Google


Google launches Chromecast streaming device in Europe

Google has launched its low-price Chromecast HDMI streaming stick in 11 countries outside of its home market of the US. The device is available now in Canada and 10 European countries: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. “Since announcing Chromecast in the US, […]

News brief: Warner Bros. close to Machinima investment

Hollywood studio Warner Bros. is leading a round of funding that will see US$18 million sunk into YouTube gamer-related content channel Machinima, according to several US reports. Existing Machinima investors including Google are also understood to contributing to the new funding. Google led an earlier funding round in 2012 that raised US$35 million. The Wall […]

OTT leads the way on 4K

As if the OTT players weren’t bumping heads with traditional broadcasters enough already, they’ve now claimed the high ground on the latest original programming battlefield: ultra high-definition, also known as 4K. Jesse Whittock and Andy McDonald report While Michael Bay was suffering an autocue-induced meltdown on stage at the Consumer Electronics Show last month, numerous […]

HBO GO launches on Google’s Chromecast

HBO’s catch-up service GO has launched on Chromecast, the internet giant’s digital media player. The launch means that consumers with the Chromecast device, which is currently only available in the US, can watch signature HBO series including Game of Thrones, Girls and Boardwalk Empire. Google announced the news in a blog post from Shanna Prevé, […]

CBS says new platforms allow it to ‘reset’ content sales business

CBS’ COO Joe Ianniello has told analysts that the introduction of new platforms and digital services is allowing the company to “reprice and reset” what it can command for its content. CBS recently issued bullish forecasts for its international content business and Ianniello told a Wells Fargo TMT conference this week that the advent of […]

Google starts using ‘Android TV’ brand

Google is reportedly preparing to ditch its struggling Google TV brand and align its TV efforts more closely with the Android platform. The US-based GigaOm website, citing an executive from a consumer electronics manufacturer that had been producing Google TV devices, reported that Google was referring to its new strategy as ‘Android TV’. Google recently […]

Google launches TV streaming dongle

Google has launched a low-price TV dongle designed for people to stream web content to their TV set. Google said the Chromecast device is designed to “make it easy to bring your favourite online entertainment to the biggest screen in your house”, and is its latest attempt to break into the living room, launching alongside […]

Google ‘in talks over online TV service’

Google has reportedly approached media companies about licensing content for an internet TV service, in a bid to offer a cable TV-style service over the web. According to an Wall Street Journal report, Google has made “made overtures to some programmers in recent months” about the initiative, and is looking to license linear channels – […]

Machinima looking for funding to boost originals slate

Videogame-focused online video network Machinima is reportedly looking to raise a new round of funding after hiring financial advisors Allen & Co. According to an All Things D report, Machinima is aiming for a “mega-round” of financing that could reach the “US$70 million-plus” range, in order spend more money licensing original shows. It is also […]

MTG creates digital hub in VOD drive

Modern Times Group is to create a new ‘digital hub’ to accelerate the pace of its innovation and expansion into digital distribution. The new unit, MTGx, will he headed by MTG executive VP and chief digital officer Rikard Steiber. The division will be charged with developing video-on-demand experiences, building a portfolio of new entertainment services […]