This year's Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida has been full of big news, namely the debut of The Last Jedi trailer and the announcement of Battlefront II, but there was also a bit of sad news for fans of the popular animated show Star Wars Rebels. While a trailer for the upcoming fourth season was shown, series creator Dave Filoni also confirmed that it would be the show's final season.
Hulu's live television service is in a very closed beta at the moment, and we still don't know how much it will cost once it goes live. We've heard various rumors over the past several months, all of them gravitating around the $30/month range, and now a new report has surfaced with a new tipped monthly rate: $39.99/month. If that does turn out to be the case, Hulu will be launching the plan at the highest rate possible while staying under the quoted $40/month threshold.
The first in a series of clips has been revealed for the newest Lucasfilm project in the Star Wars universe: Star Wars: Forces of Destiny. This show will give a boost to the already awesome new collection of female characters that've popped up in the Star Wars universe over the past couple of years. Taking place in a variety of points in the Star Wars timeline and from several different perspectives, this show will also fill in some moments between already-covered parts of the Star Wars movies.
Sling TV has expanded the availability of its Cloud DVR, bringing it to Roku and Android subscribers in addition to the 'First Look' subscribers who have already had access (via Amazon devices). Assuming you have one of the supported devices, you'll be able to sign up for Cloud DVR to store videos for watching later on. Unlike some competing services, though, Cloud DVR on Sling TV isn't free -- signing up will tack an extra $5 onto your monthly bill.
An acquisition of VIZIO by LeEco will no longer be happening this year. merger between LeEco and VIZIO was mentioned as a possibility earlier this year by both companies - that's no longer going to happen. In a message from LeEco today we're to understand that the merger agreement will not be moving forward "due to regulatory headwinds." That could mean a lot of different things - but the result is the same: VIZIO and LeEco will remain separate companies and brands. They'll also be teaming up on a few projects, so to speak.
The Nickelodeon cartoon Invader Zim invaded our hearts and imaginations more than a decade ago, only to end up short-lived and relegated to online streaming services. If you've long awaited the classic cartoon's return, there's good news coming your way: Invader Zim will be hitting televisions soon(ish) in the form of a made-for-TV animated movie. A teaser trailer for the movie has already been released.
Samsung has announced the availability of its 2017 MU Series televisions, all of which feature Ultra HD 4K resolutions alongside a host of features, including things like (depending on model) a smart remote control, HDR Extreme, 4K Color Drive Extreme, Triple Black Extreme, and more. The lineup is composed of four series ranging from MU 6 to MU 9, and as expected, the prices are likewise scattered across a somewhat large spectrum. All of the models are available now.
Sling TV has expanded its premium channel lineup, adding Showtime as one of the options for those who want it. The add-on can be tacked onto one's existing channel package for $10/month extra, giving subscribers access to the network and its eight individual channels. Showtime joins the service's existing premium offerings, including HBO, Starz and Cinemax.
If at first you don't succeed, try Plan B. Apple doesn't seem to be having any luck in getting anywhere near its long-rumored TV service, so it might be settling for the next best thing instead. According to the usual sources familiar with the matter, Cupertino is planning on offering HBO, Showtime, and Starz in a single-price bundle, instead of the piecemeal channels it already has available. Whether or not this plan will pan out, however, largely depends on whether Apple is finally able to convince TV networks to do what it wants this time.
Rick and Morty fans, the day you've been long awaiting is finally here! Adult Swim began broadcasting the first episode of the animated show's much anticipate third season on Saturday, and before you ask, no, it wasn't an April Fools' joke. Not only did the first new episode in over a year and half run during Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block last night, but it was also played on repeat on Adult Swim's streaming website.
Television maker Vizio has taken the wraps off its new 2017 D-Series Smart TV Collection, a product lineup the includes multiple Ultra HD models. These televisions are targeted at 'value-minded' buyers, according to Vizio, which says its models offer resolutions at HD, Full HD, and 4K levels, as well as the expected functionality you'd find on any smart TV, including the maker's own Internet Apps Plus.
These days, the streaming video market is varied and plentiful, with everything from Netflix and Hulu to HBO Now and PlayStation Vue. There's also word that TV network AMC, home of The Walking Dead, is looking to get into the game with its own service. However, they might not have thought their strategy all the way through. Sources say the network is developing an ad-free, paid service that will still require viewers to have a standard cable subscription.
