In the wake of leaks about new, weaker, Open Internet rules proposed by the Federal Communications Commission, and soon after Netflix had to pay two internet service providers for better access to their customers, Netflix has taken its concerns directly to the FCC. Meanwhile, Google, Yahoo, and other internet heavies may be planning a SOPA-like grassroots protest for net neutrality.
The proposed takeover of Time Warner Cable (the nation's second largest cable provider) by Comcast (the first) has attracted criticism and consternation from media advocates, as well as some companies like Netflix and Charter. As of this week, you can Latino television giant Univision to the list of companies that are concerned about the merger.
Netflix has made it very clear that it doesn't think it should have to pay Internet service providers to get quality streaming service to an ISP's subscribers, going so far as to make a case for a new "strong net neutrality" that protects them (and presumably others) from such fees. Nevertheless, the company has made a deal with Verizon for better access.
This week, popular training app RunKeeper has released an iOS app for the less motivated users called Breeze. We're also recommending "doubleTwist", the closest thing to "iTunes for Android" and a web app called Netflix Roulette that will solve that common problem of Netflix paralysis.
On Monday, Xbox Entertainment Studios announced that it would begin developing a variety of Xbox original series similar to the business strategy Netflix and Amazon have capitalized on.
Starting on Monday April 28, Netflix's instant streaming service will join the programming lineup for some cable subscribers in the U.S., with an official channel dedicated to the insurgent internet entertainment service. The move is a breakthrough for Netflix, which has been trying to make its popular video streaming more mainstream.
The public fight over Comcast video streaming fees, its possible Time Warner Cable merger, and Netflix just got more heated. On Monday, Netflix announced it would raise subscriber fees (as predicted, but only for new users), and simultaneously voiced strong opposition to the proposed Comcast buy-out of TWC.
If you're a customer of Comcast cable broadband, you might have noticed an uptick in the streaming quality of your Netflix videos - or at least an end to constant buffering and blocky video. Netflix released data showing that its bandwidth deal with Comcast has boosted average connection speeds in recent months, begging the question: Was it worth paying the toll?
Comcast put forth an argument this week in favor of its merger with TWC. In the final of a five part series, we look at contradictions in Comcast's argument.
While the internet has become the place for young Americans to get all forms of entertainment and news, TV broadcasters are being left in the dust by online media. This week, the National Association of Broadcasters and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission both accused each other of being asleep at the wheel.
With the success of such shows as "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black," original programming on Internet-based platforms is proving to be a growing -- and viable -- industry. Noticing this clear pattern, Yahoo! has announced that they plan to launch their own line of original programming to rival such platforms as Microsoft and Netflix. And their ambitions are a bit loftier, too: they even want to compete with cable juggernaut HBO!
The online streaming site set to release a new series focused on Pablo Escobar. After terrorizing his native Colombia twenty years ago, a new television series will bring the man and his gang to the world's audience.
Amazon to offer free streaming service? The Wall Street Journal has reported that a new advertising-supported streaming service free of cost is coming from Amazon.
One of the leading media and marketing companies in Latin America has been chosen by Foursquare as their exclusive advertising sales partner in the region.
This marks a 34 year reunion for Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Netflix has garnered producers from Friends, Home Improvement, and a big film producer Skydance Productions to get this project off the ground.
More than a week after Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg phoned President Barack Obama to voice his frustrations regarding the recent surveillance scandal at the NSA, he was invited to the White House on Friday to discuss Americans' privacy concerns and NSA reform.
On Thursday, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings came out in favor of stronger net neutrality rules. Hastings supports a version of net neutrality that would help Netflix stream to customers without constant buffering - and without Netflix having to pay extra to internet service providers. But the root problem for Netflix and customers isn't the "toll" that Netflix recently had to pay for direct access - it's America's bandwidth scarcity.
While the release of the Veronica Mars film last weekend opened to mediocre box office numbers, the very nature of the film's production and financial backing is revolutionary to the Hollywood industry.
