Streaming Services
Ongoing coverage on Streaming Services.
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Disney might be planning a free Disney+ tier
Disney is reportedly considering the introduction of a free, ad-supported tier for its Disney+ streaming service. This move would differentiate it from other streaming platforms that offer ad-supported plans at a reduced cost, instead opting for a completely free model.
Oh look, the BBC and Channel 4 are in talks to merge streaming services... yet again
The BBC and Channel 4 are reportedly in discussions to merge their streaming services, marking the third such attempt since 2007. Previous collaborations involving ITV did not come to fruition. The current talks aim to consolidate their offerings in the UK market.
'I find it really sad': Hideo Kojima laments the current state of the videogame industry as companies turn…
Hideo Kojima expressed sadness over the impending end of physical game disc production by 2028, citing concerns for game preservation and player ownership. He worries that a shift towards streaming services could lead to a future where players do not truly possess their digital media, drawing parallels to the current state of the video game industry and its potential impact on other media like movies.
Hideo Kojima describes Sony's decision to end physical games as 'scary', warns that you 'won't own the data' — 'There's a server somewhere, and you only have the right to turn on the tap'
Hideo Kojima expressed sadness and concern over Sony's decision to discontinue physical PlayStation game discs, warning about the implications for digital ownership and the potential shift towards a subscription-based streaming future. He fears that players will lose the right to own their data, becoming reliant on companies controlling access to games and media through servers and monthly fees.
Evening Metaverse
The second trailer for 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has achieved nearly 600 million views, setting a new record. In separate news, Netflix is now requiring each user profile to be linked to a unique email address.
Sonic Frontiers soundtrack surpasses 300 million streams
The soundtrack for SEGA's Sonic Frontiers has surpassed 300 million streams across various music platforms. SEGA sound musician Tomoya Ohtani shared the milestone on X, highlighting the success of making game soundtracks legally available for fans.
The UK Gamer's Guide to IPTV: Upgrade Your Entertainment Setup in 2026 | Invision Game Community
This guide explains IPTV for UK gamers and tech enthusiasts, detailing how it offers a more affordable and flexible alternative to traditional TV packages and multiple streaming services. It covers what IPTV is, its benefits for gamers, how to set it up on various devices including consoles and smart TVs, and what to look for in a subscription service.
Instagram for TV is now available on Samsung TVs in the US
The Instagram application for television is now available on Samsung TVs in the United States. This expansion follows the app's initial launch on Amazon Fire TV devices approximately six months ago.
Evening Metaverse
YouTube TV has removed the background play feature for users on less powerful devices, sparking frustration among its subscriber base. This change impacts the user experience by limiting functionality on certain hardware.
How to stop Netflix from asking 'are you still watching?'
This article explains how to disable the 'Are you still watching?' prompt on Netflix. The feature, which can be perceived as annoying or shaming during extended viewing sessions, can be turned off through the service's settings.
Fox to acquire Roku for around $22 billion
Fox Corporation has announced a deal to acquire Roku for approximately $22 billion, with shares valued at around $160 each in a mix of cash and stock. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2027. Fox plans to leverage Roku's 100 million global streaming households to distribute its content, including sports, news, and entertainment.
Fox is buying Roku for $22 billion
Fox Corporation is acquiring Roku for $22 billion, encompassing its streaming devices and ecosystem. This significant merger and acquisition deal signals a major shift in the streaming services landscape.
How to watch the World Cup for free, live stream the first whistle around the world
The 23rd FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, with matches spread across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Viewers in the US can watch for free via services like YouTube TV, Fox One, Peacock (with Walmart Plus), and Fubo, many offering free trials. UK fans can access free streams through BBC iPlayer and ITVX, while Australian viewers have SBS On Demand. Canadian viewers can tune into TSN+ or CTV. VPN services are recommended for accessing geo-blocked streams while traveling.
Evening Metaverse
Paramount+ has officially announced a phaseout of its streaming service. The specific reasons and timeline for this discontinuation were not detailed in the announcement.
The 6 best new shows and movies streaming this week on Netflix, HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV and more (June 5-7)
This week's streaming releases from June 5-7 include new movies and returning series across major platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Apple TV Plus. Highlights include the new Apple TV Plus series Cape Fear, the return of The Legend of Vox Machina on Prime Video, and Pixar's Hoppers on Disney Plus.
First new FIFA game in four years coming to Netflix next week for World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition, developed by Delphi Interactive, will be released on June 11 exclusively for Netflix subscribers. This football simulation game features all 48 teams and 16 stadiums from the 2026 World Cup. The game is free for Netflix subscribers and is played using a mobile phone as a controller.
What's Coming To Prime Video In June 2026?
Prime Video's June 2026 lineup includes the return of The Legend of Vox Machina season 4 and the premiere of the new series Every Year After. The month will also feature a variety of new and returning movies, alongside live sports broadcasts from the Yankees, NASCAR, WNBA, and NWSL.
The Boys fans are wondering why Amazon chose to reportedly spend almost four times more on Spider-Noir than The Boys…
Fans of The Boys are questioning Amazon's reported $400 million budget for the upcoming Spider-Noir series, which is significantly higher than the estimated $120 million for The Boys season 4. Despite the budget disparity, fans are not critical of Spider-Noir itself but express disappointment that The Boys' final season may not have received a comparable investment for its conclusion.
A leaked Disney memo suggests the standalone Hulu app's days may be numbered
A leaked internal memo from Disney suggests that the standalone Hulu application may be discontinued in the future. This contradicts previous statements from the company regarding its plans for the streaming service's app.
Crunchyroll's CEO admits the competition from Netflix and Amazon is "aggressive" but remains "confident" in attracting anime viewers: "This is not just one genre for us, this is the entire thing"
Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini acknowledges aggressive competition from Netflix and Amazon but remains confident in the platform's ability to attract anime viewers. He highlights Crunchyroll's extensive library, 30-year history in the anime space, and sole focus on anime as key differentiators against competitors.
