Jared Leto plays WeWork cofounder Adam Neumann and Anne Hathaway plays his wife Rebehak in the new Apple TV+ drama “WeCrashed”. The series will chronicle of how the company’s skyrocketed towards a $47 billion valuation in less than a decade, then quickly and dramatically plummeted.
Neumann, who served as CEO for the company from 2010 to 2019 and later resigned was well known for his megalomania and wild pronouncements of ambition. Becoming ‘King of the world’ was not beyond his imagination. According to reports at the time, his “eccentric behavior” was one of the main reasons he was pressured to step down.
The series is part drama for the entertaining over-the-top reenactments of the antics and impulses of Neumann (Leto) and part exploration of the era of insane exploits at start-ups, as well as part love story, showing their crazy ups, downs, best and worst of times while WeWork is being built.
Not the first to tackle this subject matter, after 2021’s WeWork: Or The Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn, which was a documentary feature, this star driven Apple TV+ series is clearly aimed at being entertaining first, but still is a thoughtful exploration of the excesses and the era that produced them.
Along with the recent trial of Elizabeth Holmes who was found guilty on four out of 11 federal charges relating to her own megalomaniacal fraud spree at billion dollar start-up Theranos, there’s a building oeuvre of film work, such as HBO’s: The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley chronicling the era of excess that is still ongoing.
Apple TV+ is also getting in on the Theranos action. In an upcoming release Jennifer Lawrence will again team up with director Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up, also with JLaw), for Bad Blood. Release date is not yet known, only that it will be based on Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by Pulitzer Prize-winner John Carreyrou.
“WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork” will debut its first three episodes on Apple TV+ starting March 18 with new episodes airing every week on Friday.
Looking at the cast alone, is likely to turn out to be a must watch. With the writers and directors behind “Anchorman” and “Step Brothers” the film can’t not turn out to be hilarious!
The premise is a trending theme: doom and hopeless dystopian futures; this time there is a comet that will collide with Earth. Two astronomers (Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo Di Caprio) discover the problem, but the twist is, no one actually believes the news. Sound familiar? Just ask the Climate deniers and antivaxxers out there…
The impressive cast boasts a gaggle of untra-high-profile names including: Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Ron Perlman, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi, Cate Blanchett, and Tyler Perry.
The comedy will have a theatrical release on December 10th and quickly be available to stream on Netflix starting on December 24th ( as a little Christmas eve gift for the rest of us, apparently).
Apple’s tweet, presumably, to avoid a collision course with the iPhone 13 arrival day (big!) says it all. A sudden, last minute escalation of the time frame for this highly anticipated new series:
From @Foundation_’s epic debut to @TedLasso’s Emmy-winning antics, watch the latest episodes from Apple TV+ three hours earlier this week. Streaming begins Thursday at 9pm EST/6pm PST.
Apple TV tweet
Perhaps a planned sudden breaking news update to the years long scheduling for this big sci-fi event? Hard to say – maybe the iPhone 13 arriving in stores and for some folks arriving by UPS is more of a distraction than expected, in the eyes of the Apple TV+ big-wigs?
Of course, that’d be a good thing since it would mean that the futuristic phone has just too much juice for the venerated classic book series come-to-life as a streaming series on Apple TV+. Hooray for both, I suppose. If you are starting to become enamored with Apple TV+ shows after having fun with Ted Lasso or other recent hits (really a hit, seems so according to the Emmys ) that are perhaps the early beginnings of a trend…
And last, but definitely not least, is the long-awaited sci-fi adaptation of the timeless classic “Foundation” by Isaac Asimov.
click to see “Foundation” and help Lynxotic and independent bookstores. Also available on Amazon.
The first 3 episodes of Apple TV’s “Foundation” will be live tonight (!) and will ultimately have a total of 10 episodes in total when all is said and done.
From @Foundation_’s epic debut to @TedLasso’s Emmy-winning antics, watch the latest episodes from Apple TV+ three hours earlier this week. Streaming begins Thursday at 9pm EST/6pm PST. pic.twitter.com/vxkkAEUuOe
That’s not all. Apple TV+ is also bringing us an extraterrestrial extravaganza. On October 22nd (when the first 3 episodes will be released), sci-fi fans can experience what it would be like to live through an alien invasion. Joy!
A string of upcoming dystopian sci-fi will be hitting the streaming platform
What does a post-apocalyptic earth, a robot, a dog and Tom Hanks all have in common? That would be the new Apple TV+ film called “Finch”. This project marks Hank’s 2nd Apple TV+ outing, his first appearance on the streaming platform was “Greyhound” which was met with mucho critical acclaim.
This time around, this family friendly film futuristic cashing into the feel of a mash-up between ‘Wall-E’ and ‘The Martian’ and based on the trailer looks to be an oddball thing: bleak futuristic fun for all ages.
A massive solar flare nearly destroys Earth, Hank, who plays a robotics engineer named Finch and has only survived because he has been living in an underground bunker for the past decade. During his time in a post-apocalyptic Earth he befriends a stray dog which he names Goodyear (shades of Wilson?. Hanks decides to utilize his expertise by building a robot to help take care of Goodyear when he is gone.
“Finch” premieres on Apple TV+ this November 5.
Check out the trailer below:
We Aren’t Alone – Invasion:
That’s not all. Apple TV+ is also bringing us an extraterrestrial extravaganza. On October 22nd (when the first 3 episodes will be released), sci-fi fans can experience what it would be like to live through an alien invasion. Joy!
Enter the Galactic Empire – Foundation:
And last, but definitely not least, is the long-awaited sci-fi adaptation of the timeless classic “Foundation” by Isaac Asimov.
The first 3 episodes of Apple TV’s “Foundation” will be released on September 24 and will ultimately have a total of 10 episodes in total when all is said and done.
Sci-fi sounding, inevitable upgrade for today’s online communications
You might have heard lately about the “metaverse” and yet that can mean a variety of different things to different people. Often, it’s a term that relates back to gaming and 3D augmented reality enhancements of networked communications.
There are even crypto and blockchain related projects using this term and concept. While all of these various factors are welcome, and potentially part of this next phase of convergence of communication via networked technology, there’s something else happening under the surface.
”The pandemic, with its requirements of physical distancing, has brought people into online digital environments for a growing range of shared human experiences.” — Wired UK from “The Metaverse is coming” by David Baszucki
The acceleration in AI application, machine learning, and converging use cases for all communications tech has created a situation where the entry-portal to the emerging metaverse is already here.
One often overlooked aspect of a transition to a more complete digital life is the need for humans to have adapted to the need and potential benefits of the idea. This is what is happening via many routes, including Apple and the constant synergistic upgrade cycles that have just gone into a new, bigger phase with the migration to a unified OS structure built around Apple Silicon.
The gradual increases in iOS functionality and user sophistication are changing how we interact
iOS15, previewed this week at the WWDC2021 is rolling out literally dozens of new features, many based on machine learning, neural networks and AI that propose a new level of highly sophisticated options to communicate with video, photos and text.
While this mixture of “basic” media has been the staple of our current modes of online communication, particularly via social media, the incredibly increased depth of new options and functionality of iOS15 and iPadOS15 and MacOS Monterey will make all modes of communication feel completely new.
In the evolution of online media and enriched communication (OMEC to coin an 80s sounding acronym) the slow and uneven progress is based on many factors. #1 is always user adoption and sophistication.
Second is the quality of the hardware devices and software upgrades each user around the world has access to. In the case of iOS (iPad, iPhone & macOS) the immediate adoption of upgrades is a large factor on the plus side, helping new innovation to arrive in general use more quickly.
The last factor, a huge one, is access to fast ubiquitous internet data connections, and, in the US at least, this is less consistent than ever (or our expectations are rising faster than the build out).
However, particularly in Asia, 5g is beginning to make a dent. Satellite broadband, like Starlink, should also start to be a factor as early as 2022. Government infrastructure build-out funding and subsidies in the US is on the way in 2021.
Augmented 3D features are still growing but will merge with 2D
The upshot of this topic is that “2D” factors and increasingly sophisticated manipulation and interactive features that are already coming in iOS15 will bring us all closer the entry-portal stone-age version of the metaverse.
We all depend more and more on communications and using our devices – work from home, personal, business and hybrid activities (such as the emerging content creator class). Often, as a result, we have fewer options to go offline for “organic” RL (real life) interactions.
The increasingly sophisticated capabilities available are beginning to make even face to face communications, particularly in work situations, feel “un-enhanced” as we become accustomed to and dependent on the digital enhancements and potential of a full media rich interaction.
This is an example, one could say, of the subtle encroachment of the emerging metaverse onto the “real world” and how the boundaries are blurring and even beginning to disappear.
Rather than a sudden “jump” into a metaverse, similar to the cliché sci-fi plots from films like “Ready Player 1”, what is happening is a nearly imperceptible transition to metaverse-like experiences that will become commonplace, initially in a primitive form, and then eventually become the norm. Similar to the proverbial Frog in pot, with warm water temperatures that increase so slowly that the Frog doesn’t even notice, until it finds that it is swimming in pot that is already boiling.
The misconception that a “killer app” or sudden shift into an online, virtual reality world, is the future, and that a big leap will happen nearly all at once, is harmlessly superimposed on the real transition that has already begun.
When Apple’s 2007 launch of the iPhone changed communication forever: the journey began
The new “Digital Legacy Program”, also announced at WWDC2021, is another hint that we are already living in an extremely primitive version of the metaverse. Our online identity, data, and even behaviors and experiences are so essential and all pervasive that it has become necessary to keep a digital key to access the huge trove of personal data we will leave behind to pass on to our living loved ones, after we are gone.
The metaverse, that means, is not only creating a parallel digital universe for us to live in, in an ever more complete and sophisticated way, but we are also already setting up the eternal storage of our virtual life experiences to be passed down to future generations.
Though nearly invisible while in such a relatively primitive iteration, the concept, an example of overlapping advancements in innovation, is a tiny step towards digital immortality.
The metaverse could help to save us all
It’s not just professional and work related communication that relates to the gradual increase in the depth of networked communication options, but, even more so, casual and leisure communication and interaction is key.
TikTok and other video communication trends are at the forefront of of user evolution and metaverse activity expansion. When people feel motivated to find new and better ways to communicate using richer media and augmented techniques for fun, and to gain more recognition in online societies, that advances digital sophistication.
This process of the evolution of user comfort and sophistication, while existing and interacting in the metaverse, is the fastest way for the augmentation to become more effective.
There’s a mostly unseen benefit and need for this, otherwise seemingly pointless, global development
The challenges that the world faces, encroaching, devastating fallout from global warming and excess carbon in the atmosphere, political corruption and inequality, disinformation and cybercrime, and so on.
Ultimately, unlike at any time in human history, we are facing a challenge. The survival of our species and even the planet are at stake.
In the years and decades to come it will become more and more obvious that there are only two paths possible. One path toward a kind of Utopia, or another one that will lead, inexorably to Oblivion.
Though the metaverse is scary in many ways, and does not always appear as a way to a better life, augmented and enhanced communication is one of the most desperately needed ways that solutions could eventually be discovered and implemented.
And that would put this progression and evolution of tech more in service of Utopia, and could be at the heart of a rescue plan to prevent Oblivion, before it’s too late.
Among the avalanche of new features and upgrades to iOS, iPadOS and most of all macOS 12 Monterey, there were two that were like a dream come true for anyone who has used AirPlay with AppleTv or “SideCar”, which originally came to the mac with macOS Catalina, and wished for one bold step further.
In an office environment, like our newsroom, being able to beam an iPad or mac on to a large conference style TV is great, but springing for the $ it takes to get a high resolution computer monitor large enough for group viewing is not such a great treat.
A fantastic compromise, one that many have wished for but never seen is the new option cogently called “AirPlay to Mac” which, just as the name implies, allows you to bean your phone or iPad (or I presume one mac to another) for paired or group viewing. (there were times when I, for one, forgot that this feature did not yet exist and tried to connect a mac screen using airPlay, to no avail).
AirPlay brings the Mac to life in all-new ways.
Even with tiny bugs that might arise at first when trying to get multiple macs to act as screens for a single source, once this is mature it should revolutionize meeting of small groups of colleagues all armed with trusty macs but wanting to do a group think and discussion session. (At a digital publisher meeting, like at Lynxotic, we might be looking at analytics data for the past week and all want to see the same data across all screens, for example.
Oh, and did I forget to mention that sound, just as in “regular” AirPlay, is included in the bargain. So even if it’s audio only that you want to share (like force feeding colleagues your favorite song) that is going to sound great on built in iMac speakers etc.
This seems instantly like something that is so obvious and intuitive that it could be one of those things, like AirPlay itself, that once entrenched and bug free, would be hard to live without.
Apple’s marketing copy:
“With AirPlay to Mac, users can play, present, and share just about anything — from the latest movies and games to vacation photos and presentations — from their iPhone or iPad right to their Mac’s stunning Retina display. The Mac’s high-fidelity sound system can also be used as an AirPlay speaker, so users can play music or podcasts on their Mac, or use their Mac as a secondary speaker for multi-room audio.”
Universal control, which sounds somehow ominous is, hopefully, just a simple way to more easily migrate live from device to device (of the same owner)
Though the mechanics of this feature were not explained in detail at the Keynote for WWDC2021, this is another feature that seems mind-bendingly obvious as a boon for any Apple device power user, it also seems strange that it did’t exist all along.
As shown with one example in the video below, it involves having a single mouse or trackpad control multiple devices. Or the same set up for a keyboard, or both. While there are some unanswered questions – such as would the keyboard designated as being the one to “universally control” another device automatically turn off the control on the remote devices native keyboard?
Perhaps this is a naive question since it appears that it is presumed that any device being universally controlled is owned and being used by a single human.
In one way this seems to have the best use when using, say, an iPad pro for a drawing task and then moving across to the mac to process the drawing in photoshop, illustrator etc. Honestly, sometimes it’s interesting to see each device as connected to a “chair mode” – iPad for a chaise lounge, iMac or MacMini for an office chair, iPhone or iPad mini for freedom from any chair, and switching from the more human-centric modes (chaise lounge) to get down to serious business on the biggest baddest screen and most powerful CPU seems like a utopian dream, with this feature activated and working without a glitch.
The ways this could be integrated into a workflow, and the permutations of how this could be useful, seem infinite, assuming it operates anywhere near as seamlessly as in the demonstration by Craig Federighi in the video. Being able to drag and drop, as he did, across three (3!) separate devices at will is pretty incredible, if not only for its simplicity and elegance.
As per Apple: “Universal Control lets users work more seamlessly across their Mac and iPad. Working across Apple devices is now better than ever with new Continuity features:
Universal Control lets users work with a single mouse and keyboard and move between Mac and iPad for a seamless experience, with no setup required. Users can even drag and drop content back and forth between devices — great for sketching a drawing with Apple Pencil on iPad and placing it into a Keynote slide on the Mac.
New challenges as the two “try” to get their way to parenthood
The Apple Original series, which in Season 1 followed Nikki, played by Esther Smith, and Jason played by Rafe Spall, as a London couple. Unsurprisingly, as the title gives away, they are trying and having some difficulty conceiving. With the realization that maybe adoption is the only route for them to raise a child, the two are put to the test and experience a rollercoaster of emotions along the way.
Season 2, which is set to release to Apple TV+ users on May 21, will continue to follow the journey to the next level as the two have finally been approved to adopt and take the huge step of welcoming a child into their home. This leads to challenges, such as finding a child they connect with and making a decision between a girl or boy. Juggling all the adoption events, school visits, all while also maintaining work schedules, wannabe family life soon becomes a whole lot more to deal with than Nikki and Jason anticipated.
The cast will also include the return of the Season 1 primary ensemble including: Imelda Staunton, Oliver Chris, Ophelia Lovibond, Darren Boyd and Robyn Cara.
Check out the below official trailer for “Trying” Season 2: The first two episodes will debut globally on May 21 and the remaining six episodes will be released weekly every Friday.
Another “credible” leak sited by MacRumors now predicts possible new iMac color palette
According to Mac Rumors, a Reliable leaker whose twitter handle is @L0vetodream hinted, via the juxtaposition of the classic “like a rainbow” images of the, then-state of-the-art, G3 iMacs alongside the colorful “Spring Loaded” graphic that accompanied the initial announcement of the April 20th event.
The obvious implication is that Apple may debut its rumored redesigned and colorful iMac at its “Spring Loaded” event on Tuesday.
This comes after a previous story which also cited a credible source, where the new iMac were said to likely not only have an “M series” chip, which everyone by now expects, but would also be “really big”, that is, a size larger than the current max 5k versions.
In the above tweet, the leaker posted an image of Apple’s logo used for marketing the upcoming event and an image of the retro rainbow Apple logo alongside the colorful lineup of G3 iMacs.
As can be seen from the image concept render above, and the MacRumors concept for colored iMacs below, there is a lot of excitement building for this announcement in particular and the event in general.
With the additional rumor of a larger size in the mix also, it’s worth tuning in on Tuesday to get the full skinny right from Apple, in real time.
Above: Apple Spring Loaded Event Poster Credit: Apple
“Loaded” is a loaded concept and let’s hope it rings true
After weeks of fits and starts, and even a bizarre siri advance confirmation leak, it’s finally official: Apple will be hosting a product reveal event on Tuesday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time at the Steve Jobs Theater on the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California.
Naturally, as with all event scheduled this year so far this will be digital only and streamed live from various platforms including the Apple events page.
The event is expected to reveal new 2021 product updates and more, and the rumor mill has been busy so there’s a lot of potential for both news that’s been hinted at, as well as surprises.
Highest on the list of anticipated possible reveals are; iPad Pro models, a new low-cost iPad and a new iPad mini.
Less expected but also very much in the realm of possibility are refreshed iMacs, the endlessly rumored AirTags and more updated news on chip development as will as advance information ahead of WWDC2021 and the fall big show where typically new iPhones appear.
Apple will be streaming live on its website and with the Apple TV app starting at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 20.
As big a splash as last year? Predictions are affirmative
Apple revealed its schedule for this year’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). To take place in an all online format on June 7th through 11th there will be a large audience due to the unlimited size of the venue (virtual) and, as was the case last year, the software and app developers event will also be an opportunity for Apple to highlight plans for new hardware designs.
As is customary, of course, the keynote address will thoroughly update the progress on the upcoming OS versions; iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, watchOS 8 and tvOS 15. Rumored expectations of hardware such as the highly anticipated iPad Pro, possibly a new MacBook Pro, new iMacs and the new Apple TV that is overdue and oft talked about.
Any or all of these, as yet unconfirmed, predictions could be upended by a prior release date, the iPad Pro for one, is rumored to be likely to get an announcement before June.
Above: Photo / Apple
The bulk of the conference is devoted to the software and if the upgrades are anywhere near as substantive as they were in 2020 that will be a lot to dive into.
The new year means new shows plus the debut of new seasons
Apple launched a new YT video, giving Apple TV+ watchers a glimpse of what to expect as the coming year unfolds. It’s a lot! The video breaks it all down with an exclusive preview of new TV shows, as well as films coming to the platform very soon.
There are now so many streaming platforms: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Discovery+, with a new one launching on March 4th, Paramount+ (Teaming up with ViacomCBS).
Apple TV+, although live for some time now, can be viewed as one of the newcomers in the streaming game. With that, it’s not always easy to decide if you should jump aboard to pay for yet another monthly subscription if you aren’t already a user.
For those that do not currently have Apple TV, subscription starts at $4.99 per month with a 7 day free trial. For that low of a price and the handful of new TV shows and movies coming this year, it may be a perfect time to try. However, if you are a buyer of Apple products such as an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, or Mac, it includes one year of Apple TV+ for free.
The two minute clip unloads lots of titles. New shows and movies: Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry, Cherry, Foundation, Lisey’s Story, Losing Alice, The Mosquito Coast, Mr. Corman, Palmer, Schmigadoon!, Physical and many more.
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In addition, there will be returns of successful shows included: Central Park, Dickinson, For All Mankind, Ghostwriter, Home Before Dark, The Morning Show, Mythic Quest, See, Servant, Trying, and Truth Be Told.
Here’s a taste of some of the full trailers for most of the upcoming titles to be hitting the streaming service in in the next several weeks.
Billie Eilish Documentary – February 26:
Cherry with Tom Holland – March 12:
The Mosquito Coast – April 30:
Mythic Quest Season 2 – May 7:
Foundation – Fall 2021:
Most titles will be premiering late Spring and Summer 2021. From the previews alone, it seems that all the different titles will be well worth the wait. Apple TV+ even gave a teaser video of the highly anticipated adaption of Isaac Asminov’s “Foundation” sci-fi novels.
Apple TV+ and YouTube event: Acoustic performance, interview and “surprises” in store
The release for the upcoming Apple TV+ documentary which follows Billie Eilish’s journey into fame, spotlighting a “sliver” of her life during the three year period the doc was filmed, is nearly here. Aside from the upcoming film, fans will also get another musical treat before the debut. Apple teamed up with the artist to commemorate the release with a livestream and exclusive performance, which will be available for all to watch for free. (Free!)
During the live event, Eilish will perform some (new) music, and maybe even talk about her new album that her and brother/co-writer created during her time at home due to covid-19 restrictions.
The artist also recently launched a live version of the song, “ilomilo” which has the song lyric “the world’s a little blurry” from which the title of the doc is inspired. Check out video above.
In addition to the musical performance, there will also be an interview with director R.J. Cutler, hosted by Apple Music’s DJ Zane Lowe. The Apple press release also notes that the event will include “other special surprises” but you have to watch in order to find out what those may be.
Eilish will perform live and can be streamed for free Thursday, Feb. 25 starting at 6 p.m. PT/ 9 p.m. ET via the Apple TV app, Apple Music app or Billie’s YouTube Channel. Immediately following the event, her documentary will debut on the Apple TV+ streaming platform.
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The trailer gives fans a peak of what’s to come, centered around Eilish’s rise to fame, offering behind the scenes of the inner workings of her highly successful album: “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”.
There is also footage of Eilish off stage, doing normal teenage activities like getting her driver’s license, as well as scenes of her at home hanging out with her brother and collaborator, Finneas.
“Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry” tells the true coming-of-age story of the singer-songwriter and her rise to global superstardom. From award-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler, the documentary offers a deeply intimate look at this extraordinary teenager’s journey, at just 17 years old, navigating life on the road, on stage, and at home with her family, while writing, recording and releasing her debut album “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?”
For those that do not currently have Apple TV, subscription starts at $4.99 per month with a 7 day free trial. Any buyer of Apple hardware is given a free subscription for up to a year as well.
Upcoming slate for Apple TV+ Reveals gradual upward slope to content
Until now Apple TV+ is still a bit of an also-ran. With Disney having an incredible run and HBO max making waves with its new Warner Brothers deal, even as Netflix and Amazon continue to ramble on, Apple’s premium streaming service seems almost like an underdog.
One thing about Apple, though, they rarely go into anything without a lot of planning. In this case with upfront investments of over $6 billion, anyone signing up now, or still taking advantage of the free subscription offers, can rest assured there will be a steady stream (sorry) of new content arriving for the foreseeable future.
Not everything gets announced and given a firm release date in advance, with the production schedules still in a bit of chaos, but we’ve made a list of what will be coming up soon. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page if you want to see the shows that are already released and can be seen immediately.
Apple TV+ is releasing new movies in the next few months. “Losing Alice”, “Palmer”, “Cherry”, and Billie Eilish documentary “The World’s A Little Blurry” have been announced so far, please check out the trailers below:
Losing Alice / January 22, 2021
“Losing Alice” is a thrilling cinematic journey that uses flashbacks and flash-forwards in a satisfyingly complex narrative that takes the viewer through the conscious and subconscious of its protagonist’s mind. The series follows Alice (played by Ayelet Zurer), a 48-year-old female film director, who feels irrelevant since raising her family. After a brief encounter on the train, she becomes obsessed with a 24-year-old screenwriter femme fatale, Sophie (played by Lihi Kornowski), and eventually surrenders her moral integrity in order to achieve power, relevance and success. Through the prism of this female Faust, the series explores issues such as jealousy, guilt, fear of aging, and the complex relationships women have among themselves and each other. But above all, “Losing Alice” is a love letter for the still-too-rare female director.
Palmer / January 29, 2021
After 12 years in prison, former high school football star Eddie Palmer returns home to put his life back together—and forms an unlikely bond with Sam, an outcast boy from a troubled home. But Eddie’s past threatens to ruin his new life and family.
The World’s A Little Blurry / February 26, 2021
“Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry” tells the true coming-of-age story of the singer-songwriter and her rise to global superstardom. From award-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler, the documentary offers a deeply intimate look at this extraordinary teenager’s journey, at just 17 years old, navigating life on the road, on stage, and at home with her family, while writing, recording and releasing her debut album “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?”
Cherry / March 12, 2021
CHERRY follows the wild journey of a disenfranchised young man from Ohio who meets the love of his life, only to risk losing her through a series of bad decisions and challenging life circumstances. Inspired by the best-selling novel of the same name, CHERRY features Tom Holland in the title role, as an unhinged character who drifts from dropping out of college to serving in Iraq as an army medic and is only anchored by his one true love Emily (Ciara Bravo). When Cherry returns home a war hero, he battles the demons of undiagnosed PTSD and spirals into drug addiction, surrounding himself with a menagerie of depraved misfits. Draining his finances, Cherry turns to bank robbing to fund his addiction, shattering his relationship with Emily along the way. Brought to the screen in bold, gritty fashion by visionary directors Anthony and Joe Russo, CHERRY is a darkly humorous, unflinching coming-of-age story of a man on a universal quest for purpose and human connection.
And here are the shows available to watch on AppleTV+ right now
Below is our pick of some anticipated titles coming to a screen the first of the year
Watching and streaming videos have undoubtedly been a source of how the majority of us have entertained ourselves throughout the year. With the entertainment industry and filming slowly ramping up, 2021 will likely yield some great TV shows.
We already know streaming movies come next year will be plentiful on HBO Max, as they announced 17 new movies releases and Disney+ will also bring a flurry of new content to its platform. Next year, TV shows hold a plethora of options, whether it be brand new shows, or renewed and limited series, TV watchers will have more than enough content to choose from.
The Serpent / BBC
Streaming January 1. The story of how the conman and murderer Charles Sobhraj, played by actor Tahar Rahim, was eventually caught and imprisoned. Posing as a gem dealer, Sobhraj and his girlfriend, Marie-Andrée Leclerc, played by Jenna Coleman, traversed Asia in 1975 and 1976, committing a spree of crimes along the ‘Hippie Trail’.
History of Swear Words / Netflix
Streaming January 5. Nicolas Cage explores the history, usage and cultural impact of the most notorious swear words in the English language. Each episode will examine the use and cultural impact of words like “damn”, “sh*t”, “fu*k”, “bit*h”, “pus**”, “dic*”, “cu**”, and I’m sure many other good ole cuss words you can think of.
Dickinson / Apple TV +
Streaming January 8. The second season continues to follow the budding writer Emily Dickinson. Played by Hailee Steinfeld, she uses her outsider’s perspective to explore the constraints of society, gender and family in the 19th century.
Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer / Netflix
Streaming January 13. This historical documentary that follows the young detective Gil Carrillo and legendary homicide investigator Frank Salerno as they work timely to catch the “Night Stalker”. Beneath the sunlit glamour of 1985 LA lurks a relentlessly evil serial killer. In this true-crime story, two detectives won’t rest until they catch Richard Ramirez, who was eventually arrested for his terrible crimes.
WandaVision / Disney+
Streaming January 15. As part of the many Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) shows to be released through Disney+ comes “WandaVision” Living idealized suburban lives, super-powered beings Wanda and Vision begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Evan Peters and Kat Dennings.
Get an inside look into the life of 5x Grammy Award Winner
Apple TV+ released the first trailer for “Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry”, the music documentary directed by R.J. Cutler.
The trailers gives fans a peak of what’s to come, centered around Eilish’s rise fame, offering behind the scenes of the inner workings of her highly successful album: “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”.
There is also footage of Eilish off stage, doing normal teenage activities like getting her driver’s license, as well as scenes of her at home hanging out with her brother and collaborator, Finneas.
The documentary looks to give her ‘Avacados’ (her fanbase) a deeper and more intimiate look into Eilish’s world.
Within the trailer Billie even explains why she occasionally sleeps in her parents’ bed…monsters.
Along with revealing confessionals, there is bound to be some twisted humor Eilish can sometimes be known for.
The Apple Original Films production was made in association with Interscope Films and will premiere in select theaters as well as on Apple TV+ on Feb. 26, 2021.
Hints and Leaks are becoming commonplace – this time it’s the features that wow
Rumor Reports have surfaced that Apple is planning a hardware reveal event for December 8th, 2020, likely at the usual 11am PT time slot. The leak was said to some from an internal memo, and Service providers have been told to expect changes on Tuesday. MacRumors reports that this type of prior warning to suppliers has coincided historically with new products being launched.
What product(s) might be launched?
It’s not likely that a major product will be launched (so no new MacBook or iPhone, for example), but some possibilities that have been mentioned are an AppleTV update or the ever elusive AirTags.
AirTags have been in development for months now. However, Apple has kept most details on the elusive product under wraps. We expected to hear some specifics on the AirTags at the company’s September and October press events, but although those occasions offered lots of other exciting launches, they remained silent on the Tags.
Only now have two new Apple patents come out for AirTags, featuring illustrations and suggestions about how the devices might work and where they could be useful— The answers might be more expansive than we thought.
In essence, AirTags are exactly what we expected them to be: Apple products akin to a Tiles, which can be placed on any object and thus track it. Intuitively, their primary function is to help users find lost items such as keys, wallets, or phones by sending out a locational signal to Apple devices. Reportedly, these signals will be more precise than any GPS, directing people to within feet of the Tag.
The new patents, however, suggest that the AirTags’ tracking abilities could be useful beyond just recovering everyday items. They could, for example, be attached to emergency equipment like fire extinguishers or defibrillators, helping people find such crucial tools in unfamiliar environments. They could also be used to track people via Apple Watches or the wristbands featured in the patent illustrations. While tracking human beings raises major ethical questions, it could also save lives in the events of kidnappings or missing people.
Beyond such grave alternatives, the patents also suggest more leisurely uses for the AirTags. By attaching them to one’s body, they could serve as advanced gears in augmented reality gaming platforms, or play a role in the new Apple Fitness+ app by monitoring posture and other health matters.
Tags could also be placed in public areas to send signals directly to other Apple devices with useful information such as maps and guides. The patent offers the example of a business placing a Tag at its entrance, ensuring that everyone who enters receives a map of the building.
When Apple delays (as with the MagSafe surprise just announced) good things happen…
As of right now, rumor has it that the AirTags will launch in March 2021, but given their perpetual delays so far and the precarious state of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hard to say for sure when these devices will really become available. Nevertheless, the latest patents suggest that AirTags are going to be much more than mere Tile replicas. With that in mind, perhaps they will also be more worth the wait.
Above: video for peanuts holiday special on appletv+ and pbs
AppleTV+ partners with PBS to give viewers some holiday cheer
In October, Apple announced it was teaming up with Peanuts Worldwide and gained the exclusive rights for all “Peanuts” assets, including the beloved specials: “Its The Great Pumpkin, CharlieBrown”, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for AppleTV+ video streaming.
After the acquisition, many Americans worried they might miss “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as it was no longer available for broadcast television, which would have been the first time in several decades that this Holiday tradition would be unavailable to a wider audience. Rest assured, Peanuts fans, for the remaining holiday season, luckily, the Peanuts gang will be back on television, for either via broadcast on PBS or to stream on AppleTV+.
AppleTV+ will launch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” on Nov 18 and it will be available to stream free from Nov 25-27. The Thanksgiving special will be aired on PBS on Nov 22 at 7:30 p.m. In December, AppleTV+ will also premiere “ A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Dec 4, with the holiday special available to enjoy for free from Dec 11-13. The holiday special will also air on PBS on Dec 13 at 7:30 p.m. The specials will be ad-free.
Apple established ties with Peanuts back in 2018, the agreement initially called for the company to help develop new series and specials featuring the iconic comic strip characters: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and Peppermint Patty. Apple has since produced brand new animated Apple originals like “Snoopy in Space”, which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy and will include a second second. As well as the upcoming brand new original AppleTV+ series “The Snoopy Show” set for release in Feb 2021.
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A greatly improved audio experience is about to get even better..
Apple announced during the first ever virtual WWDC 2020 event that there will be some significant updates to the AirPods and AirPods Pro that will further enhance the audio experience for the Apple headphone user. The iOS 14 update is expected to be available to the public later this year, most likely around September, which is when the iPhone 12 is also anticipated to be released. If you practically live with your AirPods in your ears, these two big features will make you happy.
Another small but appreciated update will offer a battery status update, which will notify users when it is time to charge your headphones. No more totally dead AirPods – hooray! Click here to see Apple Watch deals on Amazon.
AirPods are currently pretty simple and easy to pair to any Apple device, just open the battery case near your iPhone and done. With the new update, the pairing will be even easier, with the new feature called “Seamless Switching”, this is where you will be able to switch between your different Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch) without having to manually switch or connect. For example if you have your AirPods connected to your iPad while watching a TV show, but during that time you get a phone call on your iPhone, your AirPods will know and automatically switch accordingly, then can switch back to your iPad. This is major if you have multiple Apple devices. The Seamless Switching feature will work with AirPods Pro, AirPods (2nd generation), Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Solo Pro. In order for the feature to work you will have to have an active iCloud account.
Spatial Audio is another major feature that will be available on AirPods Pro as part of the iOS 14 update which is set to be released in the fall. Unfortunately Spatial Audio will not be available for regular AirPods but for the Air Pods Pro exclusively. The feature creates an immersive surround-sound experience much like that of being in the movie theaters.
How are they able to create theater-like surround sound? Apple will be utilizing data from the AirPods Pro accelerometer and gyroscope to detect any movement from both headphone and device. This means that the sounds will stay consistent and in sync and allow the sound to come from all angles: left, right, front, back, and even above, mimicking what happens when you move your head while sitting in the movie theater. If you are watching a movie and you turn your head with your Pros on, the audio perspective will adjust to your movement maintaining the illusion of “place” and creating a strong sense of directionality. If you accidentally move the device, such as an iPad, on which you are viewing film, the movement will be detected and, again, the source directionality of the sound will automatically adjust accordingly.
Apple will also be updating the audio sharing features on AirPods’ with Apple TV to allow two users to watch a TV show or a movie together. The sharing capabilities will require the new tvOS update – tvOS 14. With all original televisions shows, new monthly additions, and new originals coming in the future, streaming using Apple TV with a partner will make the experience sweeter and more in sync.
In addition to the upcoming new features, Apple also has a new AirPods Pro firmware available which should automatically download. The previous version, 2D15 will be replaced with the newest version 2D27 and marks the 4th update since the AirPods Pro launch. If you are curious what version of firmware your device currently is set to, go to the Settings App on your iPhone, select General, then About, then AirPods Pro.
Hardware and Software Updates Combine as Apple Eco-System Expands…
Like most events to take place in 2020, Apple’s World Wide Developer’s Conference happened virtually this year. Between the dates of June 22 and June 26, the annual Apple occasion was carried out via a multitude of online presentations, as tech reporters, colleagues, and enthusiasts logged on from around the world to hear the latest and greatest in Apple’s developments.
One of Apple’s more exciting announcements was for the new Apple TV Operating System: tvOS 14. Compared to other Apple devices, Apple TVs are relatively young, debuting in 2007 alongside the original iPhone, but only really garnering traction over the past five years. Today, with iCloud and Smart Homes becoming ubiquitous, Apple TVs offer more utility than even before.
Still, the tvOS updates are rarely as exciting as the iOS or macOS updates for more common Apple devices. Nevertheless, tvOS 14 has some pretty neat offerings—enough to raise a few eyebrows at the virtual WWDC.
Firstly, tvOS 14 is expanding the 4k visual quality that has defined Apple TV’s fifth generation since 2017. In addition to watching regular programming in 4k, users can now experience YouTube videos and a wider breadth of AirPlay streaming in 4k as well. This is something that has not been possible with previous OSs.
Moreover, the new OS will make Apple TVs more gamer-friendly than ever before. Not only will it offer greater options from the included Apple Arcade, but it will also make saving easier with the improved seamless ability to switch off between multiple users. This way, everyone can save and resumer their individual gameplay without interfering with other users’ progress. Furthermore, the OS will make AppleTVs compatible with the latest Xbox controllers: Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive Controllers.
OS 14 also offers an upgraded Home app for people with Smart Homes. Now, users can access all of their connected HomeKit devices right from the big screen, including camera feeds.
Contrary to the increased connectivity, tvOS 14 also brings novel audio-visual offerings that allow multiple separate experiences on the same screen. There is a new split screen option, letting users watch two things at once such as a workout routine with a sports game, the news with a video game, or the home monitor with a movie. Simultaneously, novel AirPods audio sharing technology will allow multiple people to listen with different AirPods at the same time. Meanwhile, the advanced Spatial Audio feature will provide surround-sound quality audio via the AirPods.
Evidently, there is a lot to get excited about with tvOS 14, as it will bring the television-watching experience to new heights. This is not even to mention the advances in Apple TV+— the Apple TV-exclusive streaming service that launched last fall. The new Operating System aside, Apple TV+ is offering a wide variety of renewed, rebooted, and original content in the coming months. This includes the acquisition of Tom Hanks’ war epic “Greyhound” and an in-house production series adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi classic “Foundation.” The latter was just announced at the WWDC alongside tvOS 14.
The new OS is presently available only for an exclusive bunch in the development world, but it will run a public beta test in July and launch sometime in the fall.
Massive Library May be included and Increase Streaming Compitition
NBCUniversal and Comcast will be making their debut into the media market’s ongoing streaming war on July 15th, 2020. On that Wednesday in the midst of the summer, the globally renowned entertainment conglomerate will launch “Peacock,” the ultimate online service for all things Comcast.
Just to set the record straight, NBCUniversal owns far more than just the Nightly News and old horror movies. DreamWorks, Illumination, Focus Features, G4TV, USA Network, and Syfy amongst others all fall under the company’s corporate umbrella. Thus, there is a lot of reason behind consolidating all of its content to one streaming service, especially when competitors Disney, WarnerMedia, and CBS are all starting to do it.
Comcast first announced that it would be starting its own streaming service over a year ago in January 2019, and it released the name “Peacock” (based on NBC’s colorful feathered symbol) on September 17th. At that time, NBCUniversal also stated that the website would be launched in April 2020 and that it will eventually be the sole place to stream NBC favorites “The Office” and “Parks & Recreation.”
Obviously, the launch date has been pushed back since then. Nevertheless, the announcement that “The Office” and “Parks & Rec” will be barred from other streaming services is a big blow for the competition. Netlflix, for one, will certainly suffer from the loss of these shows, as “The Office” in particular has been one of the most popular programs in its catalogue for years. With shows like “The Office” and “Parks & Rec” (and “Saturday Night Live” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) having such vast, dedicated fan bases, one can imagine customers subscribing to Peacock just for the access to specific programs.
Peacock will also have movies from Universal Pictures and its subsidiaries, and a slew of original content from veteran NBC and USA showrunners such as Mike Schur of “The Good Place” and Sam Eslami of “Mr. Robot.” Hopping on Hollywood’s current nostalgic bandwagon, Schur will be creating a reboot of 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster” for the service and Eslami will be leading a revival of “Battlestar Galactica.”
From “Free” to $10 per Month with Comcast Customer Link
When it comes to pricing, Comcast is offering Peacock at three different tiers. The least expensive tier costs absolutely nothing. This version of the platform will be called “Peacock Free” and it will have limited, ad-supported content. The next level up will again be ad-supported, but it will have access to the service’s full library. This will be free for Comcast customers and cost $5/month for everyone else.
The final tier will be called “Peacock Premium.” It will cost $10/month and will run ad-free. Like the second tier, it will have access to the service’s complete catalogue plus live sports, including Premiere League soccer, which is a television rarity in the United States.
At $10/month, even Peacock’s priciest option is relatively cheap compared with the competition. While it costs more than Disney+’s generous $7/month fee, it remains thriftier than Netflix and Amazon Prime’s standard $12/month plans and HBOMax’s forthcoming $15/month price tag.
Still, Comcast is willing to offer even better Peacock deals for their loyal customers. Comcast and Cox cable users can get Peacock Premium for free with ads, or for half price without ads. Those who subscribe to Comcast Xfinity X1 or Flex will be also able to get Premium early—in April.
As opposed to Netflix that began its business in streaming or Disney and Warner that are only now starting to transition, NBCUniversal is evidently trying to keep its foot in conventional television with Peacock. The deals that Comcast is making with its cable subscribers are direct incentives to stifle the cord-cutting phenomenon while still keeping up with the times.
With Netflix getting copious nominations this awards season, Apple TV coming in hot with “The Morning Show,” Disney+ estimating to earn $2.2 billion in 2020, and HBOMax coming out it May, the streaming wars are in full swing. Throw Hulu, Amazon Prime, Quibi, and multiple other platforms into the mix and one can clearly see that the competition is quite fierce. The media sphere is changing, and NBCUniversal is straddling the line between the old and the new. We’ll just have to wait until July to see where Peacock stands and how it plays out.
The Carnage and Consumer Choice Explosion has only just begun
2019 will go down in history as a game-changing year for television. It was the year that put the nail cable’s coffin as major networks and production companies turned over to the Internet, creating a streaming war between the various online platforms for consumers to watch content on.
The war unofficially began when the Walt Disney Company launched Disney+ on November 12th. In its first day, the service attained over 10 million subscribers. One month in, it had over 24 million, an unprecedented growth rate.
Much of Disney’s success has come at the expense of other streaming services, though. At just $7 a month, Disney+ is one of the less expensive streaming subscriptions on the market. Amazon Prime costs just under $10 a month and Netflix can cost up to $16 a month depending on the plan.
Since Disney+ launched, Netflix has lost 1.1 million subscribers. This is a 5.8% reduction in the company’s customer figures, and it is likely correlated to the fresh competition.
Netflix has tried to combat its rivals by focusing on their in-house productions and creating Oscar-savvy films. While the Academy picks are still yet to come, Netflix is already the most nominated production company for the 2020 Golden Globes. Their movies “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story,” “Dolemite Is My Name,” and “The Two Popes” were all nominated for best picture. “Marriage Story” and “The Irishman” even lead the race with six and five nominations respectively.
Many, however, believe that these prestigious projects are not enough to keep Netflix afloat in the long run. With the rise of Disney+, Netflix is losing all of its licensed-out Disney content, and its library will continue to dwindle as more studios create their own platforms. Perhaps the company’s recent deal with Viacom to produce new Nickelodeon content will help keep Netflix safe for a little while longer. After that, it might have to consider lowering the monthly cost, or even selling the data that it keeps so close to its chest.
Launch Announcement at Apple Special Event in 2019
Apple TV+ could be a Sleeper Hit with Upside Potential to Grow
One of the few streaming services that costs less than Disney+ right now is Apple TV+, another new kid on the block that launched on November 1st. Apple TV+ costs only $5 a month, and since its emergence it has garnered around 9 million subscribers. These figures seem small when standing next to Disney, but that 9 million may not account for all of the people who bought new Apple devices this year. As an extension of the tech company, Apple TV+ is included free-of-charge for one year on all new iPhones, iPads, Apple SmartTVs, or Mac computers.
Like Netflix, Apple TV+ is also making a big debut in the upcoming awards season. Its original series, “The Morning Show” already earned the company three Golden Globe nominations. This marks the first time that a streaming service has achieved recognition from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in its inauguration year.
On the other end of the spectrum from Apple TV+’s affordable price is the forthcoming HBO Max, which AT&T’s WarnerMedia will launch in May 2020. HBO Max will cost a hefty $15 a month, and its release date has been pushed back multiple times since its announcement in 2018.
Thus, HBO Max has been a confusing and quiet underdog in the streaming war. Part of the confusion surrounding the future service is the fact that WarnerMedia already has two different premiere subscription services—HBO Go and HBO Now (not to mention the DC Universe streaming service also under Warner’s corporate umbrella).
Netflix Facing new competition from all sides
To put it plainly, HBO Max will combine HBO Go and HBO Now to offer both service’s entire libraries plus original shows, all the DC content, and additional intellectual properties from other TimeWarner networks such as TNT, TBS, CNN, and Cartoon Network. It will have all episodes of “Friends,” “South Park,” and “Game Of Thrones.” Oddly, it will not have Warner Brothers’ famed Harry Potter or Fantastic Beast films, as their streaming rights are still licensed out to Universal.
This consolidation of all TimeWarner content will be another hit against Netflix. Based on viewership, Netflix’s two most popular shows are “Friends” and “The Office,” and they will be losing both of them to HBO Max and NBC’s Peacock respectively.
These streaming services are the major players in the game, but they are not alone. Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube TV, Philo, CBS All-Access, fuboTV and others may not be as talked about, but they still have stakes in the streaming wars. Competition amongst the entertainment conglomerates in the cybersphere will undoubtedly continue into the new year, and it will likely come to redefine television in the approaching decade.
