Surprise! StrictlyVC San Francisco, which will kick off this yearâs events lineup for TechCrunch on April 30 at the Sentro Filipino Cultural Center, is getting a new addition to its increasingly stacked lineup of speakers. Uber CTO Praveen Neppalli Naga will join the rest of the lineup to discuss operating at scale in the age of AI.
Another Spyware Developer Found Distributing Fake Android Surveillance Apps
Researchers have found a new case where government authorities used a fake Android app to plant spyware on a targetâs phone. The company that allegedly developed the spyware was not previously known to sell this type of software.
Apple TV’s Distinctive New Comedy Garners Praise for Its Uniqueness
**Widow’s Bay: An Innovative Comedy on Apple TV**
Widow’s Bay is a fresh comedy on Apple TV crafted by Katie Dippold, acclaimed for her contributions to Parks and Recreation. Scheduled to debut on April 29, the series has already received favorable preliminary reviews from critics, who commend its distinctive mix of genres.
Apple characterizes Widow’s Bay as a “genre-bending” show that fuses aspects of comedy, horror, thriller, and character-driven drama. This blend is often difficult to execute successfully, yet initial responses indicate that Widow’s Bay accomplishes this adeptly.
Reviewers have pointed out the show’s unique style. For example, RogerEbert.com notes, “It is genuinely unlike anything else on TV, a bold leap of tonal changes that succeeds because it fully commits to both sides of the equation.” The A.V. Club remarks that the show’s varied components unite “like lightning in a bottle,” making it a must-see. Decider describes it as “a hauntingly effective horror comedy that achieves a superb combination of edge-of-your-seat dread and wickedly dark humor.”
The series boasts a talented ensemble, featuring Matthew Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll, and Dale Dickey. The creative team, spearheaded by Dippold and director Hiro Murai, has skillfully developed a show that distinguishes itself in a saturated television market.
Widow’s Bay will launch with two episodes on April 29, followed by weekly releases until June 17, with an extra two-episode drop on May 27.
For those eager to view it, Apple TV is offered at $12.99 per month, with savings available through the Apple One bundle.
Top 7 Intelligent Lighting Solutions to Elevate Your Home Theater Experience
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“Bankruptcy Erases Widely Used Google TV Collection in Europe”
Thomson’s Google TV Gear Goes Dark as StreamView Collapse Halts Supply
StreamView GmbH, the authorized European operator for Thomson streaming devices, has declared bankruptcy just weeks after introducing new hardware. The company has debts of €36.6 million and is not seeking a bailout, resulting in operations, sales, and distribution across Europe being effectively halted. The collapse of StreamView was reportedly caused by a broken relationship with its only Chinese supplier.
Just two weeks after launching a new streaming dongle, the company behind Thomson TVs and Google TV boxes has fallen apart. StreamView GmbH, the Austrian company that holds the European license for Thomson, has filed for bankruptcy, as reported by AVCaesar. The company is in debt for €36.6 million ($42 million), according to Austria’s Alpine Creditor’s Association. StreamView is not pursuing a rescue plan or reorganization and will discontinue operations.
What transpired? StreamView did not manufacture products independently. Instead, it collaborated with brands, marketing Nokia and later Thomson-branded TVs, streaming sticks, and set-top boxes across Europe. The company relied solely on one Chinese supplier and financial partner. When that relationship ended and deliveries required upfront payments, StreamView’s cash flow ceased instantly. Efforts to attract new investors did not succeed.
Hardware in Limbo
This is a genuine loss for individuals who appreciated affordable choices. Thomson secured a favorable position in the market, particularly after Google halted its Chromecast production. The company offered products ranging from rebranded Walmart Onn 4K Pro boxes (as the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270) to dongles resembling the original Chromecast.
Last month, Thomson introduced the Google TV Streaming Box 245 (4K), which could compete with the Nvidia Shield. Earlier in April, it launched the GoCast 152, which boasted a more robust chipset. Current inventory will likely sell out swiftly, but support is not entirely absent. The owner of the Thomson brand, a U.S. entity known as Established Inc., remains operational. The company indicates it is in search of a new European partner and guarantees continued after-sales support for existing devices during its search.
Android Central’s Take
In my opinion, this scenario illustrates why the ‘rent-a-brand’ business model can pose issues for consumers purchasing technology. These licensed arrangements may provide more affordable hardware with a recognized name, but you end up with a product that lacks a distinct identity. If the intermediary company fails, purchasers are left with a ‘smart’ device that could quickly become a security liability.
Is this the conclusion for Thomson’s Google TV hardware? If Established secures a new partner soon, these boxes might re-emerge under new management. However, do not anticipate the Streaming Box 260 Pro, which was intended to compete with other Google TV streamers and feature an Amlogic processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage. For now, if you come across a Thomson streaming stick in stores, purchase it while you still can. Stay tuned to see who acquires the license and whether the brand embarks on a new beginning or fades into obscurity.
A new Republican privacy bill could be ‘worse than no standard at all’
Congress is once again attempting to pass a national data privacy law. But while it would introduce new protections in some states, it would weaken privacy rights in others – and it’s missing several elements that privacy advocates deem necessary. The SECURE Data Act is the product of a Republican data privacy working group led […]
Introducing AI-Powered Dictation Tool
Nothing’s new on-device dictation tool supports over 100 languages.
Impending Apple Watch Face in watchOS 26.5
### Apple’s Yearly Pride Apple Watch Face and iPhone/iPad Wallpaper Are On Their Way
Each year, Apple honors Pride Month by introducing a fresh Pride-themed Apple Watch face and matching iPhone/iPad wallpaper. This custom underscores Apple’s dedication to inclusivity and backing for the LGBTQ+ community. The newest addition to this series is the Pride Luminance watch face, set to be part of the upcoming watchOS 26.5 software update.
The Pride Luminance design was initially detected in the code for the iOS 26.5 beta and watchOS 26.5 beta a few weeks ago. Nonetheless, the official design has just been unveiled, highlighting its lively and colorful appearance. Mark Gurman, a prominent tech journalist, posted a screenshot of the new watch face as it shows up in the Apple Watch app’s Face Gallery.
The existing Pride collection showcases various watch faces, including Digital, Analog, Woven, Threads, Celebration, Radiance, and Harmony. Each design embodies distinct elements of the Pride celebration, and the new Luminance face is anticipated to enrich this diverse array of options.
In addition to the watch face, Apple will unveil a new Apple Watch band that complements the Luminance design, alongside matching wallpapers for iPhone and iPad. These products will be officially introduced in May, aligning with the commencement of Pride Month.
For those looking to upgrade their devices, the new Apple Watch Series 11 is up for grabs, with prices beginning at just $299 on Amazon. This yearly release not only broadens the personalization possibilities for Apple Watch users but also acts as a reminder of the significance of diversity and inclusion in technology and beyond.
Apple’s Smart Glasses Set to Outshine Meta’s Ray-Bans with Four Cutting-Edge Features
Power On newsletter highlights that the primary distinction between Meta’s Ray-Ban and Apple’s forthcoming product is the full integration with the iPhone and other devices, including Apple Watch and AirPods.
This level of interconnectivity is Apple’s initial strategy to rival Meta, serving as the principal differentiator between the products of various companies and Apple. The tech giant from California excels in integrating functionalities, such as cross-device copy-pasting between iPhone and Mac, effortless file sharing with AirDrop, and quick-pair connections between its devices. However, this feature alone may not be the only reason to prefer Apple’s impending smart glasses over Meta’s Ray-Bans.
A quintessentially Apple design, integrated processor, and much more
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Meta Strikes Deal for Millions of Amazon AI CPUs in Latest AI Chip Development
Meta has commandeered a big chunk of Amazon’s homegrown CPUs (not GPUs) for AI agentic workloads, signaling that a new kind of chip race has begun.
