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Prime Video Already Has the Best Spy Series on Streaming, and Amazon Owning Bond Doesn’t Change That
This article argues that Prime Video's Jack Ryan series is the best spy show on streaming, even with Amazon's acquisition of the James Bond franchise. It highlights Jack Ryan's grounded approach to espionage, its blend of action and political intrigue, and its character development as superior to the traditional Bond formula.
A Texas Gas Plant Built for One Amazon Data Center Could Out-Pollute America’s Biggest Coal Facility
A new natural gas power plant in Texas, built to supply an Amazon data center, has a permit allowing up to 33 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, potentially exceeding the output of the nation's largest coal plant. While plants rarely operate at full permitted capacity, the high ceiling raises concerns about environmental impact, especially as companies like Meta and Google also invest in non-renewable power sources for their data centers. This trend conflicts with corporate climate pledges, including Amazon's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
The Amazon Prime Video adaptation of God of War is undergoing further recasting, with the production now seeking older actors to portray the characters Atreus and Thrud. This news comes as the series continues its development.
Saturday Tech Bits
This article rounds up recent tech news, including Amazon's use of old rules for an AI data center and an AMD P-State patch improving Linux gaming performance. The content is sourced from Tom's Hardware and Linux Journal.
God of War TV series sees further recasts as Amazon seeks older actors for Atreus and Thrud
Amazon's God of War television series is undergoing recasts for the roles of Atreus and Thrud, with plans to cast older actors for Season 2. This creative decision follows an injury that led to Kratos actor Ryan Hurst departing the role, with Dave Bautista reportedly in talks to replace him. The recasting suggests Season 2 will adapt events from God of War: Ragnarök.
OpenAI’s Ring-Shaped Speaker Reportedly Lands at $300–$400
OpenAI is reportedly developing a ring-shaped smart speaker with moving parts, expected to launch in 2027 with a price tag of $300-$400. The device, designed in collaboration with Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio, aims to bring ChatGPT into homes as a persistent presence. However, the premium price point and the competitive smart speaker market, where giants like Amazon and Google have struggled with profitability, pose significant challenges. OpenAI also faces a lawsuit from Apple over alleged trade secret theft related to its hardware ambitions.
Midday Tech Bits
AMD's account payables increased by $2.36 billion last quarter, partially obscuring a squeeze in free cash flow despite record earnings. Separately, Amazon is reportedly cracking down on 'CPU waste'.
Amazon Knocks $10 off Physical Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Preorders
Amazon is offering a $10 discount on preorders for the physical version of Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, matching the digital price ahead of its October launch. The game is set to release on the Nintendo Switch.
Games Inbox: Why are Call Of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 so popular?
This article discusses the surprising resurgence in popularity of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops II, attributing it to nostalgia despite them being straight ports. It also touches on EA's developer layoffs, Amazon Luna's performance, and the ongoing debate about game map size versus content.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | Paramount Games appoints Nate Nanzer as EVP, head of commercial & marketing
This article rounds up recent appointments and transitions within the gaming industry. Notable moves include Nate Nanzer joining Paramount Games, Julia Gutnik heading media at Amazon Gaming, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of communications. Several other companies like Epic Games, Studio MDHR, Games Workshop, and Blizzard Entertainment also saw new hires or promotions.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | Tim Coombs rejoins Amazon as head of brand marketing for Luna
This article rounds up various industry hires and transitions in August 2026. Notable appointments include Tim Coombs rejoining Amazon as head of brand marketing for Luna, Dan Lazarides becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Frontier Developments, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of Communications. Several other individuals have also moved into new roles across companies like Blizzard Entertainment, Netflix Games, and Riot Games.
Jobs roundup: August 2026 | CodeDev Group appoints Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys
This article rounds up recent hires and promotions across the gaming industry. Key appointments include Ben Board as CEO of The Performance Guys, Nate Nanzer as EVP at Paramount Games, and Tracey Thompson returning to Bethesda as VP of communications. Several other companies like Epic Games, Amazon, and Microsoft also saw personnel changes.
Warhammer 40,000 is getting an animated series from Amazon and Games Workshop
Amazon MGM Studios, Blur Studios, and Games Workshop are developing an animated television series based on the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. Dave Wilson, who directed the animated short in the Secret Level anthology, will direct and co-create the series, with Henry Cavill and Tim Miller serving as executive producers. While the animated project has momentum, the live-action adaptation still lacks a finished script.
Perplexity has successfully overturned Amazon's injunction on its AI shopping bot
Perplexity has successfully overturned Amazon's injunction against its AI shopping bot. The legal dispute began in November 2025, concerning Perplexity's use of online shopping data.
RUST boss Alistair McFarlane has left Facepunch and will not be saving New World after all
Alistair McFarlane, director of RUST developer Facepunch Studios, has departed the company as of July 30th. McFarlane had previously teased potential involvement with Amazon's New World, but these rumors have now seemingly concluded with his exit from Facepunch.
Endeavor Optical Networks exits stealth with $10.75M and a plan to beam data center traffic by laser
Endeavor Optical Networks has emerged from stealth with $10.75 million in seed funding from General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz. The startup plans to use laser-carrying spacecraft in orbit to connect data centers, aiming for a throughput of 2.4 terabits per second, significantly higher than current satellite communication capabilities. The company intends to launch a demonstration satellite by the end of 2027.
NJ antitrust suit accuses Amazon of unlawfully wielding power over delivery contractors
New Jersey has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company unlawfully uses its power over delivery contractors. The suit claims Amazon's practices harm competition and independent businesses.
Lost Ark will merge 12 western servers down to five later this month
Amazon announced that Lost Ark will merge 12 western servers across North America East and Europe Central into five servers starting August 26. Players are advised to claim rewards, use card XP, and manage auction house items before the merge. Players with characters on both servers will have their rosters combined.
God Of War TV show in talks to cast Dave Bautista as Kratos and fans love it
Dave Bautista is reportedly in talks with Amazon to play Kratos in the upcoming God of War television series, potentially replacing Ryan Hurst due to an on-set injury. While Amazon has declined to comment, fans have reacted positively to the potential casting, citing Bautista's physique and acting ability. The article also touches on Bautista's previous interest in a Gears of War movie and his appearance in Gears 5.
Pokémon TCG: Pitch Black ETBs and Boosters Drop Under Market Price at Amazon
Amazon has restocked Pokémon Trading Card Game Pitch Black Elite Trainer Boxes and Booster Bundles at prices below TCGplayer market value. Interested buyers are advised to purchase quickly before the limited stock sells out.