Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Netflix Secures HBO Max and Warner Bros. in $83 Billion Deal
    Netflix Secures HBO Max and Warner Bros. in $83 Billion Deal

    Netflix has just unveiled an enormous agreement that, pending regulatory clearance, could transform the Hollywood landscape permanently. Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros. in an estimated $82.7 billion transaction, gaining control over its film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO.

    ### Anticipated Closure of Netflix’s Warner Bros. Acquisition in 12-18 Months

    The highly publicized transaction of Warner Bros. Discovery has reached a critical juncture. Although Paramount Skydance and Comcast participated in the bidding contest, Netflix has emerged victorious.

    Today, Netflix revealed the significant acquisition, which includes a payment of $27.75 per WBD share, bringing the total enterprise valuation to approximately $82.7 billion. This encompasses an equity valuation of $72.0 billion, along with the assumption of existing WBD debt.

    Here are comments from Netflix’s co-CEOs regarding the announcement:

    > “Our mission has consistently been to entertain the globe,” stated Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “By merging Warner Bros.’ exceptional catalog of shows and films—from timeless masterpieces like *Casablanca* and *Citizen Kane* to contemporary favorites like *Harry Potter* and *Friends*—with our culturally significant titles like *Stranger Things*, *KPop Demon Hunters*, and *Squid Game*, we’ll be able to enhance our offerings further. Together, we can provide audiences with more of what they cherish and help shape the next century of storytelling.”

    > “This acquisition will enhance our portfolio and expedite our business over the coming decades,” added Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix. “Warner Bros. has played a crucial role in defining entertainment for over a century and continues to do so with exceptional creative talent and production capabilities. With our global reach and established business model, we can familiarize a wider audience with the universes they conjure—offering our members more choices, drawing more fans to our premier streaming service, bolstering the entire entertainment industry, and generating greater value for shareholders.”

    While regulatory approvals are not assured for the deal, if successful, Netflix anticipates the transaction will finalize within 12-18 months.

    ### A Wave of Questions for Hollywood, Apple, and the Entire Streaming Sphere

    Any sale of Warner Bros. library, alongside its film and TV studios and HBO Max, is expected to create significant ripple effects across Hollywood.

    However, Netflix emerging as the leading bidder raises a particularly extensive set of questions and potential concerns.

    The company is already perceived by many as the victor in the streaming wars, with Netflix consistently maintaining its status as the long-time frontrunner ahead of other platforms.

    Historically, it has also been reluctant to provide significant theatrical runs for its films. Yet now, iconic and lucrative IPs such as Batman, Harry Potter, and others will belong to Netflix.

    The announcement press release states: “Netflix plans to sustain Warner Bros.’ existing operations and capitalize on its strengths, including theatrical distribution for films.” But how vigorous will those theatrical initiatives be? And will they endure for years, or merely serve as a temporary assurance until the deal secures approval and current contracts conclude?

    There’s also the consideration of how Apple may be influenced.

    Currently, Warner Bros. Television creates numerous popular shows for Apple TV, including *Ted Lasso* and *Shrinking*. Will these collaborations persist unchanged, or will Netflix seek to utilize the studio for its exclusive content?

    One thing is certain: the film and TV sector is poised for a tumultuous couple of years ahead.

    Apple TV is offered at $12.99 per month and includes hit shows and films such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, *Pluribus*, and more. It is also available through the Apple One bundle.

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    • Comments Off on How to Retrieve Removed Files from USB Drives
    How to Retrieve Removed Files from USB Drives

    large USB drives boasting terabytes of storage within a compact design. However, just because you can fill a flash drive with numerous files doesn’t necessarily imply that you should.

    USB drives can degrade over time, which could lead to difficulties in reading files. This phenomenon is unavoidable in storage due to the nature of write cycles, yet USB drives typically have a lower rating for write cycles compared to external SSDs, rendering them more appropriate for tasks that aren’t intended for permanent storage. The longevity of a USB drive may differ, with pricier models generally having a longer lifespan thanks to their superior-quality NAND flash memory.

    If you find yourself facing a scenario where one or several files on your drive have been deleted by you or others, there is still optimism. This guide will walk you through the potential methods of recovering your lost files, beginning with the simplest techniques and advancing to the more drastic measures.

    USB files that seem missing might actually be hidden, not deleted

    <source media="(max-width: 428px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/you-can-recover-deleted-files-from-usb-drives-heres-how/missing-usb-files-may-have-been-hidden-instead-of-deleted-1763139290

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Netflix Set to Obtain HBO Max in Warner Bros. Discovery Agreement
    Netflix Set to Obtain HBO Max in Warner Bros. Discovery Agreement

    Bloomberg. In October, Warner Bros. sought potential buyers after receiving interest from multiple parties. At that time, reports indicated that Apple TV was looking to purchase Warner Bros., a decision that would greatly enhance Apple TV’s allure. Paramount and Comcast are among the other entities expressing interest in Warner Bros.’ content. Nevertheless, if the information holds true, Warner Bros. will only consider Netflix’s proposal for the foreseeable future. It remains uncertain how much Netflix is prepared to invest for Warner’s film and television studios, as well as the HBO Max streaming platform.

    Bloomberg highlights that Netflix is proposing a $5 billion breakup fee should regulators deny the suggested agreement. This arrangement might be unveiled in the upcoming days, provided both parties can come to an agreement. The report suggests that Warner Bros. is valued at over $60 billion. A purchase of Warner Bros. by Netflix is not assured, as antitrust authorities in the U.S. and Europe must provide their approval. Resistance to the deal is already arising in the U.S., with Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) allegedly sending a letter to U.S. regulators last month contending that a Netflix acquisition could negatively impact consumers.

    What would ensue with HBO Max under Netflix’s ownership?

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Foldable Smartphone Exceeds Galaxy Z Fold 7 in Essential Characteristics
    Foldable Smartphone Exceeds Galaxy Z Fold 7 in Essential Characteristics

    The 6,560mAh battery in the Nubia Fold delivers a 49% blow to the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

    (Image credit: Nubia)

    Essential Information

    • The Nubia Fold features an impressive 6,560mAh battery, far exceeding the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s 4,400mAh capability.
    • It significantly underprices Samsung, debuting in Japan for around $1,150 while equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite — nearly $800 less than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
    • You have an 8-inch 120Hz OLED primary display and a 6.5-inch cover screen, all housed in a remarkably slim body despite the large battery.

    Notice

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    • Comments Off on Consumer Reports Recognizes Four of the Least Reliable Electric Vehicles Available Today
    Consumer Reports Recognizes Four of the Least Reliable Electric Vehicles Available Today

     electric vehicles shown to be dependable

    , a Consumer Reports analysis indicated that numerous current EVs

    exhibit 79% more issues

    compared to ICE vehicles — internal combustion engines. However, the issue isn’t primarily because they are electric or utilize electric powertrains. It is more related to the fact that these represent new designs, incorporating novel technologies and systems, and recently-launched models typically encounter more problems as manufacturers address initial challenges. In contrast, hybrid vehicles demonstrate 26% fewer issues than ICE vehicles, indicating that the technology is capable of evolving and becoming increasingly trustworthy overall.

    Nevertheless, the figures underscore the presence of EVs available that are not as dependable as they ought to be. This is useful information as you start your vehicle search. Based on Consumer Reports’ assessments and ratings, it’s feasible to identify the most unreliable EVs currently on the market. Here are the top four identified.

    Pre-2022 Chevrolet Bolt

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)" srcset="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/4-of

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Gets Significant One UI 8 Update in the US
    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Gets Significant One UI 8 Update in the US

    Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 has finally aligned with Wear OS 6.

    (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

    Key information to note

    • One UI 8 Watch is finally being released in the U.S., reaching users of Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic after several weeks of delays.
    • The update introduces a significant visual and performance upgrade, featuring cleaner UI components, enhanced scrolling, and more refined animations supported by Wear OS 6.
    • Navigation becomes simpler and quicker due to vertically aligned tiles, streamlined menus, and a persistent “Now bar” for swift access to ongoing tasks.
    Disclaimer

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Comparison of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Snapdragon 8 Elite, Tensor G5, and Dimensity 9500
    Comparison of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Snapdragon 8 Elite, Tensor G5, and Dimensity 9500

    It has been an excellent year for smartphones, and the overall hardware landscape is at its peak. Qualcomm is achieving significant advancements with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, MediaTek has made similar strides with the Dimensity 9500, and even Google has stepped up its game with the Tensor G5, finally adopting TSMC’s 3nm process — the same utilized by Qualcomm and MediaTek.

    Over the past month, I tested five devices featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — the OnePlus 15, POCO F8 Ultra, iQOO 15, Redmagic 11 Pro, and Realme GT 8 Pro — alongside four devices with the Dimensity 9500: Vivo X300 Pro, Find X9 Pro, and Find X9. Additionally, I explored key models from the Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

    While I won’t delve too deeply into specifics for each platform, at a high level, all chip manufacturers are utilizing the latest cores and reporting impressive advancements. Clearly, Qualcomm stands out due to its implementation of custom cores in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, with the platform showcasing a second-generation design featuring notable performance improvements, matched by increases in gaming capabilities.

    That said, MediaTek’s achievements are even more captivating. The company is leveraging Arm’s latest cores, including the C1 Ultra, C1 Pro, and C1 Premium. The G1 Ultra GPU is outstanding as well, and overall, Arm has significantly enhanced its offerings this year. In that context, the Tensor G5 actually performs well this time around. Although it still does not utilize the latest Arm cores or match the speed provided by Qualcomm and MediaTek, it does not feel purposefully limited, which is an accomplishment in itself.

    Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs. Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Tensor G5 vs. Dimensity 9500

    Now, let’s examine how the new platforms perform in synthetic benchmarks. I am using the Redmagic 11 Pro and Redmagic 10S Pro to assess Qualcomm, the Vivo X300 Pro for the Dimensity 9500, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL with the Tensor G5.

    The Geekbench 6 single-core scores indicate that Qualcomm truly has the leading single-core architecture on Android, thanks to a custom design and higher frequencies, with Qualcomm reaching up to 4.6GHz, while MediaTek peaks at 4.21GHz. As evident, the multi-core performance differences between the two are minimal, but compared to last year’s chipsets, there’s still a notable enhancement.

    Similarly, Qualcomm leads in the 3DMark’s Wild Life benchmark, although results are balanced in the ray tracing-focused Solar Bay tests. The performance improvements over the previous year are not as pronounced, and these benchmarks starkly reveal how the Tensor G5 lags behind. Google emphasizes an AI-centric approach rather than chasing raw performance, which is reflected in the benchmarks.

    Fortunately, this does not carry over to real-world scenarios. I utilized the Pixel 10 Pro XL as my primary phone for over two months, and it proved just as responsive as the POCO F8 Ultra or the X300 Pro for many everyday tasks. While it doesn’t perform as strongly in gaming — despite improved thermal management — there is noticeable throttling during prolonged gaming sessions. Nonetheless, it performs better than nearly every other Pixel I’ve used — which isn’t a high bar.

    Regarding Qualcomm and MediaTek, there is essentially no significant difference in real-world performance. Both demonstrate comparable efficiency, but if I had to choose, I’d say the Dimensity 9500 comes out ahead — my Find X9 Pro lasts longer even though its battery is similar in size to that of the OnePlus 15.

    Both chipsets deliver excellent gaming experiences, managing resource-intensive games effectively. There is some level of throttling with extended use, but it doesn’t markedly impact visual quality. The primary concern is overheating — this issue affects Qualcomm significantly more than MediaTek. In my experience, the Redmagic 11 Pro became considerably warmer than the X300 Pro during gaming sessions over an hour, and while it didn’t reach temperatures as high as during synthetic testing, it remained uncomfortable to grip.

    The X300 Pro also heats up, but never to an extent that made it unmanageable. It peaked at 43 degrees Celsius, while the Redmagic 11 Pro exceeded 48 degrees and surpassed 52 degrees during 3DMark tests.

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    • Comments Off on The Biggest Smart TV Offered on Amazon for $20,000
    The Biggest Smart TV Offered on Amazon for $20,000

    For those shopping on Amazon or similar ecommerce platforms such as Best Buy, the 116UX 4K TV from Hisense stands out as a great option, especially considering the company’s reputation for affordable televisions.

    True to its name, this television measures an impressive 116 inches. To give you a sense of its gigantic dimensions, its screen area is approximately equal to that of four 55-inch TVs combined (around 5,172 square inches), amounting to roughly 5,210 square inches. This gives you a clear picture of the enormity of the 116UX. Although the Hisense 116UX has a suggested retail price of $30,000, it is often found at $25,000, and during the holiday sales of 2025, it’s currently discounted to just $20,000.

    Yet, the screen size and price are not the only remarkable features of the Hisense 116UX. It is one of the pioneering RGB MiniLED TVs, which may also be referred to as RGB LED or Micro RGB TVs by different brands. Here’s what you should know about it.

    What makes the Hisense 116UX remarkable

    The Hisense 116UX, featured among our top devices from CES 2025, showcases some of the most advanced technology available in contemporary 4K TVs. The standout feature is its RGB MiniLED technology. Unlike conventional LED and Mini-LED TVs, which utilize white or blue LEDs along with color filters or a layer of quantum dots to produce the primary colors necessary for the full spectrum, RGB MiniLED TVs incorporate red, green, and blue LEDs directly. By eliminating color filters and quantum dots, RGB MiniLEDs can yield more precise colors, and the larger amount of LEDs contributes to a brighter display.

    Moreover, the Hisense model boasts a 165Hz LCD panel ideal for gaming with high refresh rates and is compatible with all major HDR formats, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Additional noteworthy features of the 116UX include an integrated 6.2.2 multi-channel speaker system and Dolby Atmos support, ensuring an excellent audio experience.

    Hisense has also incorporated Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced connectivity, three HDMI 2.1 ports, and an Ethernet port.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on SpongeBob and PowerWash Simulator Included in Six New Titles Added to Apple Arcade Today
    SpongeBob and PowerWash Simulator Included in Six New Titles Added to Apple Arcade Today

    As previously announced several weeks ago, Apple Arcade has incorporated numerous new titles, featuring SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit 2 and PowerWash Simulator. Here’s the complete list of recently added games.

    Every few weeks, Apple upgrades its gaming service, Apple Arcade, which offers more than 270 titles without advertisements or in-app purchases. After last month’s updates, which featured Football Manager 26 Touch, MySims, MySims Kingdom, and Toca Boca Jr Classics, the service has rolled out six new games today.

    ### PowerWash Simulator
    PowerWash Simulator offers the gratifying experience of washing away dirt and grime to mobile, available exclusively through Apple Arcade. Tailored with touch controls and gyroscope support, gamers can wash away their stresses with the calming sounds of high-pressure water. Arcade users will also gain access to popular packs and jobs right at launch, including the SpongeBob SquarePants special pack and bonus jobs, with additional special packs set to be released post-launch at no extra charge.

    [Play PowerWash Simulator on Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/powerwash-simulator/id6477445344?itscg=30200&itsct=apps_box_link&mttnsubad=6477445344)

    ### SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2
    In this Krabby Patty adventure, SpongeBob and Plankton need to set aside their conflicts and collaborate. Their quest is to retrieve the Krusty Krab’s lost fry cook station, find Plankton’s mysteriously disappeared inventions, and rescue Bikini Bottom from a nefarious villain whose identity remains tantalizingly elusive.

    [Play SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2 on Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spongebob-patty-pursuit-2/id6472008605?itscg=30200&itsct=apps_box_link&mttnsubad=6472008605)

    ### Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition
    Another beloved title making its mobile debut is Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition, exclusive to Apple Arcade. This version features exclusive content, including new follower types, decorations, and outfits, along with all previously available content updates and premium packs.

    [Play Cult of the Lamb Arcade Edition on Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cult-of-the-lamb/id1639580858?itscg=30200&itsct=apps_box_link&mttnsubad=1639580858)

    ### Subway Surfers+
    Relive everything that turned Subway Surfers into a worldwide sensation – now in a revitalized format with no ads, plus new methods to recover, collect, and advance in the game. Whether you’re aiming for high scores or just running for enjoyment, Subway Surfers+ provides the seamless, fast-paced gameplay you adore, along with regular updates and shifting global locations.

    [Play Subway Surfers+ on Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/subway-surfers/id6744608300?itscg=30200&itsct=apps_box_link&mttnsubad=6744608300)

    ### NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM+
    A Naruto game bursting with 3D competitive action! NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM+ charges in with new playable Free Battle mode characters Zabuza and Haku, and features enhanced controller support! Relive the tales and battles of Naruto’s youth through stunning graphics!

    [Play NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM+ on Apple Arcade](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm/id6745006459?itscg=30200&itsct=apps_box_link&mttnsubad=6745006459)

    ### Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss
    Lead your team of Champions into a dynamic and immersive arena where strategy, magic, and power intersect. Perfect your tactics in this real-time competition of Champions!

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on How Users of Android Can Obtain Payments from Google’s $700M App Store Settlement
    How Users of Android Can Obtain Payments from Google’s $700M App Store Settlement

    coalition consisting of 53 attorneys general. The lawsuit asserts that Google has been detrimental to consumers for years who purchased apps, engaged in in-app purchases, or subscribed to a variety of services by “stifling competition” and “unjustly increasing prices” by up to 30% in fees, as part of monopolistic conduct. This follows a judge’s directive for Google to allow third-party app stores on Android.

    Per A.G. James, $630 million has already been allocated to a settlement fund. If authorized, a portion of that amount may be directed to you, potentially without any action required on your part. If you possess a PayPal or Venmo account linked to the email address associated with your Google Play account used for purchases, you may automatically receive the disbursement. In the event you lack PayPal or Venmo, prefer not to register, no longer have access to the email or corresponding phone number, or anticipated payment but did not receive it, there will be an additional claims process available on the settlement website.

    Certain claimants have already received legal notifications as of December 2. You can expect to be awarded at least $2, and possibly more, based on your expenditures through the Google Play Store or Google Play Billing during the specified period. A payment deadline has yet to be established. A final approval hearing is slated for April 30, 2026. If sanctioned, automatic payments will be distributed thereafter. Manual claimants will face a longer wait.

    What additional information should be known regarding the settlement?

    <div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap " data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com

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