Downloading Netflix on rooted Android phones won’t work now

A new update for video streaming service Netflix will put a segment of Android users in the dark. If you chose to root or unlock your device, Netflix might no longer work on it. That is if the app isn’t already installed on your smartphone. According to Android Police, the app runs fine on rooted phones that already have Netflix installed. And sideloading Netflix using the APK still seems to work for now.

The Netflix app on Android now completely relies on Google’s Widevine DRM. This change might have come after Netflix recently allowed downloads for offline viewing. When you have a rooted device, you gain admin access to the operating system of your device. Users root their devices to gain more customization options for the operating system or improve efficiency of the device. But this method voids your warranty as this action isn’t supported by phone manufacturers.

Source: Mashable

Hackers claim to have pirated upcoming ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film

Taking cues from its subject matter, it’s been reported that Disney’s upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales has been taken by hackers who are now demanding ransom for it. Disney CEO Bob Iger won’t name the film but Deadline reports it’s this fifth installment of the Pirates series. The hackers are said to be asking for a large sum that must be paid in bitcoin. But Iger says the company is refusing to pay and they’re already working with FBI. The hackers are threatening to release five minutes of the film for the first time and then in 20-minute chunks until their demands are met.

This incident involving Disney isn’t the first high profile hack of a studio. Another hacker uploaded just weeks ago 10 episodes of the upcoming season of Orange is the New Black on The Pirate Bay after Netflix refused to pay.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Google tipped to be introducing iOS version of Assistant, launching in US first

With Google I/O just a few days away, it seems this new rumour leaked at an appropriate time. According to Android Police, Google plans to launch a standalone Google Assistant app for iOS platform. It’s said the app might combine the chat functionality of Google Assistant, which we’ve seen on the Google Allo app, and the voice-controlled version seen on Android. There aren’t that many details yet about this supposed launch but it’s said the app will first be available in the US.

It seems ideal to launch at the company’s developer’s conference as they just released Assistant’s SDK late last month. If this rumour is true, it might entice more developers to integrate with the app’s functionality.

Moto X and Moto E line coming to some markets as per leak

Photo by Evan Blass

 By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Lenovo is apparently bringing back its former flagship Moto X line along with the entry level Moto E line which were discontinued some years back. Now under the ownership of Lenovo, who seems to be ceding its own handsets to focus on Moto phones, we now have quite a range of upcoming Moto phones.

While these devices are likely going to different regions and being made available in various capacities. There's now more range than ever and, as a result, more confusion.

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