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Sony Adds New Multi-view Feature for PlayStation Vue Streaming Service[teaser]Users can now watch three live channels at once.[/teaser] Sony has announced the launch of a new multi-view option for its PlayStation Vue cloud-based TV platform. The new feature allows PS4 uses to watch up to three live channels all on one screen. With multi-view, PlayStation Vue subscribers can now watch multiple live channels simultaneously, including multiple news broadcasts and sports games -- just in time for March Madness. To enable multi-view, PlayStation Vue customers using a PS4 simply need to press and hold X on any live TV program from the Guide or Live TV row on the home screen. This will open up the multi-view selection screen, allowing users to choose between setting up two or three multi-view screens. From there, customers can select any other live programing and start viewing multiple programs at once. The program playing in the main screen in multi-view will include audio. And beyond multi-view, Sony is also planning to add even more new features to PlayStation Vue, including upcoming support for real-time sports scores. The PlayStation Vue service offers live and on demand content from a growing collection of channels. The platform enables viewers to easily search through available programming with an intuitive interface and convenient personal recommendations. In addition, if customers tag a favorite series they will be given cloud access to episodes of that show for 28 days with no storage restrictions. Likewise, PlayStation Vue offers up to five simultaneous streams across different devices, including up to three mobile devices outside of the home. Multi-view is now available for PlayStation Vue customers using the PS4. PlayStation Vue is also available through the Apple TV, Android TV, Roku devices, Chromecast, Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, iPad, and iPhone. New customers can sign up for a seven-day free trial option through the PlayStation Vue website. Source: PlayStation BlogPosted Tue Mar 7, 2017 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
Amazon Orders 'Pete the Cat' and 'Costume Quest'[teaser]Two new original kids series have been greenlit.[/teaser] Amazon has announced the latest additions to its Prime Video lineup of children's shows. The upcoming series includes 'Pete the Cat,' based on the award-winning book series, and 'Costume Quest,' based on the popular video games. "The creative talent behind Pete the Cat and Costume Quest have a sensibility and pedigree that will resonate well with our customers," said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. "We are thrilled to be working with such innovative and visionary thinkers in the business." Based on the award-winning book series by illustrator/creator and consulting producer James Dean, Pete the Cat is an animated kids series that has been ordered straight-to-series for 14 episodes. The show follows Pete the Cat, the coolest cat ever and his groovy guide to life—from rockin’ out with his guitar to riding a skateboard. The series is a co-production with Alcon Television Group and will be developed by Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (Phineas and Ferb) and Appian Way production company. Harper Collins has published more than 34 Pete the Cat books, which have been translated into 13 languages and received 18 literacy awards, including the Theodore Geisel Seuss Award. Slated to voice as Pete’s parents are musical luminaries Elvis Costello and Diana Krall. Marsh is slated to executive produce along with Alcon’s Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, and Laura Lancaster, as well as Appian Way’s Jennifer Davisson. Alcon’s Ben Roberts is slated to produce, with Appian Way’s Nathaniel Posey slated to co-produce. Based on the smash video game series by Double Fine Productions (Psychonauts, Broken Age) and the world originally created by Tasha Sounart, Costume Quest is a funny and mysterious animated series aimed at six to 11-year-olds. The show stars four kids facing off against the dark forces lurking in the shadows of their sleepy town of Auburn Pines. To overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, they must learn to unlock and master the magical powers of supernormal costumes—with each costume comes a new set of transformations and powers. The series is executive produced by Will McRobb (The Adventures of Pete & Pete) who also serves as story editor, as well as Frederator Studios’ Fred Seibert (The Fairly OddParents), Kevin Kolde (Adventure Time) and Eric Homan (Adventure Time). Costume Quest is produced at Frederator Studios, a WOW! Unlimited Media company. Exact release dates have not been announced yet, but both shows are expected to debut through Prime Video next year. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Mar 7, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Announces Two New Stand-Up Specials Starring Louis C.K.[teaser]The comedian's first Netflix Original Special will premiere in April.[/teaser] Netflix has announced plans to debut two new original stand-up shows from comedian Louis C.K.. The first special, '2017,' was filmed in Washington DC and is set to premiere on April 4 exclusively through Netflix. "Louis has been one of the most innovative comedy voices in this new era of stand up. He has also been a thought leader in the business of comedy. We have marveled at his creativity and his ability to invent comedically and commercially, and are thrilled that he is bringing his newest specials to Netflix," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer at Netflix. Comedian Louis C.K. is best known for his various stand-up shows and his award-winning FX series, 'Louie.' In addition, C.K. recently wrote, directed, and starred in his own original drama series, 'Horace and Pete,' which is now available through Hulu. An exact release date for the second Louis C.K. Netflix Original Special has not been announced yet. In addition to the new Louis C.K. stand-up shows, Netflix also recently announced plans to debut two never-before-seen specials starring Dave Chappelle on March 21. Likewise, Chappelle and director Stan Lathan are also set to produce a new original stand-up comedy special exclusively for Netflix. 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, 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 Tue Mar 7, 2017 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
LG Details X Power2 Android Smartphone with High Capacity Battery[teaser]The new mobile device packs a powerful 4,500mAh battery.[/teaser] LG has revealed the latest addition to its smartphone lineup. The upcoming LG X power2 is geared toward multimedia users who need long battery life. "The LG X power2 has the most powerful battery capacity in LG's entire smartphone line-up so users can enjoy many hours of multimedia entertainment on its roomy display without worrying about recharging," said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "The entire X series is all about great technology and great value, both important features for today's discerning smartphone customer." The smartphone uses a 5.5-inch HD In-cell Touch display along with a powerful 4,500mAh battery rated for around 15 hours of continuous video playback, 14 hours of navigational direction support, or about 18 hours of internet browsing. Under the hood, the device is powered by a 1.5 GHz Octa-Core processor running Android 7.0. A 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera are integrated as well. Here's a full rundown of specs per LG: - Display: 5.5-inch HD In-cell Touch- Chipset: 1.5 GHz Octa-Core- Camera: Rear 13MP / Front 5MP (Wide Angle / LED Flash)- Memory: 2GB or 1.5GB RAM / 16GB ROM / Micro SD (up to 2TB)- Battery: 4,500mAh (embedded)- Operating System: Android 7.0 Nougat- Size: 154.7 x 78.1 x 8.4mm-Weight: 164g- Network: LTE / 3G / 2G- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b, g, n) / Bluetooth 4.2 / USB 2.0- Colors: Black Titan / Shiny Titan / Shiny Gold / Shiny Blue- Others: USB OTG / Gyro Sensor Pricing has not been announced yet, but the LG X power2 is set to launch in Latin America this month and then expand to more markets. Source: LGPosted Tue Mar 7, 2017 at 05:30 AM PST by: -
'Le Mans: Racing is Everything' Heads to Amazon Prime Video[teaser]The upcoming streaming series is speeding toward Prime Video.[/teaser] Amazon has announced its latest original show, 'Le Mans: Racing is Everything.' The show comes from London based production company New Black Films, and will offer unprecedented access to the legendary 24 hour car race. "Fans are consistently thrilled by the excitement and danger that is the annual Le Mans race. Le Mans: Racing is Everything will take that excitement to the next level, giving Prime members behind-the-scenes access to what it takes to win this singular event," said Conrad Riggs, Head of Unscripted, Amazon Originals. Le Mans: Racing is Everything will offer unprecedented access to the entire 24 hours of the race, while exploring the storied legacy of Le Mans and the generations of drivers who have braved the course. Le Mans: Racing is Everything embeds with teams Porsche, Audi, Nissan, Toyota, Aston Martin and Rebellion as they race to build their cars and compete in what is one of the highest attended single-day sporting events in the world. Featured drivers include Australian Formula 1 legend Mark Webber; German three-time Le Mans champion André Lotterer; Nico Prost, son of legendary Formula 1 driver Alain Prost; and English teenage gamer Jann Mardenborough, who at the age of 19 was given a slot on Team Nissan after winning an e-Sports racing competition. "We'll raise the veil on the pressure that racing cars to the limit puts on the teams and drivers, in a unique human-interest driven series that will take a 360 look at what it takes to participate, organize and ultimately try and win what is unquestionably the toughest race in motorsport," said James Erskine of New Black Films. "It's a great privilege to bring this to screen with such strong collaborators as Amazon Prime Video. This is racing as you’ve never seen it before." An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the race is set to begin on June 17. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Mar 6, 2017 at 02:00 PM PST by: -
Netflix Unveils Trailer for 'Grace and Frankie' Season Three Starring Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin[teaser]The third season of the comedy series will start streaming later this month.[/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for season three of its original show, 'Grace and Frankie.' The entire third season will premiere exclusively through Netflix on March 24. In Grace and Frankie, Jane Fonda (Grace) and Lily Tomlin (Frankie) star as two women whose lives are suddenly turned upside down when their husbands reveal they are gay and leave them for each other. Both sparring partners and partners-in-crime, they form an unlikely bond to face an uncertain future together and discover a new definition of family, with laughter, tears and plenty of mood enhancers along the way. Check out the trailer below! The show also stars Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston, Brooklyn Decker, Ethan Embry, Baron Vaughn, and June Diane Raphael. Executive producers for the series include Marta Kauffman, Howard Morris, Paula Weinstein, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Marcy Ross, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The show's first and second seasons are currently available to stream through Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Amy Schumer: The Leather Special' on March 7, '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, 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 6, 2017 at 10:45 AM PST by: -
Comcast Preps YouTube App for Xfinity X1 Platform[teaser]The streaming app will be integrated into the Comcast Xfinity X1 platform.[/teaser] Comcast and Google have announced plans to add the YouTube app to Xfinity X1 later this year. With the app, customers will be able to browse and access YouTube content alongside live, on demand, DVR, and web programming included with their Xfinity TV subscription. "We are excited to partner with Google to bring YouTube to X1 and provide our customers easier access to all the content they love in one place," said Sam Schwartz, Chief Business Development Officer, Comcast Cable. "By integrating YouTube into the X1 experience, viewers can simply and effortlessly access videos on any topic, from cooking, to beauty and fitness with just their voice." YouTube will be accessible via the Apps and Networks sections of X1 and through featured YouTube content that will be integrated throughout Xfinity On Demand. Likewise, YouTube users will be able to sign in and readily access their personalized settings and subscriptions. In addition, YouTube content will also be accessible through universal voice control with the X1 voice remote. Here's an example of voice control features per Comcast: - Launch the YouTube app by simply saying "YouTube" into the X1 voice remote.- Browse featured YouTube content alongside other On Demand movies and shows.- Search for movie trailers or TV show clips by saying, "Show me Adam Levine clips from ‘The Voice’ on YouTube," or "YouTube, find ‘The LEGO Movie’ trailer."- Access hundreds of thousands of music videos by saying, "Show me Ariana Grande videos on YouTube," or "Watch Katy Perry’s ‘Chained to the Rhythm’ on YouTube."- Watch the world’s best gamers face off by saying, "YouTube, Launch League of Legends Championship Series."- Search the latest videos from your favorite personalities by saying, "Show me Ellen Degeneres on YouTube," or "YouTube, Logan Paul videos."- Or search millions of user-generated videos like dinner recipes and workout routines by saying, "YouTube, show me chicken recipes," or "Find yoga videos on YouTube." "The YouTube integration on X1 will provide users the ability to seamlessly navigate and access YouTube content alongside their cable service. And by simply using their voice, users can now access diverse videos that creators make every single day," said Robert Kyncl, Chief Business Officer, YouTube. Source: ComcastPosted Fri Mar 3, 2017 at 04:15 PM PST by: -
Samsung Details Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Book Tablets with HDR Support[teaser]The company's new tablet collection has been revealed.[/teaser] Samsung has announced the latest additions to its Galaxy line of tablets. The new models include the Galaxy Tab S3 and the Galaxy Book. "At Samsung, we are committed to expanding the boundaries of the mobile and computing experience by providing best-in-class products that satisfy mobile users' diverse needs and demands," said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. "Our new tablet portfolio is built with premium technology that delivers a productive and versatile experience to consumers, designed for users at home, work or on the go." The Galaxy Tab S3 uses the Android 7.0 OS and features a 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Book uses Windows 10 and will be available in a 10.6-inch TFT LCD version and 12-inch Super AMOLED version. Designed for mobile entertainment, the Tab S3 offers 4K video playback, quad-stereo speakers, and Vulkan API for optimized gaming. Geared toward on-the-go professionals, the Galaxy Book offers powerful mobile computing with 7th Gen Intel Core processors. In addition, the Galaxy Tab S3 and 12-inch Galaxy Book also include support for HDR (high dynamic range) video playback. Here's a full rundown of specs per Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Tab S3Samsung Galaxy Book 10.6”Samsung Galaxy Book 12” DISPLAY 9.7” Super AMOLED QXGA (2048x1536) 10.6" TFT FHD (1920x1280) 12" Super AMOLED FHD (2160x1440) CHIPSET Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 820Quad Core 2.15GHz + 1.6GHz 7th Gen Intel® Core™ m3 processor, Dual Core 2.6GHz 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor, Dual Core 3.1GHz LTE SUPPORT LTE Cat.6 (300Mbps) LTE Cat.6 (300Mbps) LTE Cat.6 (300Mbps) MEMORY 4GB + 32GBmicroSD up to 256GB 4GB + 64GB/128GB eMMCmicroSD up to 256GB 4GB+128GB SSD/ 8GB+256GB SSDmicroSD up to 256GB CAMERA 13MP AF + 5.0MP, Flash 5MP FF 13MP AF + 5MP PORT USB 3.1(Type-C) USB 3.1(Type-C),Micro SD USB 3.1(Type-C) x 2ports,Micro SD SENSORS Accelerometer, Hall Sensor, RGB Sensor, Finger print Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geometric Sensor Accelerometer, Hall, Light Accelerometer, Hall, Light WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2X2 MIMO, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth® 4.2 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2X2 MIMO, Bluetooth® 4.1 BLE Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2X2 MIMO, Bluetooth® 4.1 BLE GPS GPS + GLONASS, BEIDOU, GALILEO GPS + GLONASS GPS + GLONASS DIMENSION, WEIGHT 237.3 x 169.0 x 6.0mm 429g(Wi-Fi) / 434g(LTE) 261.2 x 179.1 x 8.9 mm, 640g(Wi-Fi) / 650g(LTE) 291.3x199.8x7.4mm, 754g(Wi-Fi / LTE) BATTERY CAPACITY 6,000mAh, Fast Charging 30.4W / up to 10hrs, Fast Charging 39.04W / up to 10.5hrs, Fast Charging OS/UPGRADE Android 7.0 Windows 10 Windows 10 SAMSUNG SERVICES & APPLICATIONS Samsung Smart Switch, Samsung Notes, Air Command, Samsung Flow Samsung Notes, Air Command, Samsung Flow Samsung Notes, Air Command, Samsung Flow VIDEO Recording: 4K (3840x2160) @ 30fps Playback: 4K (3840x2160) @ 60fps Recording: FHD(1920X1080) @30fpsPlayback: 4K(3840X2160) @30fps Recording: FHD(1920X1080) @30fpsPlayback: 4K(3840X2160) @60fps Pricing and availability for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Book have not been announced yet. Source: SamsungPosted Fri Mar 3, 2017 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Netflix Readies Two Comedy Specials from Dave Chappelle, Streaming Premieres Set for March 21[teaser]The famed comedian will hit the stage on Netflix later this month.[/teaser] Netflix has released a teaser for its latest stand-up shows. The two upcoming never-before-seen specials feature Dave Chappelle and are set to premiere through Netflix on March 21. In addition, Chappelle and director Stan Lathan are also set to produce a new original stand-up comedy special exclusively for Netflix. "Dave Chappelle is a legendary voice in comedy -- searing, vital, and now more than ever, essential," said Lisa Nishimura, VP of Original Documentary and Comedy. "Dave's three new specials promise to be some of the most anticipated events in comedy, and we are honored he will mark his global return on Netflix." The two upcoming never-before-seen specials come directly from Chappelle's personal comedy vault. Directed by Lathan and filmed at Austin City Limits Live and The Hollywood Palladium, these represent Chappelle's first concert specials in 12 years. Check out the teaser below! Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Amy Schumer: The Leather Special' on March 7, '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, 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 3, 2017 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Dolby & Paul Sandweiss Discuss Mixing the Oscars 2017 Broadcast & That Crazy Best Picture Finale[teaser]Check out Dolby's interview with the audio director for the Oscars broadcast.[/teaser] Dolby has conducted a post-show interview with Paul Sandweiss, the audio director for the 2017 Academy Awards broadcast. Throughout the Dolby Lab Notes piece, Sandweiss addresses his work during the show and how his team went about managing the infamous Best Picture mix-up in real-time. Along with his team, Sandweiss was in charge of mixing all of the ceremony's sound elements in The Dolby Theatre before they got to viewers' TVs in Dolby Audio 5.1 surround sound. This includes being responsible for watching who was going where, what cameras were being broadcast, and what microphones should be live in order to mix speeches from the podium, audience responses, video packages, music, and other relevant effects in real time. Check out a 360-degree video of the Oscars mixing truck in action below. On the subject of the unexpected (and much talked about) Best Picture snafu, Sandweiss told Dolby, "I personally have never seen anything like this happen. We were just trying to get off of the air on time [before the mix-up occurred]. We're trying to focus, and everybody is trying to finish the show. Then, we received word from our lead stage manager that something needed to be fixed. At that point, you're sort of flying in the dark; none of us knew what was going to happen. We just had to get it right." Click here to check out the full interview. And here's a few more tidbits about the Oscars broadcast sound mixing process per Dolby: - The broadcast signal travels from The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to ABC’s New York mothership, and then to a small army of satellites hovering 22,300 miles above the Earth. - It’s estimated that several hundred million people in over 200 countries watched the telecast. - Dolby works closely with telecast lead sound mixer Paul Sandweiss, producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd, this year's Oscars director Glenn Weiss, and nearly 50 additional sound experts and audio engineers to bring audiences around the globe the very best sound experience possible. - The night of the show, a team of top sound mixers manage the sound to ensure that those watching at home have the very best sound experience. - 2017 marks the 16th year that Dolby engineers have been present to help ensure quality sound for every broadcast of the Academy Awards show. - Dolby’s assistance in the Dolby Audio surround sound broadcast of the Academy Awards started in 2002 in the home of the Oscars, which was renamed The Dolby Theatre (formerly named the Kodak Theater) in 2013. (The Oscars were first broadcast HD and 5.1 in 2002). Source: DolbyPosted Thu Mar 2, 2017 at 05:30 PM PST by:
