Best Christmas films and TV shows to watch on Netflix, Amazon and Now TV in the UK
Christmas is just a few sleeps away… yes, really. But while for many it signals a time of eating too much, visiting the in-laws and more wrapping paper than you know what to do with, it’s also one of the best times of the year to watch some great films and TV shows.
The broadcasters in the UK will have their own Christmas content, but streaming services are getting in on the action just as much. Netflix, Amazon and Now TV all have an extensive range of films and TV shows, all revolving around Christmas.
There are soppy family movies, comedies and even the odd action film or two – plenty for everyone no matter your tastes. And what’s more, because you can stream them, you don’t have to thumb through the Radio Times with a red marker to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Choosing a streaming service can be tricky admittedly, as each of the three has a different subscription model, but if you haven’t signed up to one, you may want to check out our handy guide to tell you about each one’s pros and cons.
Now click here to see the best Christmas films and TV shows on streaming services in the UK
Twitter in 2016 was a pretty depressing place to be
Let’s not be mealymouthed: 2016 sucked. As a stark reminder, Twitter has released its “Top 10 Global Conversations” for the year, a change from last year’s #YearOnTwitter format. This time, it lumped events into categories like #RIP, #Brexit, #Trump and #Oscars, perhaps as a way to give equal time to the rare good news stories. Otherwise, the list would be pretty much death, politics and Trump.
First, the grim — at least one person you love or admire died in 2016. The unfortunate #RIP list includes Muhummad Ali, David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Alan Rickman, Garry Shandling, Garry Marshall, Gene Wilder, Kenny Baker, Anton Yelchin, Arnold Palmer, Gwen Ifill, Florence Henderson and Fidel Castro. Let’s hope 2017 isn’t so cruel.
As for #Election2016, #Trump and #Brexit, I think we’ve all had enough of those for four years, let alone one — but feel free to revisit them if you really want to. #BlackLivesMatter carried over from last year, 2014 and 2013 because, unfortunately, violence and systemic racism is still a problem for black people. Large protests happened in NYC, Chicago and Washington DC.
When the Pokemon Go servers are down pic.twitter.com/JQS9X5UzSp
— Pokémon Go! (@ThePokeGoNews) July 16, 2016
On a more positive note, we have #GameOfThrones season 6, which drew record viewers thanks to, well, death and politics (plus dragons, a resurrection and a few epic battles). #PokemonGo was, if nothing else, a great distraction from other events on this list. It gave us all some much-needed exercise and outside time, then sort of died — hopefully, the latest tweaks will give us new reasons to play.
#Oscars is another welcome category, because we can finally stop talking about Leonardo DiCaprio’s lack of one. The ceremony also notably featured Chris Rock’s biting satire on the lack of diversity in Hollywood, along with Joe Biden’s speech and Lady Gaga’s emotional performance for survivors of sexual assault. (Brie Larson hugging every survivor was also a great moment.)
#Euro2016 was also inspiring, especially for winner Portugal and underdogs Iceland and Wales, but not so much for also-ran France (le sigh). Oh, and the finals were a great night to be a moth. Twitter optimistically placed #Rio in first place, which is nice, as it featured moments like Usain Bolt’s cheeky 100 meter victory, Mo Farah’s historic UK win, anything to do with Simone Biles and Phelps winning his 23rd gold medal with his game face on.
Source: Twitter
Netflix updated its video encoding to make downloads look better
From time to time, Netflix updates the technology it’s using to convert and compress each of the digital copies of movies it streams to customers. Because people watch from so many different platforms, in so many different situations, it has to be ready for any number of possibilities. Late last year, it revealed the use of a smarter way to apply compression, recognizing that different types of content (animation like Bojack Horseman vs. dark action scenes in Daredevil) need different levels of bitrate or resolution to look their best. Now it’s focused on enhancing the efficiency of compression, starting with the video it delivers to mobile devices.
Netflix:
- AVCMain: Our existing H.264/AVC Main profile encodes, using per-title optimization, serve as anchor for the comparison.
- AVCHi-Mobile: H.264/AVC High profile encodes using more optimal encoder settings and per-chunk encoding.
- VP9-Mobile: VP9 encodes using more optimal encoder settings and per-chunk encoding.
It’s using Google’s VP9 on some platforms (most Android phones), while H.264/AVC High profile works for others (anything iOS). The “per-chunk” encoding mentioned above mean that beyond just optimizing for the type of show or movie, it’s actually applying optimal settings across different parts of each video. Variety notes these pieces can range between 1- 3 minutes in length, and Netflix says that using this with Google’s VP9 tech can result in a video that has the same quality, but uses 36 percent lower bitrate.
That means it can look better on your phone, while also using less data, and taking up less space as a download. That last part is key, because the new encodes are currently rolling out in the new downloads feature, although they will be available for streaming on mobile devices in the “near future.”
Source: Netflix Tech Blog
TiVo appears to be testing cloud DVR recording
While a few companies have tried on network/cloud DVR features, TiVo has always been associated with storage that’s sitting right in your living room. Previous leaks pointed to a new TiVo box, codenamed Mantis, that might do network recording of OTA channels, but now Dave Zatz posted this picture, showing that there may be similar features in the works for the existing Bolt DVR.
In the time since the Mantis popped up in FCC filings, another leak (and still-live TiVo webpage) shows it could arrive branded as the “Mavrik.” Additionally, there’s an app listing that confirms it as the “OTA Streaming, Diskless Cloud DVR TiVo Device Mantis.” While that seems like the best bet to actually ship sometime soon, we’re a bit more interested in the prospect of cloud recording of cable channels — if TiVo actually update old boxes to do it.
Source: Zatz Not Funny, TV Predictions
Facebook is asking users’ help to ID misleading news
The latest addition to Facebook’s never-ending parade of experimental features looks like it’s all about fake news. Chris Krewson, an editor for Philadelphia publication Billy Penn, has spotted a survey module right underneath a post by the Philadelphia Inquirer about a white nationalist (and well-known pistachio vendor) losing her job. The survey asked: “To what extent do you think that this link’s title uses misleading language?” There were five choices to choose from (“Not at all,” “Slightly,” “Somewhat,” “Very much” and “Completely”), but the module could clearly be dismissed with by clicking on an “X” button.
In late November, Mark Zuckerberg explained what Facebook is doing to get rid of fake news, including improving its algorithm’s ability to detect and making it easy to report them. He didn’t mention that the company will start asking for people’s input — as TechCrunch said, it’s a bit odd, since it’s the users who are flooding the social network with fake news to begin with. Facebook confirmed to TC that it’s indeed testing the feature, but it didn’t elaborate on its plans beyond that.
Facebook is asking whether this @PhillyInquirer headline is fake? pic.twitter.com/cCUpwtvQlS
— Chris Krewson (@ckrewson) December 5, 2016
Source: TechCrunch, Chris Krewson (Twitter)
Internet-connected toys accused of spying on kids
Smart toys can certainly inject some life into playtime, but they raise big privacy concerns when an internet connection is involved… and if you believe some critics, at least a few toys have crossed the line. Over 18 privacy groups are filing complaints with both the US’ Federal Trade Commission and the European Union alleging that Genesis Toys and its tech partner Nuance are violating deceptive practices and privacy laws (including COPPA) through the way certain toys record kids’ voices. Reportedly, i-Que and My Friend Cayla not only capture kids’ voices without adequate notice or permission, but send it to Nuance with few safeguards over how that information is handled. It could be used in databases that Nuance sells to police and intelligence agencies, the groups say.
The organizations also accuse Genesis of failing to prevent unauthorized Bluetooth devices from connecting to the toys. Someone could eavesdrop on conversations, according to the complaint, raising the threat of “predatory stalking and physical danger.” Bluetooth normally requires that you be relatively close (within 33 feet), but that would still allow someone at a playground or outside the home to snoop on unaware kids.
It’s uncertain whether or not the FTC and EU will address the complaints. We’ve also asked Genesis and Nuance for their responses. However, it won’t be surprising if this prompts some companies to rethink how they make smart toys, including those that use cameras and otherwise capture what kids are doing. Simply speaking, a toy isn’t the same as a smart speaker or other typical voice-activated devices — it’s explicitly aimed at kids, and there are different privacy expectations as a result.
Source: Norwegian Consumer Council
Tim Cook Says Apple Watch Set New Sales Record in First Holiday Shopping Week
Earlier today data from market research firm IDC said that Apple Watch’s share of the wearables market fell to 5% as fitness trackers “reigned supreme.” In an email responding to a Reuters inquiry about the report, Apple CEO Tim Cook said Apple Watch’s sell-through rate hit a new high recently.
“Sales growth is off the charts. In fact, during the first week of holiday shopping, our sell-through of Apple Watch was greater than any week in the product’s history. And as we expected, we’re on track for the best quarter ever for Apple Watch,” he said.
Cook added that Apple’s data shows that the Watch “looks to be one of the most popular holiday gifts this year.” The IDC report estimated that Apple shipped 1.1 million Apple Watch units in the third quarter, down from 3.9 million shipments last year during the same quarter.
IDC attributed the decline to an “aging lineup” and an “unintuitive user interface.” Apple addressed those concerns with the Apple Watch Series 2, but the model’s launch date in mid-September hampered its impact in the third quarter.
While Cook told Reuters that Apple’s sell-through rate was high, he has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for specific sales figures. Apple doesn’t disclose Apple Watch sales figures, instead grouping it into its “other products” category, which also includes iPod and Apple TV, in earnings results.
Related Roundups: Apple Watch Series 2, watchOS 3
Tag: Tim Cook
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
Discuss this article in our forums
Samsung Galaxy S8 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET
Samsung will need to work on its charred reputation.
Josh Miller/CNET
Samsung has tumbled — exploding Galaxy Note 7 phones precipitated the company’s fiery fall from grace — but its smartphone legacy isn’t over. More reliable, less fire-prone phones are on the horizon, despite Samsung’s profits plummeted to its lowest in nearly eight years in the wake of recalling and then completely ceasing production on the Note 7. Meanwhile, the company faces lawsuits, as well as exploding appliances that go beyond flammable phones, too.
And that’s exactly why so much is riding on the Korean manufacturing giant’s next phone, the Samsung Galaxy S8
A next-generation follow-up to the Galaxy S7 that was released last March, it will be the first phone to help redirect Samsung’s efforts to gain new buyers who don’t already have a Samsung phone. And, to be clear: unlike the Note 7, there have been no known claims of fires or explosions with the Galaxy S7, so at least this line’s reputation is intact.
The Galaxy S8 gives Samsung a chance to lure gunshy buyers back to the brand with exceptional technology or rock-bottom prices. And Samsung has the power to make a truly great phone. After all, reviewers like me had initially lauded the Note 7 as one of the most impressive phones Samsung had ever made. The question is, will the Galaxy S8 have enough of the goods to refocus shoppers who bolted after the Note 7 debacle? And can Samsung win back buyers’ trust?
The Galaxy S8 is still likely months away from making its debut, but the leaks and rumors have already begun. We bring you the most important of the bunch.
No early Galaxy S8 launch despite Note 7 drama
At one point, some suggested that the Galaxy S8 would attempt to kickstart Samsung’s rebound earlier than its usual late February/early March cycle that’s tied to the giant Mobile World Congress event in Spain. Given that the Note 7 issues may have in part been caused by a rush job to get the phone out ahead of schedule, speeding full steam ahead probably isn’t the best route, especially if Samsung is still trying to pinpoint what went wrong with two rounds of Note 7 batteries (the initial batch and the replacement phones).
In fact, it could come later than expected
The phone might even be pushed back to April, according to another rumor, as Samsung scurries to find and fix for good the error that led to explosions in the first place. Another major blowup could torch what’s left of the brand’s credibility. Either way, another bit of scuttlebutt says the phone’s firmware is already in production.
Close
Drag
All screen, all the time
The face of next year’s Galaxy S8 could be 90 percent screen, according to one report out of South Korea, up from an average ratio of 80 percent screen-to-bezels. That’s supported by another suggestion that the Galaxy S8 could toss out its whole home button — including the fingerprint reader — and use an optical sensor that lives beneath the display.
It wouldn’t be the first time we’d see a nearly bezel-less screen. Chinese phone maker Xiaomi just released the latest attempt at this tech unicorn, the ceramic-backed Mi Mix.
Super-high 4K resolution
It’s also expected that Samsung will go ultra-high-def for its next big phone, bumping up the S7’s current resolution (2,560×1,440 pixels) to a 4K resolution of 3,840×2,160 pixels.
Sony beat Samsung to the UHD punch last year with its Xperia X Performance. At that time, TV reviewer David Katzmaier and I argued the futility of such a move, but with VR headsets that integrate with phones slowly gaining fans (like Samsung’s own Gear VR), there is at least one case for having more pixels on your phone than you might have on your TV.
Unlike the S7 and S7 Edge here, both Samsung’s Galaxy S8 phones could curve.
Josh Miller/CNET
Galaxy S8 and curved-screen Edge could be one and the same
The Galaxy S8 could have the same curved sides as the S7 Edge, according to another rumor. But that wouldn’t mean Samsung would only sell one phone. Keeping up with a recent tradition, the Galaxy S8 could still come in two sizes.
Two rear cameras and better selfies on the way
A report out of Korea points to two cameras on the back, just like with the iPhone 7 Plus, LG V20 and Huawei P9.
Samsung’s next front-facing camera could also bring auto-focus to the Galaxy S8 using technology that differs from autofocus in the phone’s main camera. Don’t worry about that camera module sticking out, either. The rumor out of Korea claims this module will remain flush with the phone face.
The Galaxy S8 might have a pressure-sensitive screen
Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard this rumor before when the Galaxy S7 was supposedly going to have a screen you could press and hold to make submenus pop up (like Apple’s 3D Touch for iPhone). It never happened, but maybe this time, one Korean outlet reported, it will.
It could have an AI assistant named Bixby
Filing a patent for a digital assistant named Bixby is a pretty good indicator of Samsung’s intentions in this area. The info dovetails nicely with rumors that the Galaxy S8 will include a new digital assistant, and perhaps a dedicated button to launch it. Handily enough, Samsung bought AI startup Viv, which coincidentally spun up Apple’s Siri.
We’ll update as more rumors and stories surface in the long leadup to the launch.
Honda’s NeuV concept fires up its ’emotion engine’
Enthusiasts frequently talk about cars as though they have personalities and feelings, despite that not being the case. However, Honda’s latest concept aims to change that. It’s called the NeuV, and Honda describes it as an “automated EV commuter vehicle” that will be able to have emotions. Kind of.
In conjunction with a company called Cocoro SB, Honda endowed the NeuV with what is called an “emotion engine,” but it’s not what allowed you to play Gran Turismo 3 about 15 years ago. According to a press release from July when Honda announced the collaboration, the technology will allow the car to react to its owner’s conversations and emotions, with the goal being that the owner forms a deeper emotional bond to the vehicle.
The prospect of a car that have feelings is one that leaves us unsure of how to feel ourselves. At least for the sake of the car, we hope the system works well at generating affection, because the shape sure doesn’t. Though the transparent panels are interesting, it’s hard to get excited by a machine that shares more design cues with the Whirlpool line than most conventional automobiles.
As for the idea of emotional cars on a larger scale, it could be awesome, or unsettling. It would be really cool to take a sports car with emotions out for a spirited drive, and for it to feel as happy and joyous as we are behind the wheel. It would be like having a real life Herbie from The Love Bug. However, we also wouldn’t want our cars to become upset with us, and it’s hard not to conjure images of Christine or HAL 9000 when thinking along those lines. If a future Honda refuses to open your doors, start car shopping immediately. In the meantime, we’ll be looking forward to learning more when it debuts at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show.
Related Video:
Source: Honda
66 of the best Christmas movies you can stream right now
If you’re anything like us, you plan to watch as many Christmas films as possible over the holiday season.
There are tonnes of films to choose from, after all, including cult classics, cute newbies, and of course the occasional oddballs that you secretly love. But instead of trudging through the snow to a video store (if those even exist anymore) to get physical copies, you should just step into the 21st century and stream them. From YouTube to Netflix, movie-streaming services are aplenty. All you have to do is browse the gallery aboe, pick a movie and streaming service, and watch.
- 36 geeky wrapping papers to use on Christmas gifts this year
- Best geek Christmas jumpers: Star Wars, Sonic, Game of Thrones, etc
As we’re in a festive/giving spirit though, you don’t even have to do that, because we’ve rounded up 66 of the best Christmas movies available to stream online right now. Some of them cost a tiny bit of money, while others are free. We’ve even included some non-traditional Holiday movies. Remember, you can check JustWatch.com to find any movie – Christmas or whatever – across all the streaming services out there, though we added links to streams in our gallery.
You’ll also find trailers and ratings. Happy Christmas!
Click here to browse the gallery.
AIVAnet 