Instagram continues to perform strongly despite inconsistent brand identity

HANNA KAHLERT | June 30, 2021 | 393 views

Over the last few months Instagram has done its best to capitalise on the latest social media success tactics, often at the cost of its own original user proposition. The photo-sharing app for friends now offers Reels, imitating TikTok’s success. It has rolled out an option to hide Likes, the iconic feature which has characterised social media as a whole since inception. And it now is introducing ‘suggested posts’ to users’ feeds, sorted by topics a profile states they are interested in – potentially putting these ahead of photos and videos shared by profiles they actually follow. Directly mimicking TikTok, this seems to diverge very little in practice from hashtags, which are its original discovery feature. Instead, it seems to want to emulate the usability which younger users are familiar with from TikTok, in order to entice them to increase their Instagram engagement.

Spotlight

CBS Television Distribution

CBS Television Distribution is the preeminent company in television syndication. CTD produces or distributes 11 first-run series and holds the largest distributed television library at 70,000 hours strong. Among CTD’s critically-acclaimed programs are the #1 syndicated series Judge Judy; talk leader Dr. Phil; the #1 and #2 rated game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!; the Emmy Award-winning talk shows Rachael Ray and The Doctors; the #1 and #2 newsmagazines Entertainment Tonight and Inside Edition, along with The Insider; court show Hot Bench; and popular off-network product, including the CSI and Star Trek franchises, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, NCIS, Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Hawaii Five-0, Hot in Cleveland and Undercover Boss. In addition, CTD handles the domestic television distribution of CBS News, CBS Films and Showtime. CTD is a unit of CBS Corp.

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VIRTUALIZATION

Microsoft’s xCloud game streaming arrives on iOS with some Apple restrictions

Article | June 10, 2021

Microsoft is expanding its Project xCloud service to the iPhone today. The software giant is launching a beta of xCloud through Apple’s TestFlight service, allowing xCloud testers to try the service on an iPhone or iPad. It’s the first time we’ve seen a cloud game streaming service appear on iOS since the days of OnLive — and OnLive’s iOS app wound up in limbo when Apple didn’t approve it. Google’s Stadia and Nvidia’s GeForce Now are still not available on Apple’s devices, either, and neither company has been able to tell us when that might change.

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VIRTUALIZATION

Apple's AR & VR headset may not need external input for orientation & motion detection

Article | May 20, 2021

Apple is continuing to investigate headsets like its "AR Glasses," as part of its exploration of Augmented and Virtual Reality systems. One such headset in future may utilize sensors that can detect angular rotation, such as that experienced when the device is placed on a user's head or removed. "[It] may be beneficial for the VR headset to be able to detect when a head-worn device (e.g., headset, eyeglasses, headphones, etc.) is being removed from the user's head, is being placed on the user's head, or both," says Apple in US Patent No. 10,557,724, "Angle detection of a rotating system using a single magnet and multiple hall sensors."

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TECHNOLOGIES, VIRTUALIZATION

Game On: These Entertainment Stocks Hit New Levels

Article | July 27, 2022

Some Chinese entertainment stocks listed in the U.S. got a boost last week after the People Bank of China (PBOC) said it would pump $173 billion into the economy. Since news of the report from Beijing hit the street, one of the biggest gainers was Chinese gaming giant NetEase Inc. (Nasdaq: NTES) NetEase, a partner of California-based Blizzard Entertainment in China, traded as low as $317.48 per American depositary share within the last couple of weeks, and soared as high as $347.95 apiece last week. NetEase rolled out its international presence in recent years in Japan and North America, lowering its China dependency.

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The Future of Tech: Gaming Consoles, the Xbox and PlayStation of Tomorrow

Article | February 10, 2020

Consoles have come a very long way since the arrival of first-generation machines from Atari and Coleco in the seventies. Even the original PlayStation (1994) and Xbox (2001) look dated compared to the 4K/HDR-capable machines of today, and that divide will grow even larger once the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X arrive at the end of 2020. But what about the future? More than once console makers have tried to break new ground, by focusing on functionality beyond gaming, but for the most part those attempts have failed. Nintendo has found the most success with specialized hardware that still focuses on games first, while Sony and Microsoft have seemingly understood that building powerful general purpose machines that are akin to PCs is their best and safest bet.

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Spotlight

CBS Television Distribution

CBS Television Distribution is the preeminent company in television syndication. CTD produces or distributes 11 first-run series and holds the largest distributed television library at 70,000 hours strong. Among CTD’s critically-acclaimed programs are the #1 syndicated series Judge Judy; talk leader Dr. Phil; the #1 and #2 rated game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!; the Emmy Award-winning talk shows Rachael Ray and The Doctors; the #1 and #2 newsmagazines Entertainment Tonight and Inside Edition, along with The Insider; court show Hot Bench; and popular off-network product, including the CSI and Star Trek franchises, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, NCIS, Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Hawaii Five-0, Hot in Cleveland and Undercover Boss. In addition, CTD handles the domestic television distribution of CBS News, CBS Films and Showtime. CTD is a unit of CBS Corp.

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Xperi Takes Its Independent Media Platform from the Living Room to the Car

businesswire | June 01, 2023

Xperi Inc. announced that BMW has selected TiVo’s video media platform to provide customers access to a growing number of video content providers, including linear and on demand streaming services. BMW’s implementation of the Powered by TiVo™ platform will include a variety of country-specific content, offering news, movies and access to media libraries. The video media platform is expected to roll out over-the-air in initial launch countries by the end of 2023 for customers of the all-new BMW 5 series and further models. TiVo’s video media platform is a first-of-its-kind, aimed at giving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) significantly more control over the user experience and helping consumers cut through the clutter of streaming and linear content options with simplified, universal discovery to consumers. With an award-winning content-first experience, global content provider scale and profitable partnership model, Powered by TiVo is the ultimate independent operating system. From the living room to the car, BMW’s endorsement of an independent media platform with a content-first search and discovery experience, validates the market appeal. The BMW implementation will also be part of Xperi’s independent media platform, but will be integrated in automobiles to deliver immersive in-car entertainment experiences. “Our independent media platform strategy is well suited for the automotive industry as they make advancements in in-cabin technology and creating new and adaptive experiences. We will work closely with BMW to ensure that the in-car video media platform by TiVo provides a best-in-class in-car entertainment experience,” said Jon Kirchner, CEO of Xperi. “Unlike existing platforms, the Powered by TiVo platform traverses entertainment mediums and gives OEMs significantly more control over the user experience.” "In-car entertainment becomes increasingly important for our customers," said Ingo Lasslop, vice president product management for digital products and services at BMW Group. "This collaboration with Xperi will allow us to deliver a world-class entertainment offering to our customers and transforms their time spent in the vehicle even more into a captivating and enjoyable experience." Based on decades of experience growing profitable consumer electronics and entertainment ecosystems, the BMW video platform Powered by TiVo will be designed to maximize the in-car entertainment experience. About Xperi Inc Xperi invents, develops, and delivers technologies that enable extraordinary experiences. Xperi technologies, delivered via its brands (DTS®, HD Radio™, TiVo®), and by its startup, Perceive, and IMAX Enhanced, an IMAX and DTS partnership, have been integrated into billions of consumer devices and media platforms worldwide, powering smart devices, connected cars and entertainment experiences. Xperi has created a unified ecosystem that reaches highly engaged consumers driving increased value for partners, customers and consumers.

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SOLUTIONS

Pavilion Payments Introduces a Comprehensive iGaming Software Development Kit

businesswire | June 05, 2023

Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payments provider exclusively serving the gaming industry, has announced its innovative iGaming Software Development Kit (SDK). This toolkit aims to offer operators a seamless and efficient solution to simplify the integration of Pavilion Payments' VIP Preferred program. The iGaming SDK builds upon the functionality of the industry leading iGaming XML standard format for storing data, delivering a superior experience for both operators and players. With this powerful toolkit, operators no longer need to invest time and resources in designing and coding the front end or back end of their platforms. This new development is scheduled to be rolled out in multiple states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, Arizona and New Jersey, in late summer of 2023 with one operator and another in 16 markets as a fast follower. In addition to these core functionalities, the iGaming SDK equips players with the tools to manage their funding sources effectively. With Pavilion Payments’ ACH/Bank feature, the iGaming SDK ensures a streamlined experience for players. The iGaming SDK offers a range of customization options, such as the use of online bank credentials for enhanced security and efficiency while also providing control over their deposit limits. SDK offers a platform that allows operators to quickly enable new features, including SameDay ACH, Credit/Debit acceptance, Real Time Payments (RTP) and risk enhancements without additional development by the operator. The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) State of the States Report shows iGaming grossed $1.48 billion in Q1 2023, marking a 22.7 percent year-over-year revenue increase. iGaming is an important sector of the gaming industry and as it evolves, technology and solutions need to adapt to the needs of patrons. “The launch of the iGaming SDK reinforces Pavilion Payments' commitment to providing innovative and user-centric solutions for the iGaming industry,” said Christopher Justice, CEO of Pavilion Payments. “Our goal is to empower operators by offering a toolkit that simplifies the implementation of our VIP Preferred payment option, ultimately enhancing player satisfaction and streamlining transactions. With its seamless integration capabilities and user-friendly interface, the iGaming SDK is set to redefine the online gaming experience for both operators and players alike.” About Pavilion Payments Pavilion Payments enables the world’s gaming entertainment leaders to create amazing consumer experiences and maximize spend across all their physical and digital properties. Pavilion Payments is the gaming industry's leading omnichannel payment solutions provider, providing integrated omnichannel and software solutions that enable flexible funding, play, and cash out.

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VIRTUALIZATION

Linius Whizzard selected by IMG Replay to revolutionize utilization of the world's leading sports archive

prnewswire | April 27, 2023

Linius Technologies Limited the only cloud-based solution that unlocks the value of video archives with immersive, deeply personalized viewer experiences via its Linius Video Services (LVS) platform is pleased to announce a new agreement to provide its sports solution, Whizzard, to IMG's digital archive platform, IMG Replay. The Linius Whizzard product will be deployed as a core feature within the IMG Replay service, virtualizing the entire IMG Replay archive to make it more searchable and usable. IMG Replay customers, who include production companies, advertising agencies, broadcasters, news agencies, and content creators, will use Whizzard to search the vast archive to source specific fixtures, teams, individuals, and events to curate, produce, and license video content. IMG Replay (www.IMGReplay.com) manages an exclusive sports and entertainment archive, consisting of nearly 50,000 hours of premium content on behalf of leading rights holders such as Premier League, World Rugby, PGAA, The Championships, Wimbledon, The R&A, Miss Universe, Giro D'Italia and many more. Linius Chief Executive Officer (CEO), James Brennan, said "We are delighted to be selected by IMG to enhance their IMG Replay service. This is a significant validation of the power of our Linius Video Services (LVS) platform and the value unlocked by our Whizzard product for one of the world's largest sports and media companies. Whizzard is driving accelerated commercial momentum, with Linius adding four new clients in the last five months, leading to record billings in Q2 FY2023 that is expected to double in Q3." "Through IMG Replay, Whizzard will be used by some of the premier sporting organisations in the world. IMG Replay and their associated sporting organisations have long recognised the value of these archives. Whizzard makes it possible to unlock that value today and by virtualizing the entire archive, IMG and their clients will have the ability to enable multiple innovative use cases for this content." Vice President, IMG Replay at IMG Media, Tom Barnes said "Whizzard will hopefully enable IMG Replay users to create their bespoke automated individual highlights much more quickly and effectively. We believe Linius Whizzard will enable great efficiencies for our clients, generate significant new revenues and open new markets for IMG Replay and this content." The agreement is for an initial 2-year term and includes a fixed setup fee and a monthly license subscription. The agreement is otherwise generally on terms and conditions customary for an engagement of this nature, including as to confidentiality, protection of intellectual property, security requirements and data protection, privacy, and service levels. This engagement is significant for the Company as it provides substantive validation of Linius' technology and business model by one of the global leaders in the media and entertainment industry, and the application of the technology across a highly valuable and diverse set of premium sports and entertainment content. Moreover, the momentum in adoption of the Whizzard sports platform in recent months, with four new sports companies signing on with Linius, demonstrates an increasing awareness of its unique capability and application for sports companies. About Linius Technologies Limited Linius' purpose is to unlock the value of the world's video, creating immersive, deeply personalized viewing experiences. For the first time, we make it possible to find, curate, and utilize the valuable moments across vast libraries of video, enabling viewers to create an infinite amount of personalised video compilations on-the-fly, providing the most relevant content to each viewer. Our patented Video Virtualisation Engine™ (VVE) turns big, bulky video files into lightweight, searchable data that is enriched with AI and ML, making it easy and efficient for users to find and share what matters to them. Creators and owners of video can drive greater viewing, and monetisation of their video assets.

Read More

MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Xperi Takes Its Independent Media Platform from the Living Room to the Car

businesswire | June 01, 2023

Xperi Inc. announced that BMW has selected TiVo’s video media platform to provide customers access to a growing number of video content providers, including linear and on demand streaming services. BMW’s implementation of the Powered by TiVo™ platform will include a variety of country-specific content, offering news, movies and access to media libraries. The video media platform is expected to roll out over-the-air in initial launch countries by the end of 2023 for customers of the all-new BMW 5 series and further models. TiVo’s video media platform is a first-of-its-kind, aimed at giving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) significantly more control over the user experience and helping consumers cut through the clutter of streaming and linear content options with simplified, universal discovery to consumers. With an award-winning content-first experience, global content provider scale and profitable partnership model, Powered by TiVo is the ultimate independent operating system. From the living room to the car, BMW’s endorsement of an independent media platform with a content-first search and discovery experience, validates the market appeal. The BMW implementation will also be part of Xperi’s independent media platform, but will be integrated in automobiles to deliver immersive in-car entertainment experiences. “Our independent media platform strategy is well suited for the automotive industry as they make advancements in in-cabin technology and creating new and adaptive experiences. We will work closely with BMW to ensure that the in-car video media platform by TiVo provides a best-in-class in-car entertainment experience,” said Jon Kirchner, CEO of Xperi. “Unlike existing platforms, the Powered by TiVo platform traverses entertainment mediums and gives OEMs significantly more control over the user experience.” "In-car entertainment becomes increasingly important for our customers," said Ingo Lasslop, vice president product management for digital products and services at BMW Group. "This collaboration with Xperi will allow us to deliver a world-class entertainment offering to our customers and transforms their time spent in the vehicle even more into a captivating and enjoyable experience." Based on decades of experience growing profitable consumer electronics and entertainment ecosystems, the BMW video platform Powered by TiVo will be designed to maximize the in-car entertainment experience. About Xperi Inc Xperi invents, develops, and delivers technologies that enable extraordinary experiences. Xperi technologies, delivered via its brands (DTS®, HD Radio™, TiVo®), and by its startup, Perceive, and IMAX Enhanced, an IMAX and DTS partnership, have been integrated into billions of consumer devices and media platforms worldwide, powering smart devices, connected cars and entertainment experiences. Xperi has created a unified ecosystem that reaches highly engaged consumers driving increased value for partners, customers and consumers.

Read More

SOLUTIONS

Pavilion Payments Introduces a Comprehensive iGaming Software Development Kit

businesswire | June 05, 2023

Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payments provider exclusively serving the gaming industry, has announced its innovative iGaming Software Development Kit (SDK). This toolkit aims to offer operators a seamless and efficient solution to simplify the integration of Pavilion Payments' VIP Preferred program. The iGaming SDK builds upon the functionality of the industry leading iGaming XML standard format for storing data, delivering a superior experience for both operators and players. With this powerful toolkit, operators no longer need to invest time and resources in designing and coding the front end or back end of their platforms. This new development is scheduled to be rolled out in multiple states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, Arizona and New Jersey, in late summer of 2023 with one operator and another in 16 markets as a fast follower. In addition to these core functionalities, the iGaming SDK equips players with the tools to manage their funding sources effectively. With Pavilion Payments’ ACH/Bank feature, the iGaming SDK ensures a streamlined experience for players. The iGaming SDK offers a range of customization options, such as the use of online bank credentials for enhanced security and efficiency while also providing control over their deposit limits. SDK offers a platform that allows operators to quickly enable new features, including SameDay ACH, Credit/Debit acceptance, Real Time Payments (RTP) and risk enhancements without additional development by the operator. The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) State of the States Report shows iGaming grossed $1.48 billion in Q1 2023, marking a 22.7 percent year-over-year revenue increase. iGaming is an important sector of the gaming industry and as it evolves, technology and solutions need to adapt to the needs of patrons. “The launch of the iGaming SDK reinforces Pavilion Payments' commitment to providing innovative and user-centric solutions for the iGaming industry,” said Christopher Justice, CEO of Pavilion Payments. “Our goal is to empower operators by offering a toolkit that simplifies the implementation of our VIP Preferred payment option, ultimately enhancing player satisfaction and streamlining transactions. With its seamless integration capabilities and user-friendly interface, the iGaming SDK is set to redefine the online gaming experience for both operators and players alike.” About Pavilion Payments Pavilion Payments enables the world’s gaming entertainment leaders to create amazing consumer experiences and maximize spend across all their physical and digital properties. Pavilion Payments is the gaming industry's leading omnichannel payment solutions provider, providing integrated omnichannel and software solutions that enable flexible funding, play, and cash out.

Read More

VIRTUALIZATION

Linius Whizzard selected by IMG Replay to revolutionize utilization of the world's leading sports archive

prnewswire | April 27, 2023

Linius Technologies Limited the only cloud-based solution that unlocks the value of video archives with immersive, deeply personalized viewer experiences via its Linius Video Services (LVS) platform is pleased to announce a new agreement to provide its sports solution, Whizzard, to IMG's digital archive platform, IMG Replay. The Linius Whizzard product will be deployed as a core feature within the IMG Replay service, virtualizing the entire IMG Replay archive to make it more searchable and usable. IMG Replay customers, who include production companies, advertising agencies, broadcasters, news agencies, and content creators, will use Whizzard to search the vast archive to source specific fixtures, teams, individuals, and events to curate, produce, and license video content. IMG Replay (www.IMGReplay.com) manages an exclusive sports and entertainment archive, consisting of nearly 50,000 hours of premium content on behalf of leading rights holders such as Premier League, World Rugby, PGAA, The Championships, Wimbledon, The R&A, Miss Universe, Giro D'Italia and many more. Linius Chief Executive Officer (CEO), James Brennan, said "We are delighted to be selected by IMG to enhance their IMG Replay service. This is a significant validation of the power of our Linius Video Services (LVS) platform and the value unlocked by our Whizzard product for one of the world's largest sports and media companies. Whizzard is driving accelerated commercial momentum, with Linius adding four new clients in the last five months, leading to record billings in Q2 FY2023 that is expected to double in Q3." "Through IMG Replay, Whizzard will be used by some of the premier sporting organisations in the world. IMG Replay and their associated sporting organisations have long recognised the value of these archives. Whizzard makes it possible to unlock that value today and by virtualizing the entire archive, IMG and their clients will have the ability to enable multiple innovative use cases for this content." Vice President, IMG Replay at IMG Media, Tom Barnes said "Whizzard will hopefully enable IMG Replay users to create their bespoke automated individual highlights much more quickly and effectively. We believe Linius Whizzard will enable great efficiencies for our clients, generate significant new revenues and open new markets for IMG Replay and this content." The agreement is for an initial 2-year term and includes a fixed setup fee and a monthly license subscription. The agreement is otherwise generally on terms and conditions customary for an engagement of this nature, including as to confidentiality, protection of intellectual property, security requirements and data protection, privacy, and service levels. This engagement is significant for the Company as it provides substantive validation of Linius' technology and business model by one of the global leaders in the media and entertainment industry, and the application of the technology across a highly valuable and diverse set of premium sports and entertainment content. Moreover, the momentum in adoption of the Whizzard sports platform in recent months, with four new sports companies signing on with Linius, demonstrates an increasing awareness of its unique capability and application for sports companies. About Linius Technologies Limited Linius' purpose is to unlock the value of the world's video, creating immersive, deeply personalized viewing experiences. For the first time, we make it possible to find, curate, and utilize the valuable moments across vast libraries of video, enabling viewers to create an infinite amount of personalised video compilations on-the-fly, providing the most relevant content to each viewer. Our patented Video Virtualisation Engine™ (VVE) turns big, bulky video files into lightweight, searchable data that is enriched with AI and ML, making it easy and efficient for users to find and share what matters to them. Creators and owners of video can drive greater viewing, and monetisation of their video assets.

Read More

Events