Netflix tests out random play button on Android

For standalone episode stories, this new feature Netflix is testing out seems to make sense. The streaming service is trying out a “Random Episode” button on a specific Android app version (v7.6.0 build 19 34157). It shows up where the next episode shortcut is usually located. You can also see a shuffle rail on some of the service’s most popular shows where it’ll let you leap into the show at a random episode. This isn’t the first time Netflix has tried this, though. With Love, Death and Robots, Netflix tried a randomized viewing method, where episodes are streamed in four different patterns.

Source: Engadget

BlackBerry Messenger for consumers will be shutting down in May

Are you still a loyal BlackBerry Messenger user? Well, we’ve got bad news for you. The consumer version of the app is shutting down for good on May 31^st. Indonesia-based media conglomerate took over its development in 2016. They redesigned the app to get modern features in hopes of competing against the more popular chat apps these days. However, efforts didn’t seem to be enough and now the app is shutting down for good. Emtek’s statement about this announcement says, “We poured our hearts into making this a reality, and we are proud of what we have built to date. The technology industry however, is very fluid, and in spite of our substantial efforts, users have moved on to other platforms, while new users proved difficult to sign on.”

The enterprise version is going to be made available for personal use, though. It’s now available for Android devices and it’ll be coming to Apple’s App Store “soon.” The app is free for the first year of use and will cost US$2.49 for a six-month subscription afterwards. But in the age where there are tons of free messaging apps, will BBM be able to attract its users back?

Source: Engadget

Samsung is reportedly postponing launch of the Galaxy Fold in China

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One might not be related to the other but recent events suggest otherwise. Confused? Well, Samsung is reportedly postponing its Chinese launch of the upcoming Galaxy Fold smartphone. According to SamMobile, the postponement was reportedly due to an issue with the venue, but said other activities related to the launch have also been delayed or canceled. According to Engadget’s Chinese Editor-in-Chief Richard Lai, planned events for the Galaxy Fold in Hong Kong and Shanghai happening on Tuesday and Wednesday have been postponed as well.

The rumoured postponements come after reports that some review units encountered a variety of issues just a few days after the tech journalists got their hands on them. Samsung already issued a statement on these problems and seemed to have plans to push through with the US launch on April 26^th. Now, we’re keeping watch to see if the company sticks to that plan.

Netflix might have a couple more Beyoncé specials coming post-‘Homecoming’

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Looks like Beyoncé’s Homecoming isn’t a one-time special for Netflix. Rumour has it the superstar has signed a US$60 million three-project deal with the streaming service. The amount might seem exorbitant, but Netflix is known for shelling out hundreds and millions of dollars to secure rights to specials and sign exclusive deals with showrunners, comedians, and artists. Vulture reports that HBO was interested in getting rights to Homecoming, but they couldn’t match the deal Netflix offered Beyoncé. Either camp refused to comment on the report, so now we just have to wait and see if there is any truth to the rumours.