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

Real stories show how the Apple Watch transcends fitness tracking and can save lives

Much has been made about the quantified life and how technology, sensors, and trackers can help people in their fitness and health goals by gathering real-time information. The Apple Watch has been more than this and aims to proactively keep users and their health providers and doctors aprised of any alarming changes in heart rate as well as has the ability to call emergency services or 911. The above video shows how Apple Watch has transcended its role as a tracker and timepiece and put life saving technology on people's wrists. 

Microsoft's new ad dismisses iPads, tells grandmas to get Surface Go for Christmas instead

The ad is sweet but burns deeply. A 10-year-old girl implores her grandmother not to buy the iPad because while that was okay when she was 6, it's not anymore because she is 10 and needs a 'real computer.' The girl continues singing praises for all the world-changing things a Surface can do. This shows how competitive the 2-in-1 tablet market has become in the consumer space. As tablets continue to attempt to replace laptops, we will continue to see more of this type of advertising. Microsoft's latest ad seems to be a response to Apple's "What's a Computer," iPad Pro ad from more than a year ago. 

Apple's Everyone Can Code initiative offers opportunity for learning to code

Apple has revealed various resources designed to bring coding education through the Everyone Can Code program to even more students around the world. The focus on STEM education and teaching coding to kids gives them a path towards careers or professions in technology. 

Customers can register for thousands of free Hour of Code sessions, available at all Apple Store locations around the world from December 1 through 14.

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