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Twitter is killing Vine
Bad news for fans of the once-popular Vine video-sharing network. Its parent company Twitter announced today that it is killing the service's mobile app, meaning you can no longer create new clips. The website will still exist to showcase already-posted footage, although it's not clear whether you might be able to record new material in future.
Xbox One gets Fox Sports Go's streaming app
Fox Sports Go is basically on every major streaming platform already, including Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and Fire TV. And now you can add a gaming console to that list, with the app now available on the Xbox One. To give you a refresher, Fox Sports Go lets you watch live and on-demand videos from the NFL, MLB, NHL, UFC, NCAA football, UEFA Champions League and many more competitions. The only caveat is that you need a cable subscription to access it, but this shouldn't come as a surprise -- the cord-cutter life is rough.
BBC iPlayer will let you 'restart' live shows on your phone
Sometimes you'll race home and boot up BBC iPlayer, only to find that you've missed the start of your favourite show. Fiddlesticks. It's an important week on The Great British Bake Off. Never mind, at least you can press "restart" on a laptop, PC or smart TV, rewinding the programme in an instant. Now, wouldn't it be nice if you could do that on a smartphone too? Well, soon you will. The BBC says the feature is coming to its iOS and Android apps "shortly," complimenting its new pause and rewind buttons.
Spotify launches a cartoon to teach you about music
Spotify is more than a music streaming app. Podcasts, video distribution -- the company has tried everything to broaden its appeal and stop subscribers from defecting to Apple Music, Tidal and Google Play Music. Its latest effort is "Deconstructing," a new animated series by short-form video specialist ATTN:. The first episode, which premieres today, explains the history of EDM with some colorful characters and a documentary-style voiceover. It's a short, but informative overview of the genre, designed for mobile users who want a quick break from their favorite playlists.
Netflix UK now has every 'Star Trek' TV episode
With Star Trek Beyond less than a month away, there's never been a better time to rewatch some of the franchise's older TV episodes. Every instalment of the original Star Trek TV show has now been added to Netflix in the UK, alongside everything from The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise. Even the animated series from the early 1970s is available. So whether you prefer the classic adventures with William Shatner, or the popular Next Generation stories with Patrick Stewart, the streaming service should have you covered. Perfect if you're a diehard Trekkie, or someone that's just jumping in for the first time.
YouTube's mobile app will soon support live video streams
Ever since Meerkat bust onto the scene at SXSW in 2015, streaming live video footage from your smartphone has been a huge deal. Twitter's Periscope quickly blew Meerkat out of the water, and Facebook Live has been a huge initiative for the company. Now, YouTube is throwing its hat into the ring: the company just announced that its apps will soon let anyone stream live video to their YouTube channel whenever they want. It's a little surprising that it's taken YouTube so long to get into this business, as the company has supported live broadcasts on the YouTube platform for a long time now. Facebook may have a big advantage, because that's where all of your friends are, but the many creators who have built large and dedicated YouTube followings will surely benefit from this. And it's not hard to imagine plenty of other, less popular users giving YouTube's live video option a shot as well. The company is rolling out the feature today for a small group of its creators, but there's no word yet on when we'll all get a chance to stream live YouTube broadcasts.
The 'Skylanders' TV show will debut on Netflix this fall
Netflix has snatched up another TV show that children will be begging their parents to stream. A new deal with Activision Blizzard will ensure Skylanders Academy, the first TV show based on the toys-to-life video game franchise, will premiere on Netflix this fall. It's not yet clear if the series will be shown elsewhere at a later date. Regardless, it's a major coup for Netflix as it seeks to build a broader, more attractive slate of shows for kids. Previous deals include a long-running partnership with DreamWorks, which has produced series based on Madagascar, Turbo and Voltron.
Tribeca Shortlist now streams movies on Android devices
Last year, Tribeca Shortlist arrived on the video-streaming scene touting quality over quantity. At launch, the service was only available for iPad and the web, but it has since expanded to iPhone, Roku, Fire TV and, most recently, Apple TV. Now, Tribeca Shortlist is announcing support for Android devices, giving Google's mobile users access to over 150 movies on demand. In addition to that content, you can also watch exclusive interviews with actors, directors and other members of the film industry.
The EU might force Netflix and Amazon to show more local titles
The European Union is rewriting its broadcasting rules, and according to Reuters, it could end up requiring streaming services operating in the region to change their practices. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and similar companies could be forced to ensure that EU-made shows and movies make up 20 percent of their catalogues in member countries. They'd also have to prominently feature those titles on their websites and apps. But that's not all: the commission wants to oblige them to make financial contributions towards the production of European shows, as well.
BitTorrent launches a live video streaming platform
BitTorrent has launched a TV, mobile and desktop app that broadcasts live events, and true to BT's nature, it uses peer-to-peer technology. The product, aptly named "Live," livestreams sports matches, news and other types of programming by the company's broadcasting partners. Due to the tech's nature, video quality becomes better as more people tune in -- BT says the platform allows large audiences to view live videos with sub 10-second latency. Live went into beta a few years ago, and this version is a complete rewrite that applies everything the company learned from its initial release.
Netflix details its HDR streaming lineup for the year
Netflix recently revealed it had rolled out support for high dynamic range video, starting with the first season of Marco Polo. This was the initial step in the company's plan to go all in on that technology, which it believes is the perfect complement to 4K -- something it's been pushing since 2014. By the end of 2016, the service will have more than 150 hours of original programming in HDR, a Netflix spokesperson told Engadget. Of those, over 100 hours are expected to hit the platform in August, a figure that won't be easy for competitors such as Amazon to match.
Hulu's recommendations feature starts rolling out to everyone
It's been over a year since Hulu introduced Watchlist, which puts your queue, favorites and watched content all in one place. Up until today, though, that feature was only available to users who wanted to try it early. But now Hulu's making Watchlist part of the main experience for every viewer, including those who watch on iOS, Android, PC, gaming consoles and set-top boxes like the Apple TV. Watchlist recommends movies or TV shows you should enjoy next, offering up suggestions based on your preferred and most recently viewed content. You can also find new series you might be interested in.
Netflix reportedly rolls out support for HDR streaming (updated)
Earlier this year, Netflix said its near-future plans focused on HDR streaming and creating more original content. And now, according to multiple reports, Netflix has quietly rolled out support for high dynamic range video. Although it hasn't made an official announcement, an executive at the company confirmed the feature earlier today. "We are indeed live with HDR. It works with compatible TVs, both in HDR10 and Dolby Vision," Yann Lafargue, Netflix's manager of corporate communications said to FlatpanelsHD.
Tribeca Shortlist brings its movie-streaming app to Apple TV
Up until today, Tribeca Shortlist has been available on iOS, Fire TV and Roku. And now the movie-streaming service, created by the company behind the Tribeca Film Festival and Lionsgate, is expanding to the new Apple TV. The application, which requires a $5 monthly subscription, will give you access to more than 150 movies on demand. While that number seems low in comparison to Netflix or Hulu Plus, Tribeca Shortlist is all about quality, not quantity, according to the company.
'Black Mirror' season three won't be shown on Channel 4
Last September, Netflix commissioned a new season of Black Mirror from Charlie Brooker and the House of Tomorrow team. It was pitched as a "Netflix original," although the company stressed it would premiere internationally "in all Netflix territories outside the UK and Ireland." Here, it said, plans were "still being determined." As The Guardian notes, that's because Channel 4 -- which funded and aired the first two seasons -- was still in the running for first broadcast rights on its home turf. Not anymore. The negotiations have now wrapped up, with Netflix proving the victor. It means the next season of Black Mirror will now premiere globally on Netflix, including the UK. Channel 4, meanwhile, won't be showing the programme at all. "Black Mirror couldn't be a more Channel 4 show," Jay Hunt, Channel 4's Chief Creative Officer said. "We grew it from a dangerous idea to a brand that resonated globally. Of course, it's disappointing that the first broadcast window in the UK is then sold to the highest bidder, ignoring the risk a publically owned channel like Four took backing it." Netflix, on the other hand, is understandably thrilled with the outcome. Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix, said: "Netflix has been the proud home of Black Mirror in most of the world and are thrilled to support Charlie and Annabel's amazing vision for the new season that will premiere only on Netflix globally, including the UK." Black Mirror season three is effectively a Netflix exclusive, so you'll need a subscription to watch each new episode later this year. An exact release date hasn't been given, although the company has teased it'll be coming out "soon." As with earlier seasons, we suspect it'll deliver some pretty dark and unnervingly believable visions of our society in the near future. All new episodes. Coming soon. #BlackMirrorhttps://t.co/Ug5LY66VoY — Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) March 29, 2016
YouTube wants in on the mobile livestreaming game
YouTube Gaming might not be taking off the way Google's video wing expected, but that won't stop the outfit from taking inspiration from another growing video sector. VentureBeat reports that "YouTube Connect" is the video service's attempt at livestreaming a la Periscope and Facebook Live. You can log in with a Google or YouTube account (you haven't merged those yet?), plus there's a built-in news feed, chat and tagging -- but apparently no Facebook or Twitter sharing yet.
Facebook Live Video comes to Android
The ability to broadcast live video will soon be available to every Facebook user on iOS and Android. After its US debut on the iPhone, the company has slowly started to introduce the feature in other markets, including the UK. Now, it's coming to Google's mobile OS too, starting with users in the US today. "More countries will be coming soon," Facebook said in a blog post. In addition, the company has announced that 30 countries now have access through the iOS app: "We'll continue to roll this out to more people as well as Pages in countries around the world in the coming weeks."
Netflix renews 'Orange is the New Black' for three more seasons
Netflix just announced it is bringing back Orange is the New Black for a 5th, 6th and 7th season. The streaming service's original series, created by Jenji Kohan (Weeds) and produced by Lionsgate, has been a hit since it debuted in 2013. With many award nominations during its first three seasons, including for Golden Globes and Emmys, the decision from Netflix to continue renewing the show isn't a surprise.
Spotify video streaming rolls out to Android users
Video streaming has finally arrived to Spotify on Android devices, giving you more to do than just listen to audio. As earlier reports revealed, content is available from providers like NBC, Comedy Central and BBC, along with popular video podcasts. To access the new feature, go to "browse" and select "shows," or check the "video" option in your library. You can then find content providers and follow shows or playlist "bundles" of video, just like you would with audio playlists. The company said that it's aiming to suggest video content that's in line with music that you're already listening to.
Spotify's video service launches on Android this week
It's been a long time coming, but it looks like Spotify is about to launch its video service this week, starting with Android. Rumors that the Swedish music-streaming giant would move into video began last year, but details on how that service might look remained sparse. Today, the firm confirmed that it's Android users in the US, UK, Germany and Sweden that will find out first, with iOS users following soon after, reports the Wall Street Journal.
