HBO data breach goes beyond ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes, includes internal documents

HBO

In terms of quantity, the recent HBO hack might seem infinitely smaller than the one Sony experienced back in 2014 but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a big deal. We’ve gotten new details about the hack and found that the hackers didn’t just get Game of Thrones episodes and spoilers but they’ve gotten their hands on thousands of internal company documents, too. The hackers first contacted the media claiming that they got some upcoming GoT episodes as well as episodes of shows like Ballers, Insecure, and Room 104. They also supposedly got their hands on Bill Haders’ Barry comedy series, which isn’t expected to air until next year. But in the first information dump, it showed that they also had personal information of a senior HBO executive, including access credentials for online services. The hackers say they’ve gotten 1.5 terabytes of data from the company and they plan to release more information in batches. A formal DMCA takedown notice has already been supplied to Google by security contractors IP Echelon. The move is standard procedure when HBO wants the search giant to take down links to leaked materials.

Source: Variety

‘Star Wars: Episode 9’ reportedly getting Jack Thorne to rewrite Colin Trevorrow’s script

It’s not unusual for a film this early in its pre-production to get some additional help. For the 2019 release of Star Wars: Episode 9, the film’s script is getting a rewrite. The first draft of the film was co-written by the film’s director Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly. Lucasfilm seems to have been happy with the progress made so far ahead of the May 2019 release. But with Trevorrow hoping to start filming in January 2018, it gives them around five months to get all the pre-prod stuff done. Apparently, one of the things they want to do is give the script a once-over. Screenwriter Jack Thorne is supposedly coming on board to work on the script. He’s worked on things like Skins, National Treasure, and BBC’s His Dark Materials adaptation, among others.

It isn’t known how much Thorne has to do on the screenplay but with production schedule seemingly still the same, it might just mean that Thorne is coming on as a script doctor and reading over what’s been done and making edits where needed.

Source: Screen Rant

Review: Anki Cozmo programmable robot

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

There have been a slew of interesting consumer robot products which offer smartphone integration and remote control as well as the ability to be programmed. Anki’s Cozmo robot is an intriguing example of how far we’ve come.

A tiny robot that fits in the palm of your hand, Cozmo is surprisingly complex. Put of the box, the robot is charged in its own dock and controlled using a smartphone app. This is a typical approach but there’s layers of interaction. The more time you spend playing with Cozmo, the more points it earns which upgrade its personality and it skillset.

Click to read more ...

Carpool Karaoke: The Series is debuting on Apple Music on 8/8/17

The anticipated Carpool Karaoke show is coming exclusively to Apple Music next Tuesday, August 8th at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT, a new trailer out today offering fans a look at what they can expect behind the wheel (and outside of the car) as we get ready to set off on a star-studded, song-filled car ride.

Based on the late night segment that has become a global, viral video sensation on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Carpool Karaoke: The Series will bring the best celebrity pairings together behind the wheel as they buckle up and belt it out to their favorite playlists.

The series will feature LeBron James, Ariana Grande, Metallica, Camila Cabello, Miley Cyrus and her entire family, and many more of your favorite musicians, athletes and superstars. The premiere episode on August 8th will feature Will Smith and James Corden, and two new episodes will debut weekly thereafter until the standalone finale episode.