The Sony hack and its consequences still dominated the news cycle this week, with the studio cancelling the release ofThe Interviewand a chorus of voices speaking out against the decision.
But there have been other, less problematic, happenings elsewhere this week, so here's our roundup of the best of the rest from across the web.
Science
- German scientists have created a six-legged robot insect that can walk around, as seen in this video clip released online by New Scientist. Watch it below.
- And if six-legged robots weren't impressive enough, US scientist Jennifer Collinger has developed a robot arm that can be controlled with thought alone. It will be used by a woman paralysed by the neck down, who demonstrates its potential in the below video.
- Smart shoes, developed by an engineer at the Royal College of Art in London, will aid the mobility of people with Parkinson's.
Film
- The Interview saga continues, as Sony officially decided to cancel the film's release this week following threats from the hackers thought to be responsible for the Sony security breach. This was after many exhibitors had already cancelled screenings.
This cancellation extends to planned VOD and DVD releases, with Sony Pictures stating it "has no further release plans for the film",Deadline reported.
Reports that some theatres would replace screenings with Team America: World Police showings resulted in Paramount removing the option by withdrawing the film.
- Actor Michael Stuhlbarg has signed on for Universal's upcoming Steve Jobs biopic, reports Deadline, joining Michael Fassbender and Seth Rogen on the Danny Boyle-directed film. He will play computer scientist and inventor Andy Hertzfeld.
- Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, who star in Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything, are to be given the Cinema Vanguard Award at the 30th edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
- A few people are reportedly in the running to replace Roberto Orci as director of Star Trek 3, including Rupert Wyatt, Morten Tyldum, Daniel Espinosa, Justin Lin and Duncan Jones.
TV & Streaming
- Jason Kilar, the former CEO of online streaming platform Hulu, has unveiled rival service Vessel, which will allow subscribers to view short-form video content early.
- Netflix has shot down any hope that it may one day allow offline streaming of its content, reports TechCrunch, stating that the bigger problem is a lack of ubiquitous Wi-Fi, rather than subscribers' inability to watch films and television shows in places where there is no internet connection.
- It may not be the most accurate representation of life as a hacker, but the first promo for MTV's upcoming drama, Eye Candy, has appeared online. You can watch it below.
