Netflix signs deal with ‘Stranger Things’ producer to develop exclusive content for the service

Just like what Netflix has done with Shonda Rhimes, Netflix has secured a deal with Stranger Things producer Shawn Levy for what’s said to be a four-year, eight figure agreement. During that time, Levy will be creating exclusive TV projects for the streaming service. Levy is known to have directed and produced the Night at the Museum films as well as produced the critically acclaimed sci-fi hit Arrival. The deal comes at an opportune time as the service needs to keep its moment of releasing hit shows as it stumbles over having to fire some of its big talents like Kevin Spacey and Danny Masterson over sexual harassment and rape allegations, which the two have been accused of respectively.

Source: Engadget

Leak shows off two almost bezel-less Sony Xperia phones

If there’s any truth to this recent leak, Sony might finally be ditching its thick bezels and are getting on trend with its upcoming phones. GizChina.com claims these are actual images and not renders. The phones look starkly different even if they feature nearly bezel-less fronts. One is more in line with the squarish design of existing Xperia phones with a glossy back with the camera sensors separated, suggesting one is a depth sensor. At the center underneath the glass, it’s suggested that a fingerprint sensor is there. The other has more rounded edges and a matte back with its dual camera setup off to the side and what looks like a fingerprint sensor in the middle of the device.

Click to read more ...

Apple reveals App of the Year and Game of the Year as well as 2017 app charts

Apple has revealed its App of the Year and Game of the Year pick for 2017. Featuring the year's most popular apps, music, movies, TV shows, books and podcasts across the App Store, Apple Music, iTunes, iBooks and Apple Podcasts.

Editors and curators from Apple Music, App Store and iTunes highlight content from indie artists and developers from around the globe.

Click to read more ...

Sources claim Disney and Fox are close to reaching a deal, might announce plans next week

WDWNT.com

We reported earlier last month that Disney and 21^st Century Fox have been in talks for the former to acquire Fox’s studio and television production assets, with Fox retaining its news and sports arms. And report has it the two are close to reaching an agreement, even with Comcast in the picture, and sources claim the deal could be announced as early as next week. The deal will have Disney owning entertainment assets like 20^th Century Fox film and TV studios, FX Networks and National Geographic Cannels cable groups, regional Fox Sports and 39% interest in Euro satcaster Sky, as well as international channels like Star India outlet. Disney is also supposedly buying out Fox’s 30% interest in Hulu, which is seen as Disney’s initial step to building its standalone streaming service. The deal is expected to be an all-stock transaction with Fox’s assets valued at around US$60 billion.

The move is also seen as a way to resolve Disney’s CEO succession issue. Bob Iger has had to extend his contract twice since setting his retirement back in 2015. But with the likes of 21^st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch and 21^st Century Fox President Peter Rice in the mix, they’re seen as possible candidates to replace Iger.

Source:  Variety + CNBC