Fitbit OS 3.0 update for Ionic and Versa smartwatches expands on-device options for health tracking

Fitbit announced its latest Fitbit OS 3.0 update for its Ionic and Versa smartwatches. A huge update for existing users, Fitbit OS 3.0 adds more features including an extended on-device dashboard, on-device quick logging for weight and water intake, and the addition of goal-based exercise modes, which debuted on Charge 3 this past October.

 Fitbit is also introducing 10 new partner apps coming soon to the Fitbit App Gallery including popular brands like Couch to 5K, Gold’s Gym, MINDBODY and TRX. Additionally, we are bringing more to our global developer community with a new exercise API and other developer tools. The update should be rolling out to the devices Soon. 

Apple beats Netflix to the punch and secures 'Peanuts' content for streaming service

Apple has pulled a coup and beaten Netflix in acquiring the rights to Charles M. Schultz 'Peanuts' content for its upcoming streaming service.

Working closely with its subsidiary Peanuts Worldwide, [Apple and DHX Media] will develop and produce original programs, including new series, specials and shorts based on the beloved characters created by Charles M. Schultz.

The heavily coveted property. which includes Charlie Brown and Snoopy, was being tracked by Netflix which needs recognizeable content and shows now that Disney and Marvel are pulling their popular movies and shows from the streaming service. For Apple, getting Peanuts is huge. Highly recognizeable characters, family-friendly topics and iconic films like 'A Charlie Brown Christmas," and "Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown," are outstanding and evergreen shows. You also can't easily find Peanuts shows on streaming services or even on Blu-Ray or DVD. 

This sets the stage for Apple's new service which is set to be announced in 2019.

Source: 9to5Mac

Study finds that female-led roles dominate box office

Looks like the myth that female-led movies aren’t going to do well is being debunked by this new study from the Creative Artists Agency and technology company Shift7. They found that films that had female leads earned more than those with male leads. They looked at 350 top box office films from 2014 to 2017 (105 led by women and 245 led by men). The study defines a “female” lead as the woman being listed first in the film’s official press materials. The movies were then divided by five budget levels: under $10 million; $10 million - $30 million; $30 million - $50 million; $50 million - $100 million; and over $100 million. Wonder Woman qualified as one of the top female-led movies during the survey timeframe, earning $821 million worldwide. These movies have also passed the Bechdel test, which stipulates that two female characters have a conversation about something other than a man.

"The truth is that seeing women and girls on screen is not only good for everyone—especially our children—it's also good entertainment and good business," actor Geena Davis, who founded and chairs the research organization the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, said in a statement.

Source: CNET

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite rumoured to get exclusive colour variant

Samsung is said to be taking on the Apple iPhone XR with this exclusive colour

The rumour mill for the upcoming Galaxy S10 devices keep churning. The latest one revolves around the Lite version of the phone. It’s rumoured that the cheapest S10 model will get an exclusive colour option, similar to what Apple did with the iPhone XR. It’s said to come in yellow, white, black, green, and blue. Meanwhile, the S10 and S10+ won’t get the yellow colour option. While the rumoured S10+ that comes in ceramic will be available in black or white. If you’re waiting for other colour variants though, Samsung is known to release other colour options down the line. The Galaxy S10 is expected to launch on February 20^th.

Source: BGR