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Hulu Expands Kids and Family Lineup with More Animated Shows[teaser]Three cartoons are being added to the platform.[/teaser] Hulu has announced new content licensing agreements to expand its collection of kids and family content. The deals include the exclusive SVOD rights to all episodes of 'Dot.' from The Jim Henson Company, along with the exclusive streaming rights to Disney XD's 'Counterfeit Cat' and 'Camp Lakebottom.' 'Dot.' is based on the book of the same title by New York Times best-selling author and tech expert Randi Zuckerberg. The technology-themed preschool series has been a top performing franchise on Sprout since its launch last fall. The series features Dot, an 8-year old inquisitive and exuberant tech-savvy girl who launches herself into adventures and fearlessly sets about solving problems – her own, her best friend’s or her best dog’s – in the same way any 8-year old would…by making mistakes and laughing even more along the way. All previous episodes of 'Dot.' will be available to stream through Hulu starting April 15. 'Camp Lakebottom' is an animated children’s series (ages 6-11) about 12-year-old prankster McGee, who was headed for an awesome summer at Camp Sunny Smiles when his bus took a wrong turn and landed him at old, run down and ridiculously spooky Camp Lakebottom. All past episodes of 'Camp Lakebottom' will be available to stream through Hulu starting April 8. 'Counterfeit Cat' follows the story of an unconventional friendship between a lazy, selfish house cat and an excitable, naive alien with a mysterious destiny and a homemade purple cat suit. All episodes of 'Counterfeit Cat' will hit Hulu on March 17. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: HuluPosted Mon Mar 13, 2017 at 04:45 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Preps 'Godzilla' Anime from Toho and Polygon Pictures[teaser]The legendary king of the monsters is stomping his way toward Netflix.[/teaser] Netflix has announced plans to stream a new 'Godzilla' anime. The upcoming animated title will first debut theatrically in Japan, followed by an exclusive worldwide streaming premiere through Netflix. "We are truly delighted to unveil Godzilla, which is the latest addition to our growing catalogue of Netflix original anime content", said Greg Peters, President, Netflix Japan. "Working with the best creators such as Toho in bringing Godzilla to Netflix users in over 190 countries marks a major milestone for us." The first-ever high quality animation of the iconic global monster franchise is set to offer an epic re-imagining of the Godzilla world of the future. To bring to life Godzilla's latest adaptation, Toho is working with leading Japanese anime studio Polygon Pictures (Knights of Sidonia, BLAME!), directors Kobun Shizuno (Knights of Sidonia, Detective Conan), and Hiroyuki Seshita (AJIN: Demi-Human, BLAME!) with a screenplay from acclaimed anime writer Gen Urobuchi (Psycho-Pass, Madoka Magika). "We're looking forward to bringing a spectacular entertainment experience for both existing fans of Godzilla and people new to the franchise", said Godzilla director, Kobun Shibuno. Director Hiroyuki Seshita added, "I'm thrilled to collaborate with two very talented colleagues, Mr. Gen Urobuchi and Director Kobun Shizuno to bring to life a unique vision of a universal human drama set in an epic world." Meanwhile, screenplay writer Gen Urobuchi added, "I am very honored to join this Godzilla project as one of its Japanese creators. I’m grateful for all the support and really excited to bringing this content to fans worldwide." The voice cast is set to include Yuki Kaji (Attack on Titan, AJIN: Demi-Human), Takahiro Sakurai (AJIN: Demi-Human, BLAME!), Tomokazu Sugita (Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure), Junichi Suwabe (Nodame Cantabile, Prince of Tennis), Kana Hanazawa (BLAME!, Psycho-Pass) and Mamoru Miyano (AJIN: Demi-Human, The Seven Deadly Sins). An exact streaming release date for the new 'Godzilla' anime has not been announced yet. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' on April 14, 'Sandy Wexler' on April 14, 'Girlboss' on April 21, 'Bill Nye Saves the World' on April 21, 'Dear White People' on April 28, 'Casting JonBenet' on April 28, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'War Machine' on May 26, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 'Naked' on August 11, and 'Stranger Things' season two on October 31. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Mar 13, 2017 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Samsung Finalizes Acquisition of HARMAN in $8 Billion Deal[teaser]The auto-tech and audio company has officially been acquired by Samsung.[/teaser] Following initial reports of the deal back in November, Samsung Electronics has announced the completion of their acquisition of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. As part of the agreement, HARMAN stockholders will receive $112.00 per share in cash for a total equity value of approximately $8 billion. The deal includes HARMAN's various audio brands and now greatly expand Samsung's presence in the connected technologies and automotive electronics markets. "Today is a historic moment for us. The close of this transaction opens the door to create substantial growth opportunities and deliver greater benefits for customers worldwide," said Young Sohn, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Samsung Electronics, and Chairman of the Board, HARMAN. "We see transformative opportunities in the car – and a future which seamlessly connects lifestyle across automotive, home, mobile and work. Samsung's and HARMAN’s leadership in these spaces perfectly positions Samsung to be the preferred partner to our OEM customers. In addition, bringing together HARMAN's iconic audio brands and capabilities paired with Samsung’s leading display technologies will deliver enhanced audio and video experiences to consumers and professional end markets. And most importantly, we are enthusiastic about our common vision, the similarities in our culture of innovation, and the added value we can create for customers. We look forward to working with all of HARMAN’s employees to execute on our vision." As a result of the agreement, HARMAN's common stock has ceased trading and has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. HARMAN will now operate as a standalone subsidiary of Samsung, and will continue to be led by the current management team. Likewise, Samsung is keeping HARMAN’s work force, headquarters, and facilities. Though the main emphasis of the purchase is on HARMAN's leading presence in connected car solutions and in-vehicle tech, the Samsung acquisition also includes HARMAN's various consumer and professional audio brands like JBL, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, AKG, Lexicon, Infinity, and Revel -- allowing Samsung to offer enhanced customer benefits and user experiences across the company's entire collection of consumer and professional products. "We are excited to have completed the transaction, which provides compelling cash value to our stockholders, benefits our customers and provides new opportunities for our employees," said Dinesh Paliwal, HARMAN President and CEO. "Samsung shares our commitment to our customers and our culture of speed, innovation and execution. Samsung provides HARMAN with the scale, platform and complementary technologies to accelerate growth and extend our global market leadership in automotive, smart audio and connected technologies. Recognizing the importance of partnerships in an increasingly connected world, particularly in automotive, we are poised to leverage our combined teams and resources to produce even greater value for our customers. Working closely with automakers and other technology companies, Samsung and HARMAN will define – and drive – the future of automotive." The closing of the acquisition comes with approval of the transaction by HARMAN stockholders and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions. Source: SamsungPosted Mon Mar 13, 2017 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Pioneer Details BDR-211UBK PC Drive with Ultra HD Blu-ray Support, Price Set for $130[teaser]The new drive includes Ultra HD Blu-ray capabilities.[/teaser] Pioneer has detailed its latest BD/DVD/CD writer. The upcoming BDR-211UBK will include Ultra HD Blu-ray playback support through bundled CyberLink PowerDVD 14 software. The internal PC drive offers reading and writing capabilities for a variety of BD (SL 25GB/DL 50GB) and BDXL (BD-R XL: TL 100GB/ QL 128GB, BD-RE XL: TL 100GB) discs, with up to 16x maximum BD-R writing speed (BD-R: SL 25GB). In addition, the device comes bundled with several programs, including CyberLink PowerDVD 14 software. With PowerDVD 14 and the required PC specs, the BDR-211UBK is capable of Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback. Additional requirements for Ultra HD Blu-ray playback through a PC include: an Intel 7th Generation Core i5/i7 processor (selected models: KabyLake-S & KabyLake-H), Intel HD Graphics 630 chipsets, minimum of 6GB memory, Windows 10, and an HDR, HDCP 2.2, and HDMI2.0a compatible motherboard and display. Here's a full rundown of key specs per the press release: - Ultra HD Blu-ray playback: the BDR-211UBK supports Ultra HD Blu-ray playback using the bundled CyberLink software. Ultra HD Blu-ray includes content up to 4K resolution (3840 pixels horizontal×2160pixels vertical) and a wider range of colors compared to full HD. - Faster burning: Up to 16x² maximum write speed on BD-R single-layer discs, 14x on BD-R DL discs and 8x on BD-R triple-layer discs.Compatible with Windows® 10 – The BDR-211UBK and bundled software are compatible with the latest Windows® OS, Windows 10. - Region Code Change: BDR-211UBK has DVD regional playback control. It allows users to set the region of the drive up to five times. - Store more data: Support for BDXL media, which stores up to 156% more data than 50GB Dual Layer Blu-ray Disc™, including 100GB Triple Layer (TL)3 and 128GB Quadruple Layer (QL)3 discs. - QuickPlay: BD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs are ready quickly after insertion. - PowerRead: Through its PowerRead feature, the BDR-211UBK provides smoother movie playback when a disc is marked with fingerprints or has minor surface scratches. When the drive is not able to read through these obstructed areas of a disc, it will quickly move forward to the next available data point, resulting in smoother Blu-ray and DVD movie playback.4 - Auto Quiet Mode: The drive monitors how it is being used and will adjust its disc rotation speed automatically, using quieter mode (slower speed) when watching Blu-ray and DVD titles or listening to conventional audio CDs. - PureRead3: Clicking or popping sounds that might normally occur due to minor scratches and fingerprints on CDs can be prevented on some discs with the drive’s PureRead3 technology, which allows the drive to adjust its optical playback settings dynamically through the use of a unique algorithm.5 - Peak power Reducer: This power saving mode enables the drive to suppress power consumption at peak operation. It keeps stable operation in case of a drop in power supply. The Pioneer BDR-211UBK will be available later this month for a suggested retail price of $130. Source: PioneerPosted Fri Mar 10, 2017 at 02:45 PM PST by: -
Netflix Reveals Trailer for 'The Get Down - Part II,' Streaming Premiere Set for April 7[teaser]The 'Moulin Rouge!' director's streaming show is returning to Netflix with new episodes. [/teaser] Following an initial Date Announcement Teaser, Netflix has released a full trailer for 'The Get Down - Part II.' The show comes from Baz Luhrmann -- the director behind 'Romeo + Juliet,' 'Moulin Rouge!,' and 'The Great Gatsby.' Part I of the series, consisting of the show's first six episodes, previously debuted on August 12, 2016. Part II will premiere on April 7. 'The Get Down' focuses on 1970s New York City – broken down and beaten up, violent, cash strapped -- dying. Consigned to rubble, a rag-tag crew of South Bronx teenagers are nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them – except each other, armed only with verbal games, improvised dance steps, some magic markers and spray cans. From Bronx tenements, to the SoHo art scene; from CBGBs to Studio 54 and even the glass towers of the just-built World Trade Center, 'The Get Down' is a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco -- told through the lives and music of the South Bronx kids who changed the city, and the world...forever. Check out the official trailer below! Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Love' season two on March 10, 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' on April 14, 'Sandy Wexler' on April 14, 'Girlboss' on April 21, 'Bill Nye Saves the World' on April 21, 'Dear White People' on April 28, 'Casting JonBenet' on April 28, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'War Machine' on May 26, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 'Naked' on August 11, and 'Stranger Things' season two on October 31. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Fri Mar 10, 2017 at 02:15 PM PST by: -
A+E Networks Joins Hulu Live Streaming TV Service Channel Lineup[teaser]The latest broadcast partner has been confirmed for the upcoming live streaming platform.[/teaser] Hulu has announced a new deal with A+E Networks. As part of the agreement, Hulu will be able to offer live and on-demand content from A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, LMN, FYI, and VICELAND on its upcoming live TV streaming service set to launch in the spring. "As we begin to finalize our new live TV service, we're pulling together the most valuable, well-rounded package of channels available for under $40," said Mike Hopkins, CEO of Hulu. "We know the A+E Networks brand of award-winning storytelling is important to our viewers, and we’re very excited to add their networks to the core service we launch this Spring." Hulu's new live TV streaming service will feature an easy-to-use personalized interface with access to live and on-demand news, entertainment, and sports networks through various media and mobile devices with a core package set to include more than 40 channels. The new A+E Networks deal will include live and on-demand access to several popular shows like 'SIX,' 'The Curse of Oak Island,' 'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,' 'Live PD,' 'Born This Way,' 'Project Runway,' and 'UnReal.' "We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Hulu to offer our A+E Networks' portfolio of brands on their live TV streaming service at launch," said Nancy Dubuc, President and Chief Executive Officer, A+E Networks. "Having our top six networks available on their core package speaks to the power of our entertainment portfolio in reaching men, women, adults and millennials." Beyond A+E Networks, Hulu has also announced deals with CBS, Disney, Fox, and Time Warner to offer live and on-demand content from networks like TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, truTV, Boomerang, Turner Classic Movies, FOX, ABC, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, BTN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN-SEC, ESPN 3, Fox Regional Sports Networks across dozens of key national markets, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Fox News, Fox Business, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, National Geographic, and Nat Geo Wild. An exact launch date and price for Hulu's new live TV service have not been announced yet, but the platform is expected to arrive in the spring with a core package set for under $40 per month. The new live service will co-exist with Hulu's current ad-supported and ad-free video on-demand subscription plans. Source: HuluPosted Fri Mar 10, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Facebook 360 App Launches on Samsung Gear VR[teaser]The social media platform's new app brings 360 media to the Gear VR headset.[/teaser] Facebook has announced the launch of its new Facebook 360 app for the Samsung Gear VR headset powered by Oculus. The app allows users to explore immersive Facebook 360 photos and videos. With Facebook 360 for Gear VR, customers can now search for 360 content and watch 360 pics and videos from friends and followed pages through their headsets. Likewise, users can also react to 360 photos and videos and share them on Facebook. To download the app, users simply need to open the Oculus app on their Gear VR-compatible Samsung device and search for Facebook 360. Here's a rundown of the app's four feeds: - Explore: Discover some of the most interesting and popular 360 content on Facebook from media companies, organizations and individual creators. - Following: Experience 360 content that your friends have posted on Facebook as well as 360 content from Pages and people you follow. - Saved: Find all the 360 content you’ve saved from News Feed ready for you to enjoy at a more convenient time. - Timeline: Relive your memories in a new way through your own 360 photo and video uploads. The Samsung Gear VR is currently on sale for $80. The 2016 model is compatible with the Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6, S6 edge, and S6 edge+. In addition, a new 2017 model has been announced with a motion controller. Beyond the new 360 app, Facebook also recently launched its Video app on the Apple TV and all Samsung 2015, 2016, and 2017 Smart TV models, including the new 2017 QLED TVs. Source: FacebookPosted Thu Mar 9, 2017 at 10:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Readies 'Jim Norton: Mouthful of Shame' for March 14 Premiere[teaser]The comedian will hit the stage on Netflix later this month.[/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its upcoming original stand-up shows from comedian Jim Norton. 'Jim Norton: Mouthful of Shame' is set to start streaming exclusively through Netflix on March 14. In this unrestricted jaunt through a gleefully filthy mind, comic Jim Norton offers a personal perspective on romance, desire and sexual proclivities. Fedoras, mom's underpants, and puppy love all make Jim Norton's shit list in Mouthful of Shame. Check out the trailer below! In addition to 'Jim Norton: Mouthful of Shame,' Netflix also recently announced new stand-up shows from Louis C.K. and Dave Chappelle. The first Louis C.K. special was filmed in Washington DC and is set to premiere on April 4. Meanwhile, two never-before-seen specials starring Dave Chappelle will start streaming on March 21. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Love' season two on March 10, 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'The Get Down - Part II' on April 7, 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' on April 14, 'Sandy Wexler' on April 14, 'Girlboss' on April 21, 'Bill Nye Saves the World' on April 21, 'Dear White People' on April 28, 'Casting JonBenet' on April 28, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'War Machine' on May 26, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 'Naked' on August 11, and 'Stranger Things' season two on October 31. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Thu Mar 9, 2017 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
Vimeo Adds Support for 360-Degree Videos[teaser]The streaming site now offers support for 360-degree content.[/teaser] Vimeo has announced the launch of 360-degree video support. The platform now allows creators to upload, share, sell, and learn about shooting 360 videos, while also allowing viewers to discover and watch 360 videos across multiple devices. "Vimeo's creator community is known for pioneering new video formats and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. With this launch we hope to usher in a new wave of immersive content that sets the standard for cinematic quality and powerful narratives in a 360 environment. We believe Vimeo creators are the missing piece to taking 360 video from nascent to mainstream." said Anjali Sud, SVP & GM of Vimeo's creator platform. 360-degree video support through Vimeo includes the ability to upload 360 content in up to 8K resolution, monoscopic & stereoscopic playback, and an HD offline viewing mode through the Vimeo mobile app. Likewise, Vimeo is also offering a 360 Video School with various tutorials on how to shoot 360 content. Here's a full rundown of key creator benefits per the press release: - High Quality 360 Viewing - Creators can upload 360 videos in up to 8K for high-res videos and enjoy playback in the highest quality possible, including HD offline viewing in Vimeo’s mobile apps. - Powerful & Customizable Settings - For both monoscopic and stereoscopic video, Vimeo allows creators to add metadata, customize player embed settings, capture email leads and insert calls-to-action directly in the embedded player, and more. Creators can also set their field of view, choose the exact point in space where their video begins, and include a compass in the player to orient viewers and encourage interaction. - 360 Video School - Vimeo offers dedicated educational resources to help creators learn the basics and access in-depth tutorials on 360 cameras, pre-production, shooting and editing. - Open Marketplace to Sell 360 Videos - Vimeo provides 360 creators with the ability to sell their content direct to audiences worldwide through Vimeo On Demand. Available to Vimeo PRO and Business members, 360 creators can choose rent, buy or subscription options, set their price and distribution region, and take home 90% of the revenue after transaction costs. Users interested in checking out 360-degree Vimeo videos can now access the platform's curated collection of 360 videos, including films from Staff Pick alumni Greg Barth and Jason Drakeford, the American Museum of Natural History and charity: water. Vimeo 360 videos can now be watched through the Vimeo app for iOS and Android devices compatible with Zeiss VR One, Samsung Gear VR, and Google Daydream headsets. Support for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive will be added soon. Source: VimeoPosted Thu Mar 9, 2017 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
Hulu Debuts Trailer for Original Documentary 'Becoming Bond,' Streaming Premiere Set for May 20[teaser]The upcoming documentary chronicles George Lazenby's path toward becoming 007.[/teaser] Hulu has releases a trailer for its latest original documentary, 'Becoming Bond.' The film will start streaming exclusively through Hulu on May 20. Follow George Lazenby on his journey from a car salesman to securing the role as James Bond. The stranger-than-fiction true story of George Lazenby, a poor Australian car mechanic who, through an unbelievable set of circumstances, landed the role of James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), despite having never acted a day in his life. Then after being offered the next seven Bond films and a $1 million signing bonus, he turned it all down... Check out the trailer below! 'Becoming Bond' comes from director Josh Greenbaum. Before arriving on Hulu, the film is set to have its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on March 11. Other upcoming Hulu series include 'The Handmaid's Tale' on April 26, Marvel's 'Runaways,' a reimagining of 'Foxy Brown' starring Meagan Good, 'Castle Rock' from J.J. Abrams & Stephen King, and 'Future Man' from executive producers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Matt Tolmach, and James Weaver. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Likewise, Hulu is also preparing to launch a live streaming service with content from networks like CBS, CBS Sports Network, POP, TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, truTV, Boomerang, Turner Classic Movies, FOX, ABC, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, BTN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN-SEC, ESPN 3, Fox Regional Sports Networks across dozens of key national markets, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Fox News, Fox Business, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, National Geographic, and Nat Geo Wild. Source: HuluPosted Thu Mar 9, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by:
