Author: abubakar
‘The Last of Us’ Signals the End of an Era
As HBO Max morphs into a new streaming service, the show feels like the final salvo for a particular kind of viewing experience.
As HBO Max morphs into a new streaming service, the show feels like the final salvo for a particular kind of viewing experience.
EA founder and former Apple executive Trip Hawkins joins Web3 startup Games for a Living (GFAL) as a co-founder
Former Apple executive Trip Hawkins and founder of Electronic Arts (EA) is joining Barcelona-based startup Web3 startup Games for a Living (GFAL) as co-founder and security chief of Games, Reuters reported. Hawkins, who founded the company behind the best-selling sports
Former Apple executive Trip Hawkins and founder of Electronic Arts (EA) is joining Barcelona-based startup Web3 startup Games for a Living (GFAL) as co-founder and security chief of Games, Reuters reported. Hawkins, who founded the company behind the best-selling sports […]
Netflix slashes prices in over 30 countries, but it won’t help the password sharing woes
Streaming giant reduces subscription fees up to 50% in attempt to attract more subscribers.
With the worldwide cost of living crisis continuing to bite, and the streaming wars showing no sign of abating, Netflix has moved to lower its pricing in over 30 separate countries, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
The discounts have been rolled out this week in primarily lower-income regions in Asia, Europe, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East where subscription uptake is currently comparatively low.
Countries that have seen subscription price drops, which range from between 20% and 60% include Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Venezuela, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Libya, Iran, and Kenya.
There’s currently no indication that similar price drops will be offered in established regions like the US, UK and Australia.
“We’re always exploring ways to improve our members’ experience,” Netflix said Thursday in a statement. “We can confirm that we are updating the pricing of our plans in certain countries.”
The move comes as Netflix faces increased competition from rival services, while also rolling out the unpopular move of introducing password-sharing limits.
Acknowledging the increased competition from rival services such as Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus and Paramount Plus, a Netflix spokesperson told the BBC: “Members have never had more choices when it comes to entertainment”.
(Image credit: Future / Netflix)
Analysis: Netflix is about to have a problem, and these price cuts won’t help
The March deadline is fast coming into view for the long-expected (and much-hated) end of password sharing for many Netflix viewers, and yesterday’s won’t mitigate the disappointment of those no longer able to piggy-back on their family or friends accounts.
It’s clear these discounts are primarily being used to encourage new subscribers in emerging Netflix territories, meaning it’s unlikely the price drops are set to benefit the majority of people affected by the up-coming rule change.
From its efforts to direct new customers towards its full-fat subscriptions rather than its cheaper ad-supported tiers, to its controversial culling of high-profile shows such as 1899 or Warrior Nun, it’s clear that 2023 is very much about growing revenue for Netflix, even if it means losing some eyeballs.
The company’s end of 2022 financials saw an increase to its subscriber base of 7.66 million, but with the upcoming password culling about to take affect – a risky move which notably hasn’t yet been adopted by rivals like Disney Plus and Hulu – it remains to be seen if the streaming service has made the right call.
After taking away the flexibility of password sharing (something the company encouraged at times in the past), a price cut in the countries where it’s blocking this feature might’ve helped stem the tide of anger. But that’s not what’s happening.
If you’ve decided that your time with streaming giant is about to come to an end, make sure to check out our best Netflix show list before your subscription gets cancelled, and also cast your eye over our picks for the best streaming services to see if there’s an alternative that floats your boat.
TikTok at Risk: Canada starts investigating platform over data collection from young users
submitted by /u/HeroldMcHerold [link] [comments]
submitted by /u/HeroldMcHerold
[link] [comments]
Fruit shortages could be on the way following Dole ransomware attack
A ransomware attack against Dole forced the food giant to suspend some of its operations, it was found.
Fruit and vegetable fans could be forced to tweak their diet after one of the biggest firms in the industry has had its operations disrupted by a ransomware attack.
Dole Food Company issued a press release saying it suffered a ransomware attack that had a “limited” impact on its operations.
The company said that it’s currently investigating “the scope of the incident”, with law enforcement being notified, and a “leading third-party cybersecurity expert” has been brought in to remediate the issue and secure the company’s systems.
Halting operations
While Dole’s initial assessment of the incident is that it was “limited”, other sources are saying that the attack was disruptive enough to force the company to temporarily suspend some of its operations.
Thus, BleepingComputer found a Texas grocery store memo that was leaked on Facebook, in which it was said that Dole had to shut down its production plants in North America, and suspend shipments.
“Dole Food Company is in the midst of a cyberattack, and [we] have subsequently shut down our systems throughout North America,” it was said in the memo. “Our plants are shut down for the day, and all shipments are on hold,” the media cited the announcement.
Other details about the ransomware attack are not known at this time. We don’t know who the threat actor is, which ransomware variant was deployed, or which malware was used to compromise the company endpoints. We also don’t know exactly when the attack occurred. However, the media found that, for more than a week now, there’s been a shortage of prepackaged Dole salads. It’s difficult to say if these two incidents are connected.
As per the memo, Dole is looking to deploy a “Manual Backup Program”, which probably means it will switch to manual operations. That, while it might keep the business going, will definitely mean a slower pace for both production and distribution.
Check out the best endpoint security
Via: BleepingComputer
5 questions emerging managers should ask before selecting LPs
Between accounting, deal sourcing, due diligence, fundraising and recruiting, starting your own fund can be a huge endeavor.
5 questions emerging managers should ask before selecting LPs by Ram Iyer originally published on TechCrunch
When most people think of venture capitalists, they often think of investors, the people writing checks to fund startups. But that image is only one part of venture capital. In order to make those investments, venture firms must first have the money, which means they’re not only just the funders, they’re fundraisers, too.
But when you’re running a VC firm, especially as an emerging manager, how do you know which investors and limited partners (LPs) to target?
After more than 30 years of investing in both private and public companies, I’ve now started as a fund manager, and I recommend that emerging managers ask these five questions before seeking out and pitching to potential LPs.
Which LPs are you targeting?
To find the right investors, you first need to consider LPs’ investment criteria.
Institutional investors usually look for managers with a 10-year track record and at least three funds under their belt. These investors can also be hesitant to bet on emerging managers, whom they may perceive as higher risk than established investors, even though Cambridge Associates data shows emerging firms made up 72% of the top returning firms between 2004 and 2016.
Each step up the decision-making ladder increases the risk of dismissal, lost information or miscommunication, which can be mitigated if you can get in front of the decision-makers early on.
Managers who are stepping out on their own after working with an existing fund, meanwhile, can target fund of funds (FOF) since the FOF will use their track record as a prior employee as a proxy for standalone experience. Emerging managers can also target niche investors: for example, if you’re investing in education, a like-minded foundation might be a potential LP, or if you’re investing in medical technologies, you might try to connect with hospitals that could benefit from those innovations.
After launching Avestria in 2019, we found that family offices and high-net-worth individuals were the best targets for us. Their investment requirements aren’t as stringent as institutional investors or FOFs’, and they’re willing to accept the risk of investing in an emerging manager in exchange for potentially high financial returns.
How well do your target LPs understand your investment thesis?
Emerging managers should find out how well their potential investors already understand the unmet need your fund is addressing.
The venture capital community has significant influence on what potential LPs see as great investment opportunities. As a result, capital can be concentrated in certain areas. For example, Juul, a male-founded e-cigarette company, received $10 billion more in funding in 2018 than female-founded companies received collectively that year. In 2020, now-defunct video platform Quibi alone raised almost 8% of the total funding that female founders got that year.
Our fund focuses on female-led life sciences and women’s health startups, and it’s sometimes hard to rope in LPs who have the most exposure to headline-making investment sectors like consumer goods or media platforms. We often have to explain the white space: Women of child-bearing age weren’t allowed to participate in clinical trials, even for products meant for women, until 1993. Even 30 years later, only 4% of all healthcare research and development is meant to address women’s health issues.
5 questions emerging managers should ask before selecting LPs by Ram Iyer originally published on TechCrunch
The iPhone 15 Pro could tempt you with a stunning new special edition color
Rumors are predicting that the iPhone 15 Pro will come in a new special edition ‘dark red’ color. But where could that leave Product Red?
The iPhone 15 Pro rumors are already in full swing more than six months before its expected release – and while it’s a little early for reliable color leaks, a source has apparently revealed that a new ‘dark red’ special edition model is en route.
The new rumors from 9to5Mac, which include some slightly less confident predictions about iPhone 15‘s new color options, suggest that Apple’s next premium model will be available in a crimson-like shade that the site has mocked up (below) based on its apparent color hex value of ‘#410D0D’.
In an attempt to attract buyers towards its Pro models, Apple does usually release special edition colors for the range, which have in the past leant towards more subdued hues than its standard iPhones.
The iPhone 12 Pro received a Pacific Blue shade, the iPhone 13 Pro arrived in Sierra Blue, while the iPhone 14 Pro went a bit further with Deep Purple and Space Black, which is actually more of a dark grey.
(Image credit: 9to5Mac)
This rumored new dark red color for the iPhone 15 Pro would fit into that overall subdued theme for the Pro series, but it’s also far from a dead cert. Firstly, iPhone color leaks are notoriously hit-and-miss – the iPhone 13 Pro, for example, was tipped to arrive in a bronze-like shade, but that never materialized.
It’s also very early for these color rumors to appear, as aspects of the iPhone 15 Pro’s design, including its color and finish, are unlikely to have been finalized more than six months from its expected launch. As an example, a gold version of the iPhone X was created (according to FCC filings), but never actually launched.
Still, that doesn’t mean we aren’t intrigued by this potential new special edition edition color for the iPhone 15 Pro – particularly as there’s a chance it could slot into Apple’s Product Red lineup.
Analysis: a Pro version of Product Red?
(Image credit: Apple)
These iPhone 15 Pro rumors should be treated with great caution, as color speculation doesn’t traditionally start until a few months before Apple’s traditional September launch event.
But this ‘dark red’ speculation has got us wondering about how it might fit into Apple’s longstanding Product Red range – and if it could be the first iPhone Pro model to be part of the series.
A portion of every Product Red model that Apple sells goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS and Covid-19. The first device in the series was the iPod nano, back in 2006, and the iPhone jumped on board with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
Apple has traditionally reserved red hues for these charity editions. But the iPhone Pro line has so far never had a Product Red version, presumably because its colors don’t tend to match the deep red that’s the signature of the series.
While most Product Red devices have tended to have a largely similar red hue, there is precedence for a slight variation – the iPhone 12 and 12 mini’s Product Red versions had a more orange or coral tint. So it’s not impossible that the rumored dark red iPhone 15 Pro could see it become part of Apple’s charity series.
Right now, though, this is pure speculation, and we’re more inclined to trust the other iPhone 15 Pro leaks that have surfaced so far – namely, those suggesting the inclusion of a USB-C port, a new titanium body and some thinner bezels.
Serenity Shield, Contentra Technologies join forces to transform digital content storage and archival content using web3
Digital assets have become a store of value and a safe haven for investors as fiat currencies lose their values through inflation that ravages economies across the globe. However, digital assets also have risks and challenges, and managing these risks
Digital assets have become a store of value and a safe haven for investors as fiat currencies lose their values through inflation that ravages economies across the globe. However, digital assets also have risks and challenges, and managing these risks […]
Valve Bans 40,000 Accounts After Laying a Trap For Cheaters In Dota 2
An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Verge: Over 40,000 Dota 2 accounts have been permanently banned in the last few weeks after they were caught red-handed using third-party software to cheat the game. In a blog post published on Tuesday, Valve revealed that it had recently patched a known issue used by third-party software to cheat in Dota while simultaneously setting a honeypot trap to catch players using the exploit. According to Valve, the cheating software gave its users an unfair advantage by accessing information used internally by the Dota client that shouldn’t be visible during gameplay. After investigating how it worked, the developer then decided to identify and remove the “bad actors” from the active Dota playerbase.
“We released a patch as soon as we understood the method these cheats were using,” Valve said. “This patch created a honeypot: a section of data inside the game client that would never be read during normal gameplay, but that could be read by these exploits.” Valve claims that all 40,000 of the now-banned accounts had accessed this hidden section of data, and that it had “extremely high confidence that every ban was well-deserved.” Valve highlighted that the number of accounts banned was especially significant due to how prevalent this particular family of cheating clients is, and that the action taken is just one step in an ongoing campaign to tackle those abusing the popular MOBA game. “While the battle against cheaters and cheat developers often takes place in the shadows, we wanted to make this example visible, and use it to make our position clear: If you are running any application that reads data from the Dota client as you’re playing games, your account can be permanently banned from playing Dota,” warned Valve.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Verge: Over 40,000 Dota 2 accounts have been permanently banned in the last few weeks after they were caught red-handed using third-party software to cheat the game. In a blog post published on Tuesday, Valve revealed that it had recently patched a known issue used by third-party software to cheat in Dota while simultaneously setting a honeypot trap to catch players using the exploit. According to Valve, the cheating software gave its users an unfair advantage by accessing information used internally by the Dota client that shouldn’t be visible during gameplay. After investigating how it worked, the developer then decided to identify and remove the “bad actors” from the active Dota playerbase.
“We released a patch as soon as we understood the method these cheats were using,” Valve said. “This patch created a honeypot: a section of data inside the game client that would never be read during normal gameplay, but that could be read by these exploits.” Valve claims that all 40,000 of the now-banned accounts had accessed this hidden section of data, and that it had “extremely high confidence that every ban was well-deserved.” Valve highlighted that the number of accounts banned was especially significant due to how prevalent this particular family of cheating clients is, and that the action taken is just one step in an ongoing campaign to tackle those abusing the popular MOBA game. “While the battle against cheaters and cheat developers often takes place in the shadows, we wanted to make this example visible, and use it to make our position clear: If you are running any application that reads data from the Dota client as you’re playing games, your account can be permanently banned from playing Dota,” warned Valve.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.