Is there a Quentin Tarantino ‘Star Trek’ movie in our future?

Quentin Tarantino is known for his love of genre films but the director has steered clear of gigantic film franchises. However, that might change soon. Deadline reports that Tarantino pitched to producer J.J. Abrams his original idea for a Star Trek movie, which he could possibly direct. The report says the pair plan to assemble screenwriters to develop the concept into a screenplay.

The move makes sense as both filmmakers have big projects they’re working on: Tarantino is set to start shooting his next film, which is a drama set in Los Angeles around the time of the Charles Manson murders, while Abrams is working on Star Wars: Episode IX. With the idea basically a concept at this point, we can’t even say what it’ll be about. But we’re wondering if a Tarantino-led Trek film would be something yoou’d like to see?

Qualcomm reportedly asking for more money before accepting Broadcom’s takeover bid

Coolcaesar at en.wikipedia

Looks like Qualcomm wants to resist a bit more before considering accepting a takeover deal from Broadcom, at least according to a Reuters report. Supposedly Broadcom’s US$70 per share offer, while setting a record, “undervalues” Qualcomm and doesn’t take into account any regulatory hurdles that they might need to overcome once the deal is done. According to Reuters sources, Qualcomm might object to the sale as early as November 13 but will probably take a few days before issuing a fuller response.

On Broadcom’s side, it seems they’re ready to raise its bid, according to the report. And it hopes to submit its own selection of directors for Qualcomm’s board. And if the shareholders want a deal, they could possibly vote for new board members and force Qualcomm to negotiate. Neither company is commenting on the report at the moment.

Source: Engadget

Is Hasbro planning to buy Mattel?

This might not seem to be the right space to talk about this a few years back but with gadgets and even connected toys taking up more and more of the attention of children, this doesn’t seem too off tangent. A new report from the Wall Street Journal claims Hasbro recently made an offer to purchase Mattel. It wasn’t said how receptive Mattel was to the idea or how much Hasbro offered but the move would put two hot properties side by side: My Little Pony and Hot Wheels. A merger of the two companies might help both sides. Hasbro, who has been taking advantage of the popularity of its Disney-themed toys as well as licenses from TV and movie deals, can help out Mattel, who is trying to turn around years of failed toy lines.

The acquisition will also give Hasbro access to Mattel’s manufacturing facilities. The former gave up its own facilities a while back. On top of that, Mattel could contribute to building up Hasbro’s tech-driven toys, which they need to develop more of now as they compete with top tech companies for the younger audience. Of course, this might raise concerns about how this could violate US antitrust law but whether this will draw as big a scrutiny and opposition as telecom mergers is something we can’t say yet. Both parties refuse to comment about the rumours.

Source: Engadget

Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ reportedly won’t be available on streaming services on its first week

To say Taylor Swift’s relationship with streaming services is tenuous is an understatement. And it looks like that’s just going to continue. A new report from Bloomberg claims Reputation, the pop superstar’s fifth album, won’t be on any streaming services at least a week after it goes on sale. The die-hard fans who want to get their hands on the record will either need to buy it online or if you live in the US, through Target. Taylor Swift has openly criticized the music streaming service industry for devaluing music.

The move might also be prompted by the importance to Swift of getting to the top spot of the charts with physical and digital record sales, which is also seen as a more lucrative endeavor. It hasn’t really been outright confirmed by Swift’s camp and she could change her mind. But we won’t be surprised of the likelihood of this happening.