AfterDawn: Tech news

Latest news

AfterDawn: News

Report: HP to split in two, spinning off the struggling PC, mobile businesses

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 05 Oct 2014 10:32

Report: HP to split in two, spinning off the struggling PC, mobile businesses Tech giant HP could be on the verge of splitting in two, says a new WSJ report, a move that could help the struggling company to better focus and re-invent itself.

The company has struggled greatly in the computer and mobile areas, but still brings in over $100 billion in revenue per year and has over 300,000 employees despite the recent announcement that 30,000 employees would be laid off in a cost cutting move.

A split would separate the struggling computer and printer businesses from its fast-growing and much more profitable corporate hardware and services operations.

Over the past few years, investors have grown louder in their call for a split of the company or a full sale of the PC and mobile businesses. The corporate services division provides computer servers, networking and data storage to businesses, a much higher margin endeavor.

After the split, current CEO Meg Whitman will become CEO of the enterprise company and stay as chairman of the PC business.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Netflix and Adam Sandler sign deal for four exclusive feature length films

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 05 Oct 2014 9:26

Netflix and Adam Sandler sign deal for four exclusive feature length films Earlier this week, Netflix announced that it had signed a deal with Adam Sandler for four feature length films that will be available first on the streaming service, skipping a theatrical release.

Sandler and his Happy Madison Productions will work on the films, which will be exclusive to Netflix and be available in all 50+ countries the service is available. Sandler says he will produce and star in the films.

The move is a huge deal for both parties, as Sandler is a big name in the Hollywood world, even though his recent films have been critically panned. Altogether, Sandler's films have a lifetime gross of over $3 billion. Netflix says Sandler's films are always incredibly popular when they are available for streaming.

"When these fine people came to me with an offer to make four movies for them, I immediately said yes for one reason and one reason only ... Netflix rhymes with Wet Chicks," Sandler said in a statement. "Let the streaming begin!!!!"

"People love Adam's films on Netflix and often watch them again and again. His appeal spans across viewers of all ages -- everybody has a favorite movie, everyone has a favorite line -- not just in the U.S. but all over the world," added Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Apple's next iPad event scheduled for October 16th

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 05 Oct 2014 8:42

Apple's next iPad event scheduled for October 16th According to sources, Apple is planning a "special event" on October 16th in which the company will reveal new iPads.

Besides the updates to the iPad line, the company is also expected to show off new iMacs computers and a full launch of OS X Yosemite.

The new event will be more "laid back" than last month's iPhone release event, say the sources - meaning most likely no U2 performance this time around.

There are not likely to be any "game-changing" announcements, but a new Retina iPad Mini is expected with Touch ID, and a gold color is expected to be added to the iPad Air line, which will somehow get even thinner.

Apple needs to reverse the trend the iPad has been facing, which is stagnating sales. Last quarter, sales actually fell 9 percent year-over-year.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Failed streaming service Redbox Instant to shut down on Tuesday

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 05 Oct 2014 8:05

Failed streaming service Redbox Instant to shut down on Tuesday Redbox Instant, the streaming service built as a joint venture by Verizon and Redbox, is going the way of the dodo.

The company's service will shut down at 11:59 PM PST on Tuesday, and users can continue to stream films or use kiosk credits for the next couple of days.

In their release, the company confirmed that the streaming service was a failure, explaining that "the service is shutting down because it was not as successful as we hoped it would be. We apologize for any inconvenience and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to entertain you."

All users who have paid for a monthly subscription but did not receive a full month of service will get a full refund. Refunds will be credited on October 24th.

Redbox added that the app for your smartphone, smart TV, set-top box or game console will go inactive and then be deleted automatically from your device.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Rumor alert: SoftBank could look to merge with Yahoo

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 03 Oct 2014 6:39

Rumor alert: SoftBank could look to merge with Yahoo There have been quite a few rumors circulating this week that there could be a large tech merger in the near future.

Reportedly, major Yahoo investor Alternative Investment Management & Research SA sent letters to Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son, discussing the benefits and synchronization of the two companies as one.

SoftBank was the recent recipient of a massive windfall from its investment in Alibaba. The company invested $20 million for a 30 percent stake when the company was just getting started, a stake that is now worth about $70 billion. Yahoo can also thank Alibaba for most of its value, owning a 22 percent stake in the company valued at $46 billion (before taxes). Yahoo has little else in marketable assets, but still remains a popular portal and a popular source of content like news.

If true, the move would not be SoftBank's first foray into the American market. Last year, the company became majority shareholder of struggling wireless carrier Sprint, paying over $20 billion to do so.

SoftBank is one of the largest carriers in Japan and the company's founder and CEO is well known to be aggressively seeking acquisitions.




AfterDawn: News

Popcorn Time for Android updated to beta 2.3 adding subtitle support

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 03 Oct 2014 4:54

Popcorn Time for Android updated to beta 2.3 adding subtitle support The team behind Popcorn Time has unveiled the latest update for the Android version of the popular software.

Updates are a bit smaller than previous releases, but many movie fans will be happy with subtitle support for TV shows, and subtitle support for Chromecast.

Says the company:


So what's new?

Subtitles support on Chromecast!!! Yes, you've all been asking nicely for a while now, we promised that it was in the works, and here it is!!! Now you can watch Popcorn Time from your Android on your TV screen with subtitles!! Woohoo :)

***DESKTOP USERS: Since Google blocked our subtitles on Chromecast solution, we've been working very hard on finding a work around which will bring back the subtitles support on Chromecast for you all. We're happy to say that we found a way to make this work and this solution will be released in a few days, so stay tuned!!

Subtitles for TV shows!!! Yes, you've all been asking nicely for a while.. ;-)

Favorites!! Mark what you want to watch so you can queue it up and watch it later!! Just click the <3 in the movie/TV show details view and it's added to your favorites list. Don't want it there anymore? Just give it a long "click" and it will be removed.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Report: Google strangely tried to buy Cyanogen, makers of the custom Android ROM

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 02 Oct 2014 10:56

Report: Google strangely tried to buy Cyanogen, makers of the custom Android ROM According to a new report, Google tried to buy Cyanogen Inc, the makers of the popular and fast custom Android ROM, CyanogenMod.

Allegedly, Cyanogen's CEO said that Android boss Sundar Pichai "expressed interest in acquiring the firm" but Cyanogen declined, citing its fast growth and want for independence.

While on the surface the report makes sense, when digging deeper it doesn't really make any.

Cyanogen admits that the company is not making any real revenue, and if Google is looking to acquire for talent which is what is often done when acquiring startups - well, Google has no shortage of talented engineers. Google could want to buy Cyanogen to shut it down, but at just 1% of all Android installs, Cyanogen is hardly a scary competitor.

Most likely, Cyanogen's venture capital backers reached out to Google as they look to cash out, but it led nowhere. There have been rumors that Microsoft, Amazon and Yahoo all looked into acquiring the company, but its founders are said to have been only accepting a $1 billion valuation.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Report: Apple adding gold color iPad Air, iPad Pro to launch next year

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 01 Oct 2014 11:50

Report: Apple adding gold color iPad Air, iPad Pro to launch next year According to Bloomberg, Apple will add a gold colorway to boost iPad Air sales, and release their rumored 12.9-inch iPad Pro next year.

The iPad Air is expected to see its second-generation model unveiled this month, and gold will join silver and gray as available color options.

While nearly every product at Apple has seen growth, the iPad has seen its sales stagnate and actually decline year-over-year.

Perhaps more notably is the report states Apple will release its alleged iPad Pro, which sports a gigantic 12.9-inch display, next year.




AfterDawn: News

Amazon and Disney make up: New Blu-rays, DVD again available for pre-order

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 01 Oct 2014 11:32

Amazon and Disney make up: New Blu-rays, DVD again available for pre-order Amazon and Disney are on the verge of settling their two-month old dispute, with new Disney movies now available again for pre-order on the e-tailer's site.

The issues were aplenty. Among the negotiations were pricing, promotion on Amazon's homepage and media pages, and which one of the companies should cover any losses that may occur if Amazon price matches a competitor's price.

As of writing, new films like "Guardians of the Galaxy" "Maleficent," "Million Dollar Arm," "Planes: Fire and Rescue" and "The 100-Foot Journey" are all available for pre-order, a welcome site for fans.

Disney is not the only major media company in a fight with Amazon. Time Warner had similar issues in May that were resolved, and the e-commerce giant has been negotiating with book publisher Hachette for over six months over ebook pricing. Amazon has limited pre-orders and slowed down delivery of the company's popular books in an effort to gain leverage. It has worked as authors have increasingly complained about their sales nose diving without Amazon on board.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

The Tesla D is coming very soon but what is it?

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 01 Oct 2014 11:03

The Tesla D is coming very soon but what is it? Tesla CEO Elon Musk has teased today that the company's upcoming "D" car will be unveiled next week, on October 9th.

Musk said nothing more than "about time to unveil the D and something else" while adding a teaser photo.

It is still unclear what the D will be, and especially what the "something else" will be, although there have been numerous rumors.

Tesla has been long rumored to be introducing a "budget sedan" or a smaller SUV, either of which can be the aforementioned D.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

Netflix announces first original feature film - a sequel to the hit 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 30 Sep 2014 10:42

Netflix announces first original feature film - a sequel to the hit 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' Netflix has announced its first original full-length feature film - a sequel to 2000's hit 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.'

Called 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend,' the feature film will be released in only IMAX theaters and on Netflix the same day. It is expected to be released where IMAX screens are available, most notably in the U.S. and China.

The film will keep its star, Michelle Yeoh, and premiere in late August, 2015.

"Fans will have unprecedented choice in how they enjoy an amazing and memorable film that combines intense action and incredible beauty," said Netflix's head of content, Ted Sarandos. "We are honored to be working with Harvey Weinstein and a world-class team of creators to bring this epic story to people all over the world and to partner with IMAX, a brand that represents the highest quality of immersive entertainment, in the distribution of this film."

The movie extends Netflix's existing relationship with The Weinstein Co., where it is already the exclusive provider of Weinstein's shows. The movie is said to have a relatively small budget of $20 million.

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

PSA: Amazon's Fire TV still with price reduced for limited time

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 30 Sep 2014 9:53

PSA: Amazon's Fire TV still with price reduced for limited time As a headsup for our readers, the Amazon Fire TV is still on sale, albeit for a limited time.

The e-commerce giant dropped the price last week from its standard $99 to $84, a decent price cut for the popular set-top box.

Afterdawn did a comprehensive review of the set-top earlier this year, which you can read here: Review: The powerful streaming, gaming set-top Amazon Fire TV

If you are interested in the device, check it here.




AfterDawn: News

Apple launching iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in China on October 17th

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 30 Sep 2014 9:26

Apple launching iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in China on October 17th Apple has confirmed rumors and given Chinese consumers a set date for when they can get their iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

The new flagship devices will reach the Chinese mainland on October 17th, available via Apple online, retail stores and through carriers.

Both devices finally received approval to be on the TD-LTE and FDD-LTE networks in the nation.

"We are thrilled to bring iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to our customers in China on all three carriers at launch," said Apple's CEO Tim Cook. "With support for TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus customers will have access to high-speed mobile networks from China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom for an incredible experience."

Pre-orders begin on October 10th, with release on the 17th.

The suggested price for the iPhone 6 is 5,288 (RMB) for the 16GB model ($860 USD), 6,088 (RMB) for the 64GB model and 6,888 (RMB) for the 128GB model ($1112 USD). The 6 Plus is even more expensive at 6,088 (RMB) for the 16GB model, 6,888 (RMB) for the 64GB model and 7,788 (RMB) for the new 128GB model ($1268).

Read more...


AfterDawn: News

GoPro launches entry-level Hero camera

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 30 Sep 2014 6:44

GoPro launches entry-level Hero camera Lost among their more high-profile announcements yesterday was the launch of an entry-level GoPro camera for the occasional action junkie.

The device is built into the rugged, waterproof house like its more expensive brothers, but can only capture 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps.

Adds the company: "The HERO captures the same immersive, eye-popping footage that's made GoPro one of the best-selling cameras in the world--all in a simplified package that's accessible to everyone with an MSRP of $129."

At 4 ounces, the device is light yet still rugged and can be used underwater as deep as 131 feet.

Check more on the device here.




AfterDawn: News

Popcorn Time now available through Cydia for iOS

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 30 Sep 2014 11:54

Popcorn Time now available through Cydia for iOS If you have a jailbroken iOS device, your wait is over: Popcorn Time is finally available for iPads, iPhones and iPods.

The team behind the popular streaming service has made the download available through their own Cydia repository.

Reads the email we received:

iPhones, iPads and iPod touch users can start watching the coolest most awesome movies and TV shows directly on their device.
We're so happy and proud.
After only 5.5 months, Popcorn Time is available on all major platforms!
And this is only the beginning, trust us. Our future plans are huge.
We're on the road to becoming not only the ultimate watching experience but also the safest with the free built in VPN we've worked so hard on to ensure our user's safety."


There were a few notes, however, since the iOS version is still a clear beta.

* This first version of Popcorn Time for iOS doesn't have Chromecast and Airplay support like the Android and desktop versions do, but we're already working on them so it should be available in one of the upcoming releases.

*The free built in VPN is not yet available, but since as we already mentioned our user's safety is of top priority to us, we promise to release this feature asap. It's nearly ready.

Read more...



  Newer entries Older entries  

News archive