Streaming news covering Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, content releases, subscriber trends, and streaming platform developments.
The author argues that Spotify’s new feature allowing users to exclude children's music from their algorithmic recommendations is a necessary improvement for parents. The commentary contends that this functionality addresses a long-standing blind spot in streaming services, urging Apple Music to adopt similar privacy controls for user taste profiles.
Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube established the Streaming Access and Choice Alliance to lobby for policies supporting streaming innovation and sports rights. Led by TechNet under Mike Ward, the group responds to government inquiries into whether existing antitrust exemptions for sports leagues should be changed as content moves to paywalled platforms.
Amazon Prime Video is launching on-demand short-form news clips across TVs, web, and mobile apps to capture Gen Z viewers increasingly consuming news on platforms like TikTok. The new content will appear in Trending Topics and Local News carousels, joining industry-wide efforts by competitors like Netflix and Disney+ to provide bite-sized news content.
Amazon Prime Video launched a new streaming bundle priced at $29.99 per month, including AMC+, BritBox, MGM+, PBS Masterpiece, and Starz. This marks the first time Prime Video has offered a package encompassing five distinct services, aiming to simplify payments for subscribers.
HBO Max has agreed to meet new French requirements for investing in animation and documentaries, avoiding legal challenges faced by Netflix and Disney+. While rivals contest the sub-quotas in court, HBO Max negotiated directly with industry guilds to define its contribution framework.
USA Today explains Spotify's new feature allowing users to exclude children's music from their Wrapped profiles and personalized recommendations. The article provides step-by-step instructions for toggling this setting within the app, effective immediately.
Comcast and Paramount Skydance are reviewing strategic options for their European streaming joint venture SkyShowtime, including the possibility of shutting it down. The board informed CEO Monty Sarhan of the review, citing a highly competitive and evolving market landscape despite the service's scale.
Polygon reports that the spinoff series Angel is now available for free streaming on Tubi. The article outlines the show's origins, creator Joss Whedon, and its evolution from a supernatural crime procedural into a critically acclaimed narrative that parallels the mythology of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Engadget explains that Apple Music Lossless audio consumes significantly more data than High Quality settings, potentially exceeding monthly cellular caps. The article provides estimates for data usage per hour across different quality tiers, advising users to check settings before streaming over mobile networks to avoid unexpected charges.
Spotify co-CEO Gustav Söderström outlined plans to use AI and expand into video and audiobooks to drive company growth. The company aims to become an intelligent media service, with its audiobook business already reaching €100 million in annual recurring revenue after one year.