Spotify is boosting its audiobook content by agreeing to accept material narrated using ElevenLabs’ AI voice app. Given that ElevenLabs is currently among the most recognized AI audio providers, this new partnership is expected to boost the quantity of AI-narrated audiobooks on the platform. ElevenLabs content can be distributed to Spotify (and “select other audiobook retailers”) via Spotify’s Findaway Voices platform for indie authors. For $99 per month, authors can generate up to 500 minutes of AI audio startup ElevenLabs’ narration in 29 languages with what Spotify says is “complete control over voice and intonation.” Continue reading Authors Can Use ElevenLabs Audiobook Narration for Spotify

Facebook is downsizing data storage expenditures by deleting old live video feeds. Meta Platforms announced that beginning this week “new live broadcasts can be replayed, downloaded or shared from Facebook Pages or profiles for 30 days, after which they will be automatically removed from Facebook.” Prior to removing the content, users will be notified they have 90 days to download or transfer the material to other storage or convert it to a new reel. Previously, such content was stored indefinitely. Facebook stores more than 100 petabytes of material with an estimated 500 terabytes added each day. Continue reading Facebook’s New Storage Policy Limits Live Video to 30 Days

Netflix is thinking about adding video podcasts as an inexpensive way to expand program offerings and boost engagement. The streamer has reportedly been in discussions with agencies in recent months, exploring talent to host talk-based video podcast shows. Netflix execs had previously considered the format but were skeptical it could work on the platform. Having witnessed YouTube’s explosive growth on television screens, which have surpassed mobile and desktop in terms of viewing hours, podcasts are now getting a second look as an entry point to creator-driven content. Continue reading Netflix Explores Podcasts in Push for Creator-Driven Content

The long-awaited Apple TV app for Android mobile devices has officially launched on the Google Play Store, providing Android users access to original series and movies on Apple TV+ (currently offered as a seven-day free trial), in addition to MLS Season Pass (in time for Major League Soccer’s 2025 season that begins the weekend of February 22). Apple TV+ also offers a Major League Baseball double-header on Fridays with no local broadcast restrictions. Subscriptions to Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass are available through Google Play accounts for Android mobile and Google TV devices. The Apple TV+ subscription presently runs $9.99 per month. Continue reading Apple TV App Is Available via Google Play for Android Devices

The new Netflix Bites restaurant in the Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel & Casino offers dishes inspired by popular original streaming movies and TV series. As part of the company’s push into more in-person experiences and new marketing opportunities, Netflix Bites Vegas is scheduled to operate for a year, a residency that follows the popular Netflix Bites pop-up restaurant that was open for six weeks in 2023 in Los Angeles. The Las Vegas eatery kicked off with an exclusive preview event featuring stars from some of the company’s shows alongside executives from Netflix and MGM. Continue reading Netflix Opens a New Themed Restaurant in Las Vegas Casino

Spotify and Warner Music Group have entered into a new multi-year agreement covering recorded music and publishing that will see the companies “work together to shape the future of audio-visual streaming and enhance the value of music.” The news followed Spotify’s Q4 earnings report that included the company’s first annual profit, with net income of $1.18 billion. Paid subscriptions were up 11 percent for the quarter, closing the year with 263 million premium users and record engagement growth overall, with 35 million new monthly active users for the quarter. Moving forward, the company is looking to new subscription tiers and content bundles. Continue reading Spotify Signs New WMG Deal and Teases Additional Paid Tiers

NASCAR has added a new experience that gives spectators a view from race car cockpits with its new “Driver Cam.” Courtesy of TNT Sports and streaming service Max, NASCAR fans were able to see and hear what went on from the driver POV behind the wheel, choosing from among up to 40 vehicles at the 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina this past weekend. Viewers can select and monitor up to four simultaneous feeds with an array of specialized video, audio and graphics features for the duration of the NASCAR Cup Series calendar for 2025, exclusively on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max. Continue reading NASCAR Rolls Out a Cockpit ‘Driver Cam’ Exclusively on Max

Comcast is introducing the first customers in the world to a pioneering new, ultra-low lag connectivity experience when they use interactive applications like gaming, videoconferencing and virtual reality. The rollout is already underway in cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Rockville, Maryland. Aimed primarily at gamers on Nvidia GeForce NOW and Valve’s Steam, it will also improve videoconferencing and content streaming, some Meta XR headset experiences and any other applications that choose to leverage the open standard technology in the future, Comcast says. Continue reading Comcast Launches Ultra Low-Latency Internet for Xfinity Subs

Netflix has finally added a much-requested Season Download button for iOS that allows subscribers who use iPhones and iPads to download a complete season of episodes with one tap. Whether getting ready for a long flight or just looking to spend an evening binge-watching “Squid Games” or “Bridgerton” on a mobile device, the update provides a convenience. “On a show’s display page, look for the button right next to the Share option. Tap it, and the entire season will start downloading automatically — no more downloading episodes one at a time,” Netflix tells Apple fans. Continue reading Netflix Adds One-Click Full-Season Downloads for iOS Users

Universal Music Group and Spotify have reached a multiyear distribution agreement that is said to improve payment to artists and authors. The new terms address concerns over a controversial Spotify music-audiobooks royalty bundling policy alleged to have reduced songwriter royalties in order to pay audiobook rightsholders. The policy resulted in a Federal Trade Commission complaint filed by the National Music Publishers Association in June. “Artists, songwriters and consumers will benefit from new and evolving offers, new paid subscription tiers, bundling of music and non-music content, and a richer audio and visual content catalog,” the companies jointly announced. Continue reading Spotify Tackles Controversial Royalty Bundling with UMG Deal

Free, ad-supported streaming video service Plex is introducing a new user interface and expanding its social media overlay, adding the ability for users to publicly share their Plex profiles and allow others to read and comment on their movie reviews. By default, all Plex users can be searched out by other Plex users within the app (unless they’ve changed that setting). Now, by opting to make profiles public on watch.plex.tv, they can be shared using the link and will also be searchable on the Web, showing what users have watched and have added to their watchlist, and more. California-based Plex offers ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) as well as linear FAST channels. Continue reading Plex Adds Public Profiles and Ways to Share Program Reviews

YouTube is rolling out new experimental features for Premium users and letting those paid plan subscribers access more than one test feature at a time. Among the exploratory features now available to YouTube Premium users is high-quality 256kbps audio on music videos and the ability to “jump ahead” on the web, something previously available only on mobile devices. For iOS users, picture-in-picture and smart downloads for YouTube Shorts are also among the new features. In addition, the company announced bundled pricing for those users who subscribe to both YouTube Premium and Google One Premium. Continue reading YouTube Premium Offers Speed Controls and Improved Audio

JMGO’s latest ultra-short throw projector, the O2S Ultra 4K, is “the world’s smallest laser TV” and can throw a 100-inch image from 5.75 inches away, according to the company. At CES 2025, the Shenzhen-based company unveiled the O2S Ultra 4K and two other models — the N3 Ultra Max projector with an AI electric gimbal and optical zoom, and the flagship N1S Ultimate 4K. But it was the sleek and tiny OS2 that captured the attention of many at the show. Its shoebox size and throw ratio of 0.18:1 offers flexible room placement. The 4K resolution, brightness of 2,500 ISO lumens and 110 percent coverage of the BT.2020 color gamut all promise crisp, clear images. Continue reading CES: JMGO’s O2S Ultra 4K Projector Throws 100-Inch Screen

Netflix seems determined to test consumers’ price-value tolerance, raising by $2 the price of its premium tier, now $24.99 per month, while raising the cost of the standard ad-supported tier by $1, to $7.99 per month. Its approach is so far working. The news came with an earnings report that indicated new subscribers rose by 18.9 million in Q4, a 44 percent increase to 302 million worldwide members on close of 2024. For the year, revenue grew 16 percent and operating income expanded six points to 27 percent, exceeding $10 billion for the first time in company history. Continue reading Netflix Increases Subscription Prices as Memberships Surge

At CES 2025 this month, LG Electronics debuted its LG UltraGear OLED Bendable Gaming Monitor, positioning it as the world’s first 5K2K-resolution bendable OLED display. The 45-inch 45GX990A can transition from completely flat to a 900R curvature within seconds, allowing users to customize their gaming experience. An upgraded Dual-Mode feature can switch easily between resolution and refresh rate presets, accommodating different aspect ratios and picture sizes. And the zippy 0.03ms (GtG) response time aims to provide heightened immersion. It did not go unnoticed at the show that the display also offers smart streaming options. Continue reading CES: LG Debuts a Dual-Mode Bendable 5K2K Game Monitor