Happy Friday!
Lots to report on this week!
If you were mid-series on any Quibi shows when the app was closed down in December last year, fear not! Quibi lives on on the Roku platform! In January this year, Roku acquired Quibi’s content for an undisclosed amount. To celebrate National Streaming Day (May 20th), Roku will give almost 70 million viewers across North America and the UK free access to 30 Quibi shows including Die Hart, #FreeRayshawn and Chrissy's Court.
And there's more from Roku!
Two weeks ago, Roku removed Google’s YouTube TV app from its platform in protest against what it saw as anti-competitive practices, including manipulation of search results, and usage of customer data. This week, Google is fighting back, and has built a new feature that enables Roku users to still access YouTube TV on the platform. Roku responded to the YouTube app update, calling it ‘the clear conduct of an unchecked monopolist bent on crushing fair competition and harming consumer choice.’
Our Top Pick this week is an in-depth article by Bloomberg on ByteDance as it prepares for its IPO, to directly take on rivals Alibaba in the social commerce market in China. This will be one to watch for its implications on the future roadmap of TikTok, ByteDance’s international offering.
And last but not least, huge congratulations go to our customer WaterBear, who is a finalist in the Fast Company World Changing Ideas awards for media and entertainment 👏
Until next week!
Intel is using machine learning to make GTA V look incredibly realistic
And finally...
Imagine playing a Grand Theft Auto V game that looks like real life!
A new machine learning project from Intel Labs called Enhancing Photorealism Enhancement uses a method that modifies the game to look even more realistic. Using the combination of slightly washed-out lighting, smoother pavement and reflective cars, players can feel that they are looking out on a real street from their dashboards. Amazing!