‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ Gets 4K Mention on iTunes, Suggesting Disney’s 4K Holdout May Be Ending

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has received a card on the iTunes Movies storefront that encourages users to watch the film in 4K HDR on the Apple TV 4K, suggesting that Disney’s 4K video holdout on iTunes may end soon. The change comes after news in September that Disney would be the only major Hollywood studio not supporting 4K versions of its films on the iTunes Movies store, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movies.

Right now, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 appears under the “Now Available to Rent” section of iTunes with a new “Watch It in 4K” card, but when you tap through to the movie’s page it’s still listed as HD-only as of writing. As such, the mention could be an error, or the first hint at more Marvel and other Disney movies imminently gaining 4K iTunes support.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is another Marvel Studios movie — a studio which Disney owns — that’s in 4K HDR on iTunes, but it has been 4K since it released on the digital storefront in September due to the distribution rights of the film being owned by Sony, not Disney.

For now, it appears that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is the only Disney-related film with a hint of having imminent 4K support on iTunes. Other newly released Disney films, including Cars 3 and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, don’t have mentions of 4K support anywhere on iTunes yet. Apple’s 4K iTunes films are priced at the same point as HD versions — $20 — and if you previously owned the movie in HD, Apple automatically upgrades it to 4K HDR without requiring additional payment.

If Disney does begin a wider rollout of 4K support across its iTunes film catalogue, it will be joining 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros., and Universal Pictures in backing the 4K video format on Apple devices.

(Thanks @vash_maxwell!)

Related Roundup: Apple TVTags: Disney, MarvelBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
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LG has steep Black Friday discounts on its premium OLED TVs

Even if you don’t follow 4K TV technology closely, you probably know that OLED TVs have the best picture available and that they’re hella expensive. If you’ve been drooling over one but don’t quite have the cash, now might be the time to pounce, as LG is offering all of its 2017 models with deep discounts for Black Friday starting today.

As a reminder, LG’s 2017 OLED sets all have support for most HDR formats, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision, giving you the best possible picture for Netflix or Ultra HD Blu-ray streaming. Other features include LG’s webOS 3.5 Smart TV system for quick switching between streaming and broadcast TV and LG’s Magic Remote.

As for the image quality, OLED sets are widely regarded for their deep blacks, thanks to the fact that each OLED pixel provides its own light source and can be shut off completely. They also cover 99 percent of the demanding DCI-P3 gamut, giving you the maximum colors, gamut and accuracy. OLEDs aren’t known for their great brightness, but LG managed to boost levels by 25 percent on many models this year. The only thing OLED panels still aren’t is fast, so don’t count on the TVs for super-accurate gaming performance.

Between November 19th and 27th, LG’s 55-inch and 65-inch B7A models will be on sale for $1,499 and $2,299, respectively, discounts of $800 and $1,000 over the regular prices, LG says. As mentioned, all ten of its TVs, including the slim B7 and C7 models, the “picture-on-glass” E7, the high-end G7 and wall-mounted, one-tenth-of-an-inch thick W7 LG Signature OLED, will be discounted by varying amounts.

Source: LG

FCC vote could force low-income households offline

Bootstrapping yourself out of poverty via the internet is about to get a lot harder in the US. The FCC, led by industry-friendly chairman Ajit Pai, has voted along party lines to reform the low-income Lifeline broadband subsidy program. Among the most contentious items are a proposal to tighten eligibility requirements and cap spending, and another to halt subsidies through internet resellers like Windstream. If voted through, the latter proposal could force over 70 percent of Lifeline enrollees to seek a new provider, and many would have no option at all.

Lifeline gives low-income households a $9.25 monthly credit towards discounted home internet service from 900 participating companies. Until last year, that could only be applied to landline and mobile voice service, but former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler expanded the program to broadband early last year. However, Pai scrapped an FCC directive that came at the end of Wheeler’s tenure that allowed nine new companies to participate, and promised more cost-cutting reforms, supposedly to close the digital divide.

Some of the reforms are still in the proposal stages, but the FCC issued a direct order yesterday that directly affects Tribal land residents. Those folks used to receive a $25 monthly subsidy on top of the $9.25 discount, but in 90 days, they’ll no longer be able to obtain the $25 subsidy through resellers. That will give many Native Americans far fewer options for mobile internet. “This will be a travesty to Indian Country because it will turn back the clock to times when consumers had but one choice,” Joe Redcloud from the South Dakota Sioux Tribe told the Washington Post.

Another proposal suggests that the FCC eliminate Lifeline subsidies across the US through carriers that don’t operate their own networks, but resell services from AT&T, Verizon and other companies. Advocacy group Public Knowledge says that 70 percent of Lifeline subscribers use such resellers, so they would be forced to use AT&T, T-Mobile and other direct providers.

This is not real reform. This is cruelty. It is at odds with our statutory duty. It will do little more than consign too many communities to the wrong side of the digital divide.

However, those carriers are often more expensive than resellers, so switching could eliminate much of the $9.25 Lifeline benefit. In some instances, low-income users wouldn’t have any option at all. “In many states, facilities-based providers have opted out of offering Lifeline-supported service altogether and prefer to allow non-facilities-based wireless providers to serve Lifeline subscribers and the low-income segments of the wireless market,” Public Knowledge wrote.

Finally, the FCC is looking at a cap that could drastically reduce the Lifeline budget and institute more rigorous checks. “The reforms that we implement and propose today seek to … curtail the waste, fraud and abuse that continue to plague the Lifeline program,” Pai said ahead of the vote. That includes forcing subscribers — many of whom have their broadband bill entirely paid by Lifeline — into co-paying part of their bill.

That could effectively cut off a lot of the most needy Lifeline recipients from the internet altogether. “The co-pay requirement would create significant attrition in the program since most subscribers are on plans that provide no-cost service, and many Lifeline subscribers lack bank accounts and access to basic financial services,” Public Knowledge said.

The advocacy group notes that there is no support for the FCC’s plan in the 50-plus dockets filed since the proposal was issued. Meanwhile, dozens of others from veterans, seniors, Tribes, and even the wireless industry have urged it not to implement the proposed items. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who voted against the bill, put it succinctly. “This is not real reform. This is cruelty,” she said. “It is at odds with our statutory duty. It will do little more than consign too many communities to the wrong side of the digital divide.”

Source: FCC

Watch Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot nail a backflip

We’ve grown accustomed to seeing Boston Dynamics’ impressive line-up of robots strutting about in periodic video updates, each more terrifying than the last. But, every once in a while, the company unleashes a clip so awesome you can’t help but watch. And, so it is with its latest vid starring the humanoid machine known as Atlas. You know, the poor bot that’s been toiling away for years, in between tethered walks and prods from its human trainers. The 5-foot 9-inch robot is currently lighter and more agile than ever (thanks to last year’s upgrade), and now it’s gone all Jackie Chan for a backflip.

Yes, you read right, Atlas can now add somersaults to its arsenal, which also includes, um, walking (very) slowly. The last time we saw the bot it was cautiously navigating tricky terrain, now it’s leaping like it hasn’t a care in the world. Check it out for yourself in the video above. And, when you’ve picked your jaw back up from the floor, watch it again — in slow motion. If robo-Olympics were a thing, we know who’d win gold in gymnastics.

Source: Boston Dynamics (YouTube)

‘Top Gun 3D’ comes with its own virtual movie theater

Paramount has apparently been busy building its own movie theater these past six months — and it’s the kind of you can access anywhere you are, because it exists in virtual reality. According to Deadline, the studio teamed up with cross-platform software Bigscreen and worked with Oculus, Samsung, HTC and Microsoft to create a virtual cinema where it can show its films. They’re launching the theater to the public on December 3rd with a showing of Top Gun 3D.

Unlike other VR movie apps that give you access to a virtual personal theater, the program was created to emulate how it truly feels to go to the movies. After putting on your headset, you’ll have to “walk” into the cinema and find a seat. You can even chat with your seatmates in the virtual audience, and you’ll have to watch trailers on the huge projection screen before the film starts.

Those are what you could expect when you log into Bigscreen’s website on any VR headset on December 3rd. Take note that you can watch Top Gun 3D for free after the initial showing for the next 24 hours, in 30-minute increments. Tom Hayes, Paramount’s SVP of New Media, was the one who came across Bigscreen a year ago and initiated the theater’s development. “It launches a possible new platform for the film business,” he said. “Obviously, you can add all sorts of bonus content with the filmmakers Q&A, games, trivia, for example, afterwards. There’s no limit to what we can do.”

Deadline says Paramount already has a lineup of films to show on its virtual theater next year. While the studio hasn’t released the list yet, they’re most likely older films — one of them could be Terminator 3D — that the company intends to use to gauge people’s interest. If it becomes a hit, it could become more than just a platform for Paramount to show old films and could inspire other studios and video-on-demand services to follow suit.

Via: CNET

Source: Deadline

‘DirecTV Now’ Offering Free 32GB Apple TV 4K When Signing Up for 4-Month Service at $140

With DirecTV Now’s latest offer, if you sign up for four months of the streaming TV service at an upfront cost of around $140, you’ll get the 32GB Apple TV 4K for free. DirecTV Now starts at $35/month for the “Live a Little” package, which adds up to $140 for four months of service (without any additions like HBO or Showtime). Higher tiers increase to $50/month, $60/month, and $70/month with more channels added to each.

If you opt for the lowest tier, you can get Apple’s latest Apple TV 4K device for just $140, which is $40 cheaper than its traditional price point of $180 at Apple and other retailers. If you take advantage of the savings and eventually decide you don’t want to continue paying for DirecTV Now, you can cancel the service at any time on the company’s website.

The sale is for new customers signing up to DirecTV Now, but existing subscribers can likely use another email and credit card combination to get the free Apple TV 4K. The offer will last through the end of 2017, requires a credit card or PayPal payment, and will see the Apple TV 4K delivered in around three weeks from the order date.

Here’s more of the fine print, which also mentions that DirecTV Now does not currently support 4K HDR content streaming:

4K Apple TV (32 GB): Must prepay first four months of service at full price. Non-refundable. Online orders will be shipped via FedEx ground to address provided at point of sale. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Offer limited to 1 per DIRECTV NOW account; 2 per household. Not combinable with select offers. 4k HD not avail. w/DIRECTV NOW.

To get started, visit DirecTV Now’s website, click “Start your free trial now,” and on the fourth step of the sign-up process you’ll encounter the “Special Offer” section with mention of the Apple TV 4K deal. When you’re done, be sure to head over to our Deals Roundup and Black Friday Roundup to catch up on all of the latest sales as we head into Black Friday.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, Apple DealsTag: DirecTV NowBuyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now)
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Apple Discounts BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless by $40 to $60

Apple has discounted its BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless headphones by $40 to $60 for a limited time in the United States.

• BeatsX — $149.95, now $99.95
• Beats Solo3 Wireless — $299.95, now $239.95
• Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless — $199.95, now $159.95

Apple’s discount on Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones also applies to the newer “Neighborhood Collection” colors.

Apple’s BeatsX deal matches some other retailers, but Amazon and Best Buy each have better deals on the Powerbeats3 Wireless and Solo3 Wireless, with the products on sale for as low as $134.99 and $199.99 respectively.

Like AirPods, the BeatsX, Solo3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless are equipped with Apple’s W1 chip for instant pairing with an iPhone. They can then simultaneously connect to an Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac via iCloud.

All three headphones feature Fast Fuel. Five minutes of charging provides up to three hours of playback for the Solo3 Wireless, two hours of playback for the BeatsX, and an hour of playback for the Powerbeats3 Wireless.

Apple’s special Beats prices are available in the United States only for a limited time.

Disclaimer: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon and Best Buy and may get paid if you click one of the above links and make a purchase.

Related Roundup: Apple DealsTags: Beats, BeatsX
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Watch this human-sized robot perform a perfect backflip

Just a few months ago, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot was making a bit of a fool of itself, losing its way on stage in front of an expectant audience before tripping and landing in a heap.

Oh, how we laughed. “The robot apocalypse is a ways off,” we scoffed before taking another look at that hilarious compilation video where lots more robots make themselves look a bit silly.

But then Boston Dynamics posted another video on Thursday, November 16. And we’re not laughing anymore.

Titled, “What’s New, Atlas?” the one-minute sequence begins with the humanoid robot leaping with incredible ease onto a series of blocks of various heights. On the final platform, Atlas performs an impressive 180-degree turn before — and this is the chilling part — executing a spectacular and perfect backflip. Let’s say that again: A spectacular and perfect backflip.

It’s astonishing and horrifying in equal measure, for it now seems only step one away from performing bone-shattering karate kicks, and perhaps just two steps from the robot takeover that deep down we all fear.

The backflip is remarkable on so many levels, not least because Atlas stands at 5 feet 9 inches and weighs 180 pounds. Indeed, the sight of this robot leaping head over rump is certain to leave you wondering if there might be a diminutive Olympic gymnast pulling all the moves from right inside the metal contraption.

Boston Dynamics‘ team of engineers still has to perfect the flip, however, as the end of the video shows Atlas failing to nail it, with amusing consequences.

Still, it’s a remarkable accomplishment, and while we don’t yet see a use for a backflipping robot, the acrobatic leap highlights the technology’s extraordinary ability to achieve great agility, balance, and control. Atlas can already move with ease across a range of terrains using its built-in Lidar and stereo sensors, and even get back up by itself if it falls down, so it appears to be heading toward an endless range of applications.

Boston Dynamics’ new SpotOne

This latest video from Boston Dynamics comes just days after it posted another one highlighting the latest version of its dog-like SpotMini robot. It shows a super-agile machine bounding up to the camera before pausing to “look” into the lens with its head or stump or whatever you’d like to call it. The revamped SpotMini no longer sports the creepy retractable arm that allowed it to carry out a number of tasks, and we’re now waiting to learn more from Boston Dynamics about what plans it has for the robot.

As for Atlas, we dare not speculate as to what the Massachusetts-based team will have it doing next. But when the video shows up, just make sure you’re close to a sofa in case you need to hide behind it.

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The bezel-less Vivo V7 and its astonishing selfie camera breaks out of China

In the same month Xiaomi made its first major push into Europe, smartphone competitor Vivo has also made its first big move outside of China, by announcing the Vivo V7 for international release. But while Xiaomi is concentrating its plans on Spain, including building a retail store network there, Vivo has chosen Russia as its first new market, along with Taiwan, Singapore, and parts of Africa.

Vivo is a big player in China, and is frequently listed as one of the top five smartphone brands in the world, but its name isn’t as well-known internationally as Xiaomi, or even other Chinese phone brands making waves in Europe like Meizu. The Vivo V7 is its calling card, and its release comes just a short time after Vivo signed a $4 billion technical partnership with Qualcomm, where it will share patents and work on emerging mobile tech, such as 5G, together. Vivo means business, and more international releases are expected in 2018.

Why should we pay attention? Let’s look at the Vivo V7. It’s a sister device to the V7+, and embraces that most fashionable 2017 phone trend, the full screen display. It measures 5.7 inches and takes up 83 percent of the front panel, emphasizing the slim bezels at the top and bottom of the device. The resolution is a disappointing 1440 x 720 pixels, though, which seems very low for a modern smartphone. The Vivo V7+ is slightly larger with a 6-inch screen, but is otherwise identical.

The other big feature is a 24-megapixel selfie camera with a portrait mode, a comprehensive beauty mode, HDR, and a soft light flash. Vivo has long sold its phones on the basis of taking great selfies. It also operates the V7’s face unlock system. The V7’s selfie camera has a higher pixel count than the 16-megapixel rear camera, which can also take portrait-style shots using its single lens.

The V7 has an unnamed Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core processor with 4GB of RAM, 32GB of memory, and a MicroSD card slot. There is a fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone, which comes in either black or gold colors. Android 7.1 Nougat is the operating system, with Google Play and other Google services, but with Vivo’s own user interface over the top. It’s called Funtouch, and it’s not familiar to us. Expect it to deviate from stock Android considerably though.

Around $300 will secure a Vivo V7 if you use an importer to get one; but beware, it’s not configured for networks in the United States, therefore may not connect to the fastest 4G signal.

Vivo is an interesting company, and has close ties to both Oppo and OnePlus. It has recently shown off a working version of an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor — something Apple and Samsung both failed to integrate into its 2017 phones — with Qualcomm, which combined with the new partnership, highlights why we think it’s potentially one to watch in the future.

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OnePlus 5T is coming to India on Nov 21 for ₹32,999 — the same price as the OnePlus 5

The OnePlus 5T will launch at the same price point as its predecessor in India.

India is a key market for OnePlus, and the company is looking to stay competitive in the mid-range segment with the OnePlus 5T. The phone will make its debut in the country starting November 21 via an early access sale on Amazon India, with general availability kicking off from November 28. Crucially, the OnePlus 5T will debut at the same price point as the OnePlus 5: the 64GB variant will retail for ₹32,999 ($507), whereas the 128GB edition will cost ₹37,999 ($585).

The OnePlus 5T features an 18:9 6-inch Optic AMOLED display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080 (FHD+), and OnePlus switched out the secondary telephoto lens from the OnePlus 5 and introduced a sensor that focuses on low-light performance. The fingerprint sensor has also been moved to the rear of the device to accommodate the all-screen display.

Otherwise, the phone has specs similar to that of the OnePlus 5: a Snapdragon 835, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, 16MP + 20MP dual cameras at the back,16MP front camera, Wi-Fi ac 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, aptX HD, and a 3300mAh battery with Dash Charge. The phone will be sold in a single Midnight Black color option.

With the introduction of the OnePlus 5, we could see a price cut on the OnePlus 5 in the coming weeks. According to a recent IDC survey, OnePlus devices account for 28% of the market share in the premium smartphone segment in India (phones worth over $400), with the company noting a sizeable bump from the 12% recorded in Q1 2017.

The OnePlus 5 alone managed to carve out a 24.75% share in the premium smartphone category, and a price cut would make the device a much more enticing option for buyers.

As for the OnePlus 5T, you’ll be able to get your hands on the device starting 4:30 p.m. IST on November 21. The first sale is limited to Prime members, but the open sale will kick off on November 28, the same day as the U.S. launch. Head to Amazon from the link below to register your interest.

See at Amazon