iran’s shadow fleet have been sanctioned since January. Treasury said the insurance schemes were set up to replace revenue lost to Operation Epic Fury.

    On Myriad, a prediction market owned by Decrypt’s parent company Dastan, users place a 38% chance on the Iranian blockade ending by August 31.

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  • ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Sets Box Office Record With $72 Million in Previews, Beating ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Sets Box Office Record With $72 Million in Previews, Beating ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is already web-slinging its way to box office history.

    Tom Holland’s latest Spidey movie has made a record-breaking $72 million in previews, including Wednesday early access screenings, the most of any movie in history. The previous record was held by “Avengers: Endgame,” which made $60 million in Thursday previews on its way to the biggest opening weekend of all time.

    To compare the two historic superhero movies, “Avengers: Endgame” set the all-time opening weekend record with $357 million domestically and an eye-popping $1.2 billion globally. Sony and Marvel’s “Brand New Day” is aiming to make between $260 million and $280 million in its opening weekend, which would make it the second biggest launch of all time — behind “Endgame” and above “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Some estimates even put the “Brand New Day” opening above $300 million, but Sony is playing it safe and offering a more conservative start of $190 million to $195 million.

    Only nine movies have opened to more than $200 million, with “Avengers: Endgame” netting over $300 million. The other films are “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Jurassic World,” “The Avengers” and “Black Panther.”

    Internationally, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is estimated to add between $275 million to $300 million to its total, but it’s likely the tally will exceed expectations. Holland’s last adventure, which had the crossover star power of past Spidey actors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, opened to $327 million internationally and $587 million globally, going down as the third-best worldwide start in history.

    “Brand New Day” picks up four years after “No Way Home” ended, with the entire world forgetting that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. Holland’s hero is alone, without his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) or best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon), and faces a mysterious new villain played by Sadie Sink. After newly married couple Holland and Zendaya just appeared together in this month’s blockbuster “The Odyssey,” they’ll likely be breaking records again with “Brand New Day.”