Tag: streaming

Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced in a joint statement a new expanded partnership agreement. This deal, reportedly worth over $70 billion, not only continues their exclusive partnership in the United States but also expands Netflix's "pay-1 window" premiere rights globally. This means that the highly anticipated live-action *The Legend of Zelda* film will premiere exclusively on Netflix worldwide after its theatrical run. From US Exclusivity to Global Coverage: Under the new agreement, Netflix will exclusively acquire the first-run streaming rights to Sony Pictures films after their theatrical release and VOD sales. Unlike previous agreements limited to the US, this new partnership expands globally. In addition to the highly anticipated live-action *The Legend of Zelda*, the four upcoming *Beatles* biopics directed by Sam Mendes are also included in the agreement. In addition, Netflix will also gain access to Sony's vast library of existing films and television series, enriching its content database. A $70 billion "Arsenal of Power": According to Variety, this multi-year contract is worth over $70 billion. While the official statement indicates the new agreement will gradually take effect this year, with full implementation expected by 2029, this investment is clearly aimed at solidifying Netflix's advantage in the content asset war. In fact, the collaboration between the two companies has already yielded fruitful results. Sony films such as *Spider-Man: A New Universe*, *Uncharted*, and the romantic comedy *Anyone But You* have all received excellent "second life" after being released on Netflix. Even Sony's animated film *K-Pop: Demon Hunters* achieved theatrical success thanks to Netflix's efforts. Behind the Scenes: Acquiring Warner Bros.? Besides strengthening its alliance with Sony, Netflix also plans to acquire Warner Bros. for a staggering $827 billion...

Microsoft recently announced the addition of Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming to its entry-level Game Pass Core and standard subscription service, Game Pass Standard. This expands the reach of the service, previously exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, and broadens its user base. The update will initially be tested through the Xbox Insider program, allowing Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers to play supported games directly from the cloud. This includes streaming some of their owned games, meaning players are no longer limited by device capabilities; with an internet connection, they can stream games anytime, anywhere on their phones, tablets, or other compatible devices. The Xbox Insider team stated that during this Insider testing phase, Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers will be able to stream supported cloud games, including some games they have already purchased. This aligns with Microsoft's current approach of extending cloud services into gaming, ensuring that streaming is no longer exclusive to premium subscribers. However, the full Xbox Cloud Gaming experience remains limited to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, meaning the streaming experience will differ across subscriptions, potentially in terms of streaming resolution, graphics quality, and other aspects. Since this update is still in beta, there may be variations in the final release. Previous reports suggested a possible free streaming version with ad-supported costs, but this is currently unconfirmed.

After previously testing the ability to stream Xbox games across multiple devices to select players, Microsoft announced that it will now be available to all Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, but an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is still required. Furthermore, to use this feature, players must be located in a country or region where Microsoft offers cloud streaming services, meaning that players in Taiwan who do not currently have Xbox cloud streaming support cannot use it. Currently, over 100 games, including Assassin's Creed: Shadowslayer, Baldur's Gate 3, Legacy of Hogwarts, and Animal Well, support this streaming feature. Microsoft will clearly indicate which games support streaming in the game content. Microsoft also announced that backward compatible Xbox and Xbox 360 games can now also be streamed via this feature, further expanding the lineup of games supporting streaming. This feature allows players to play their personal Xbox games that support this streaming service via a browser login on select smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, and Meta Quest VR headsets, as well as PCs, tablets, or mobile phones. This enables players to stream games anytime via the cloud and continue playing on other devices at home. However, while allowing players to stream Xbox games from more connected devices, Microsoft has removed the streaming functionality from the Xbox App in an update, but the browser-based streaming option remains available.

KKCompany announced the global launch of BlendVision One, a cloud-based one-stop video service. Leveraging Streaming as a Service (SaaS) and subscription models, BlendVision One allows users to quickly utilize three main functions: live streaming, intelligent video encoding, and on-demand video hosting. BlendVision One is primarily designed for businesses and developers looking to adopt streaming technology, enabling users to quickly integrate various live streaming technologies through a subscription model. It also addresses issues such as latency, poor image quality, and storage management, while reducing the risk of video leaks. Through BlendVision One, users can convert video files into formats compatible with online platforms and improve conversion efficiency through artificial intelligence, thereby reducing operating costs. Ultra Low Latency Live (ULLR) technology allows for hosting global-scale online live events in 4K quality, and a robust Digital Rights Management (DRM) mechanism encrypts content to prevent illegal copying and simplifies content management. BlendVision One includes three main service functions: • Real-time Live Streaming: Supports ultra-low latency live streaming technology and 4K UHD ultra-high resolution picture quality. Through an easy-to-use interface and customizable video player, combined with interactive modules such as chat and voting, it brings viewers an immersive and participatory experience. In addition, it includes various video content protection options, including region and domain restrictions, watermarking, and one-to-one authentication, ensuring secure live streaming to the world. • Intelligent Video Encoding: Utilizes exclusive internationally patented Per-Title Encoding (PTE) technology, using AI to automatically identify different bitrates for optimized video compression and transcoding, reducing...

KKStream today (October 26th) released its Asia-Pacific Video Streaming Industry Insights Report, illustrating the application trends of streaming technology in B2B and demonstrating that its BlendVision modular streaming solution helps businesses save an average of approximately 43% on external communication costs. Data from 2020 to 2021 shows that businesses adopting streaming solutions for external communication can save an average of 43% on event costs, and can conduct business communication more efficiently without geographical or venue limitations, thereby significantly saving preparation time and expenses including venue rental, transportation, and catering. Besides applications in concerts and other performance events, streaming technology is currently more commonly used in internal corporate meetings, communication with customers and sales channels, and maintaining investor and public relations. The four most popular streaming applications for businesses are identity control and content security, semi-pre-recorded live streaming, chat room interaction, and live video playback. Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses choosing streaming services. KKStream's streaming solution, BlendVision, offers access control mechanisms, watermarking technology, and content encryption to effectively address businesses' concerns about cybersecurity risks. KKStream also found that 65% of businesses choose semi-pre-recorded live streams, using post-production technology to enhance audio-visual quality and create a realistic live experience. Meanwhile, 73% of businesses use chat rooms and voting features during live streams, and over 90% of organizers choose to record the live stream as a video for later playback, thereby increasing event interactivity and long-tail promotional effects, generating greater publicity than offline events. Due to the impact of the pandemic in recent years, video streaming has become an essential tool, and the mass market has also become accustomed to interacting through online live streaming. KKStream stated that enterprise streaming demand in the Asia-Pacific region grew by 22% this year and is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 16% until 2025, with streaming communication for customer and sales channel relationships showing the strongest growth. Furthermore, KKStream explained that streaming technology not only helps businesses achieve multi-channel communication but also enables them to use streaming data for subsequent analysis and data integration, thereby extracting more useful information.

In an interview during E3 2019, Square Enix President Yosuke Matsuda revealed his desire to re-release all past games in high-definition and make them available to more players through new digital formats. He also hinted at future considerations for subscription downloads or streaming. In the media interview, Matsuda stated that the company does indeed have plans to port past games to new platforms in high-definition, and even hopes to bring classic games from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) era to next-generation consoles, allowing more players to enjoy them. In the past, Square Enix has indeed re-released many classic titles on new console platforms, even remaking them with new technologies, such as *Final Fantasy VII Remake* and *Trials of Mana* remake. However, Matsuda also revealed that in the past, some games were not intended to be remade years later, and therefore the original game code was not properly preserved, making it extremely difficult to re-create or remake them in high definition. However, given Square Enix's current development direction, re-porting classic games will indeed become a key marketing strategy, hoping to attract more players to Square Enix's titles and increase brand awareness and usage. Yosuke Matsuda even stated his desire to promote Square Enix's games through various digital methods, including subscription downloads and streaming, making it easier for more players to enjoy their titles. Currently, Square Enix has not revealed whether it plans to launch its own game subscription service or partner with other game streaming services. Google and Microsoft already offer their own game streaming services, with Microsoft even proposing the subscription-based Xbox Game Pass, while Ubisoft and EA have also offered their own game subscription services.

Recent reports have suggested that Microsoft will bring its Xbox Game Pass subscription service to the Nintendo Switch, seemingly aiming to attract more gamers by expanding its game content across more consoles. However, some believe that the likelihood of Microsoft implementing this plan at this stage is low. Currently, there is no indication from Microsoft that it will bring its Xbox Game Pass subscription service to the Nintendo Switch. Even though Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's Xbox division, has repeatedly emphasized bringing more gaming experiences to players, this primarily targets the Xbox One and Windows PC platforms, without revealing any plans to bring exclusive titles from its game studios to other consoles. On the other hand, while CAPCOM has already launched Resident Evil 7 on the Nintendo Switch via streaming, it's essentially a standalone game release, unlike Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service which is a monthly subscription. Given Nintendo's platform game distribution policies, it's unlikely that Microsoft will be able to launch this subscription service on the Nintendo Switch. However, whether there will be a cross-platform collaboration with Nintendo in the future, allowing the Nintendo Switch to stream Microsoft Game Studios exclusive titles, or even collaborations with more consoles, remains uncertain. If Microsoft does confirm the rollout of the Xbox Game Pass subscription service on other console platforms, it may be revealed as early as E3 2019.

Reports indicate that German telecom operator Verizon is expected to launch its streaming gaming service for Android devices, possibly named "Verizon Gaming." (Image/Taken from The Verge website) According to The Verge, "Verizon Gaming" will adopt a service model similar to PlayStation Now, allowing users to stream game content via Android devices and controllers. However, this service, currently in Alpha testing, appears to only support NVIDIA Shield TV devices. Verizon will also provide Amazon gift cards worth up to $150, allowing users to play console games including Fortnite, God of War, Detroit: Become Human, Red Dead Redemption, Monster Hunter: World, Battlefield V, and Grand Theft Auto V. (Image/Taken from The Verge) Since the testing is currently in the Alpha stage, the actual experience seems less than ideal, with many early testers reporting noticeable latency issues. However, it is expected that performance will improve as 5G network services become more widespread. Furthermore, many of the currently included games are PlayStation 4 exclusives, suggesting potential for more collaborations with PlayStation and other game publishers such as Ubisoft and Epic Games...

In addition to announcing the acquisitions of game studios Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment, Microsoft also announced at X018 the addition of popular games, including *PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds* and *Hellblade*, to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Related to this year's acquisitions, Microsoft is further making popular games from developers currently under its Microsoft Studios available through Xbox Game Pass, allowing players to experience the content anytime via subscription streaming. This aims to attract more players through online streaming. The continued strengthening of the subscription streaming model indicates Microsoft's intention to enhance its streaming game service, breaking down the previous limitations imposed by hardware specifications and allowing players to control the game via Xbox, PC, laptop, or tablet, or even using a controller, mouse, or keyboard. Not long ago, Microsoft announced its cloud streaming game service, tentatively named Project xCloud, which is expected to open for public beta in 2019. Built on the Azure service platform, it is expected to operate in over 54 Azure service regions, covering 140 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, Microsoft is also preparing to assist in migrating over 3000 games currently available on the Xbox One platform to the cloud platform, thereby building a larger gaming experience. In addition to announcing the addition of more games to the Xbox Game Pass service, Microsoft also announced a $1 trial offer for players who haven't yet used Xbox Game Pass before the end of the year-end holidays, a significant discount compared to the original monthly subscription fee of $9.99. The games announced at X018 to be added to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service are as follows: * PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) - November 12th * Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice - ...

Following its announcement at E3 2015 last year of further integration with Oculus Rift, Microsoft recently confirmed that the Xbox One Streaming App will allow users to stream Xbox One games to their PCs and display the footage on the Oculus Rift. According to Microsoft's announcement, a free downloadable Xbox One Streaming App will be released, allowing users to stream Xbox One games to Windows 10 PCs connected to an Oculus Rift and display the footage on a larger virtual screen. Currently, this includes games such as Gears of War 4 and Forza Horizon 3...