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The Criterion Channel, a streaming service known for its curated classic and arthouse film library, has suffered persistent technical problems since launching in 2019, including current incompatibility with many Samsung smart TVs. Subscribers have reported ongoing difficulty accessing the service through affected devices.
Fox has officially completed its $22 billion purchase of Roku, closing one of the largest media deals in recent years. Fox says the combined company is now the third-largest television business in the U.S. by viewership, with Roku founder Anthony Wood remaining to lead the streaming platform's continued development. The deal closed far ahead of schedule, after the companies had originally projected completion in the first half of 2027.
The Shure Mv7 Plus, a microphone popular among podcasters and streamers, is on sale for $255 at Amazon, Guitar Center, and Shure's own store, nearly $50 below its regular price. Amazon and Shure are also offering a bundle with a desktop stand for $269, and a discounted white model is available at Amazon as well.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said on Liberty Media's earnings call that Apple, which holds exclusive US streaming rights via Apple TV, is expected to bid for F1 rights in additional countries as opportunities arise. He and Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang both characterized the US deal as a success for viewership and subscriber growth, though exact figures weren't disclosed.
Roku confirmed its longtime Aquatic Life aquarium screensaver will be removed starting December 1, replaced by the Roku City screensaver, which features a purple skyline with rotating digital billboards and brand sponsorships. Users can still find an unofficial YouTube recording of the Aquatic Life animation or use third-party apps for aquarium-style screensavers.
Netflix has launched AI Discover, a new tab on its TV app marked by a red gem icon, which suggests shows and movies grouped by themes like mood, viewing length or who you're watching with. Users can refine picks, refresh themes, block titles from being suggested again, and add shows to their list directly from the feature. The rollout starts on supported TVs in English in the US, excluding kids profiles, with wider availability planned over coming weeks.
Netflix is rolling out a new 'AI Discover' tab that lets users pick curated themes like 'scare me' or 'quick watches' to get show and movie suggestions matching their mood or available time. The feature includes a 'Tune Your Recommendations' option to save liked titles or exclude unwanted ones, and users can keep refining their search with more specific themes. Netflix says the tool is powered by a new AI-driven intelligence layer that learns from real-time user input.
Netflix has begun testing an AI Discover feature on its TV app that suggests shows and movies based on viewer moods, such as 'Scare Me,' and lets users fine-tune suggestions by liking or dismissing titles. The feature is currently limited to a small group of US subscribers for feedback, with wider rollout planned in coming weeks, following comments Netflix executives made about AI recommendations during its Q1 earnings call.
Roku has announced it will retire its long-running Aquatic Life aquarium screensaver starting December 1, 2026, after which devices using it will automatically switch to the Roku City screensaver. The company confirmed the change via a Reddit reply, acknowledging the screensaver's loyal fanbase and saying it is passing user feedback to its product team.
Dedicated streaming sticks from various manufacturers can add smart-TV capabilities to an existing, non-smart television rather than requiring a full replacement. These devices plug into a TV's HDMI port and provide access to streaming apps and content without the cost of buying a new smart TV.
Amazon has discounted its Fire TV Stick 4K Select to $21.99, down from its $49.99 list price, a 56% reduction. The device supports 4K playback, HDR formats and Dolby Atmos, and runs Amazon's Fire TV software with Alexa voice control, sitting below the pricier 4K Plus and 4K Max models in the lineup.
Matt Strauss, now chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, discussed Peacock's strategy amid major corporate restructuring: Comcast spun off most NBCU cable channels into Versant, and is now separating the entire NBCU business into a standalone company. Strauss noted Peacock became profitable only this year and still trails Netflix in scale, but NBCU holds a distinct advantage through live sports rights.