streaming services Archives

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Warner Bros Discovery beats second-quarter revenue estimates

Warner Bros Discovery reported a second-quarter profit driven by the international rollout of HBO Max and successful film releases, including “A Minecraft Movie,” which grossed nearly billion globally. The company added 3.4 million subscribers to its streaming division, surpassing expectations. Total revenue for the quarter reached .81 billion, exceeding analyst predictions. However, shares fell approximately 7 percent due to a 9 percent revenue drop in the cable TV unit and a 12 percent decline in advertising revenue for its linear network division. The streaming unit achieved an adjusted core profit of 3 million, a turnaround from a loss of million the previous year. Warner Bros Discovery anticipates a further decline in advertising revenue in the current quarter.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Warner Bros. Discovery Adds 3.4 Million Streaming Subscribers, But “Minecraft” and “Sinners” Power Q2

Warner Bros. Discovery reported second-quarter earnings with a revenue of .8 billion, a slight increase from the previous year. Net income rose to .6 billion, a recovery from last year's loss, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 9% to billion. The studio segment generated .8 billion in revenue, a 55% year-over-year increase, driven by successful films like Minecraft and Sinners. The company plans to release 12 to 14 new films annually, including major tentpole films and titles from DC Studios and New Line. Streaming growth included the addition of 3.4 million subscribers, leading to an 8% revenue increase to .8 billion. The linear TV segment faced challenges, with revenue down 9% to .8 billion and adjusted EBITDA declining by 24% to .5 billion. WBD completed six major carriage renewals and is preparing for a strategic split, creating a new entity for its studios and HBO, while linear networks will become a separate company named Discovery. CEO David Zaslav emphasized limiting library content licensing to enhance HBO Max's appeal and highlighted ongoing efforts to revive franchises like Superman and Lord of the Rings. The company is also expanding into gaming and theme parks, with Bruce Campbell leading these initiatives. Zaslav discussed plans for bundling streaming services to improve consumer experience and noted the resilience of the TV advertising market despite economic pressures.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

I’m so tired of being advertised at, man

The digital landscape is saturated with advertisements, infiltrating various platforms such as e-readers, televisions, and music streaming services. This saturation has led to a focus on advertising over product quality, diverting resources from enhancing user experience to creating compelling promotions. While some alternatives like indie games and physical books still prioritize user satisfaction, they are becoming rarer. The aggressive advertising strategy aims to maximize revenue through volume, raising concerns about sustainability and the impact on consumer attention. The current trajectory suggests a need to reconsider the relationship between advertising and media consumption.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

MumuPlayer Android Emulator version 5.0 out now

Disney is merging its streaming platforms, Disney+ and Hulu, into a single application in select markets, starting with the United States after initial implementation in the Philippines. Subscribers will have a unified Disney+ app that includes Hulu's content library while maintaining separate subscription plans for both services. Hulu will continue as a standalone brand, and Disney plans to rebrand its Star service to Hulu in certain territories. Existing subscribers in regions with the combined app will retain their Disney+ subscription and access to a variety of content from both platforms.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Optional Windows 11 update fixes mouse cursor size problems

Mikael is a seasoned journalist with experience at Macworld, currently contributing to PC för Alla and M3. He tracks the latest gadget releases, analyzes trends in streaming services, and explores advancements in artificial intelligence. His writing distills complex information into accessible narratives, making him a trusted voice in the tech community.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

YouTube Music joins TikTok’s Add to Music app feature in latest update

TikTok has added YouTube Music to its “Add to Music app” feature, allowing users to save songs from TikTok directly to their YouTube Music library. Users can access this feature by tapping the “Add Song” button under video descriptions, with the option to change their default streaming service in the Settings menu. The feature was initially launched in 2023 with limited streaming platforms and has since expanded to include additional services and reach over 160 countries.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

5 Ways to Repurpose your Windows 10 System — Virtualization Review

As Windows 11 support ends, many Windows 10 PCs and laptops lacking compatibility with the new operating system are expected to enter the resale market or be given away. This situation creates opportunities to repurpose these devices for various uses, including: 1. Installing a Linux distribution to cater to business and personal needs, with options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and MX Linux for older hardware. 2. Running ChromeOS Flex for a lightweight experience focused on web browsing and cloud applications. 3. Installing a thin-client OS to access virtual desktops, maximizing existing hardware for businesses transitioning to virtual environments. 4. Converting the device into a media server using software like Plex or Jellyfin for centralized media storage and streaming. 5. Recycling the device responsibly through manufacturer or retailer e-waste programs, ensuring safe processing and potential donation of usable parts. Before recycling, it is important to securely wipe or destroy personal data on the hard drive.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

12 years after Xbox One’s ‘all-in-one’ vision, Microsoft will no longer sell films or TV shows

Microsoft has announced the cessation of sales for digital films and television shows on its Xbox and PC platforms, effective July 18. No refunds will be issued for previously purchased content, but customers can still redownload their existing shows and movies through the Movies & TV app. The company no longer offers new entertainment content for purchase on Microsoft.com, Microsoft Store on Windows, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox. This decision marks a departure from its previous strategy of positioning the Xbox One as a multimedia hub. Microsoft is encouraging users to explore third-party streaming services available on the Microsoft Store. Additionally, Microsoft recently announced layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees, and there have been cancellations of several gaming projects and changes in leadership at various studios.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Arkane Studios founder slams Microsoft for its Game Pass focus: ‘At some point reality has to hit’

Raphael Colantonio, founder of Arkane Studios, has expressed concerns about Xbox Game Pass, labeling it an unsustainable business model that has negatively impacted the gaming industry for the past decade. He believes that Game Pass cannot coexist with other business models and predicts it will either dominate or fail. Colantonio warns that while the service currently appeals to gamers, it may lead to resentment as its long-term effects on game quality and diversity become evident. He draws parallels between Game Pass and the trajectory of streaming services, suggesting that it may lead to similar issues in the gaming industry. Despite these concerns, Microsoft remains committed to Game Pass, which is crucial for its future amid declining console sales.

AppWizard

July 5, 2025

Out of the blue: How a Quake blog turned PC gaming news site has stayed a haven from ‘internet enshittification’ for nearly 30 years

Stephen "Blue" Heaslip established Blue's News in the 1990s, driven by a passion for gaming rather than profit. The site has maintained a consistent output, with Heaslip posting 12,313 articles last year alone, and has only gone 22 days without a post since July 1996, achieving a 99.8% hit rate. Heaslip has authored 94% of the site's content, which has garnered over a billion views. Despite facing personal challenges, such as a car accident in 2021, he continued to deliver content using voice recognition software. Heaslip has turned down offers from major media outlets, prioritizing the relationship with his readers and the intrinsic value of writing.