Disney+ is reviving ‘Willow’ as a TV series

Disney is mining a different kind of nostalgia to fuel its shift toward streaming. The company has revealed plans for a Willow sequel series for Disney+ that should start production in 2021. While much of the plot is still a mystery, the show will take place “years” after the events of the movie and will mark the return of farmer-turned-hero Willow Ufgood. And yes, Warwick Davis will reprise his role.

Pages: 1 2

Netflix is buying its first production studio complex

Netflix isn’t just expanding its footprint in California. The streaming behemoth is planning to open a production hub in New Mexico by acquiring Albuquerque’s ABQ Studios — its first purchase of a production studio complex. It’s making the deal (which is still in “final negotiations”) in part due to incentives, which include up to $10 million in Local Economic Development Act funding from the state as well as a maximum of $4.5 million from Albuquerque.

Spotify faces $1.6 billion lawsuit over song licensing

Spotify is no stranger to facing lawsuits accusing it of offering unlicensed songs, but the latest could prove to be very costly. Hollywood Reporter has learned that Wixen Music Publishing, which manages the song composition rights for artists ranging from Neil Young to Zach de la Rocha, has sued Spotify for copyright damages of at least $1.6 billion. Wixen claims that the streaming service is using tens of thousands of songs without proper licenses and the compensation to match. The plaintiff had already objected to proposed $43 million settlement in another case in May, so this wasn’t coming entirely out of the blue.

Bluetooth mesh networking could connect smart devices city-wide

Bluetooth is one step closer to connecting smart devices on a large scale. The wireless standard’s Special Interest Group (SIG) has announced support for mesh networking. With the new technology, manufacturers can build devices that can all talk to one another, from smart street lightingto transportation.

Kanye West reportedly quits Tidal over money dispute

Kanye West has been one of Tidal’s biggest champions: he joined the company the moment Jay-Z relaunched its service, and The Life of Pablowas one of the streaming music service’s largest (if temporary) exclusives. However, it appears that the relationship has… soured. TMZ sources claim that Kanye has left the company over a payment squabble involving both Life of Pablo and music videos. It’s reportedly a messy dispute, and certainly not what Tidal wanted in an already tumultuous period for the business.

Target is testing its own Prime Pantry-like delivery service

Target is taking on Amazon’s Prime Pantry with its own version called “Restock.” The company announced a trial run of its new service today, which it tested with employees earlier this year. Like Prime Pantry, with Restock, customers can fill a box with up to 45 pounds of loot for a flat added fee. But Target is undercutting Amazon by a dollar, pricing their box at just $5. Additionally, Target is offering next-day service with their boxes, whereas Amazon’s usually arrive within four business days.

Prince’s music returns to Spotify and other services this weekend

Prince removed his music from every streaming service except Tidal in July 2015, but the artist’s catalog returns this Sunday. Spotify and HeartRadio have confirmed the return of works like 1999, Purple Rain and Diamonds and Pearls. You can see all the albums that Spotify will offer right here. Engadget has learned that Amazon Music will also offer the tunes and BBC reports Prince’s music will be available on Apple Music and Napster as well. However, there’s still no word from Google or SoundCloud as to whether their services will offer the artitst’s discography.

Lupe Fiasco – AUTOBOTO

Benny The Butcher – Bust A Brick Nick

Tory Lanez – Mucky James

Lupe Fiasco – 100 Chicagos

Sauce Walka – “Mirror Effect”

21 Savage – “No Debate” / “Big Smoke”

Flamingo at the Cincinnati Zoo

Mt. Gang Rinpoche (Tibet)

Smithsonian.com

Morning Hour

The first one

POLAR BEAR ON ICEBERG

Ibis Fight