Reviving the Blog: A Commitment to Consistent Content

Introduction

Over the past few months, my blog has seen a noticeable silence, a hiatus that's become a recurring theme. It's time to break that cycle, and I've set a new challenge for myself. From this Sunday onward, I'm committing to publishing an article every second day. Whether the topic is profound or whimsical, I'm determined to reignite the spark that initially fueled this blog.

The Reflection

Looking back, I've observed a pattern - a burst of creativity, followed by an inexplicable loss of momentum. Breaking this cycle requires a conscious effort and a commitment to consistency. It's not about the number of readers; it's about the discipline of creating and sharing content regularly.

The Decision

Today, on October 8th, 2023, marks the beginning of this renewed journey. This post isn't just another entry; it's a declaration of intent, a promise to myself to overcome creative roadblocks and embrace the joy of expression.

The Unrestricted Topics

What's on the agenda? Anything and everything. The commitment is to produce, without the constraints of a predetermined theme. Whether it's a deep dive into a niche interest or a lighthearted exploration, each article will be a testament to the versatility of creativity.

Conclusion

Here's to breaking free from the chains of inconsistency, to embracing the writing process, and to welcoming both the familiar readers and those who join along the way. Let this Sunday be more than just a date; let it be the rebirth of a consistent dialogue. Stay tuned for the next article, coming in two days.

Postscript

Your feedback and engagement are more than welcome. Let's turn this journey into a shared experience.

Sega buys Angry Birds maker Rovio

.                                       Rovio

Rovio Entertainment, the Finnish video game maker behind the popular "Angry Birds" franchise, has agreed to a $775 million (that's roughly 14 Billion Rands I'm not mistaken) sale to Japanese gaming firm Sega in a recommended cash offer of 9.25 euros per share to Rovio shareholders. Shareholders who hold shares corresponding to approximately 49.1 percent of the outstanding shares and votes in Rovio have irrevocably undertaken to accept the offer, subject to certain customary conditions. 

Sega plans to use Rovio's expertise to expand its mobile offering and accelerate the development of multi-platform SEGA games. The acquisition comes after Rovio failed to achieve the same level of success it enjoyed when it launched Angry Birds in 2009. The sale is particularly important for Rovio, which has been struggling with debt of approximately €170m (roughly 3 billion hands if I'm not mistaken), and has been forced to cut jobs and restructure over the past few years. 

The studio that Rovio had created to make movies and TV shows for Netflix, named Kaiken Entertainment, will continue to operate as an independent firm after the sale to Sega, and with all that being said I wonder if they will continue making stuff for Rovio as Sega on its side has been making movies and shows for its franchise like Sonic the Hedgehog and others so I guess we will just have to wait and see. 

From HBO Max to just Max

.                        Warner Bros. Discovery

Yesterday on Wednesday the 12th of April the CEO of Warner Bros Discovery announced that HBO Max will go by just Max, so here's a mini blog about the newly announced renaming of HBO Max to just Max, the new show's announcements from the lines of the Game of Thrones prequel, the Harry Potter remake, and other stuff.

HBO Max Renamed Max

WarnerMedia recently announced that it will rebrand its streaming service HBO Max to just Max. The decision to rename the service comes as part of a broader push by the company to streamline its branding and better differentiate its various offerings they say the pricing will remain the same with a new top tier and what's already there. 

The rebranding will not affect the content available on the service, which will continue to include all of the shows and movies currently available on HBO Max. However, the change does reflect a shift in the company's strategy, as it looks to compete more aggressively with other streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.

Game of Thrones Prequel

One of the most highly anticipated shows coming to Max is the Game of Thrones prequel, which is currently in production. The show, which is set thousands of years before the events of the original series, will explore the origins of the White Walkers and the mysteries of Westeros.

While details about the show are still scarce, fans have been eagerly speculating about what they can expect from the new series. Some have speculated that the show will feature new characters and storylines, while others believe it will tie more closely to the events of the original series.

Harry Potter Remake

Another rumored show that has fans buzzing is a Harry Potter remake, set to be released on Max. While WBD confirmed the project, rumors have been circulating for months that the company is planning to adapt the beloved book series for television.

Many fans are skeptical of the idea, fearing that a remake could never live up to the original movies. However, others are excited about the prospect of seeing their favorite characters and storylines brought to life on the small screen.

Other Shows 

They announced another Big Bang Theory show, a show set in the world of The Conjuring, new stuff from the DC Universe.m and many other shows from the Warner Brothers Discovery stable that will come directly for the Max platform and other shows that will be coming from the linear Television channels that they have under their stable. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Max is shaping up to be one of the most exciting streaming services on the market as they are speaking about it being built from the ground up, with a wide range of new shows and movies in the works. Whether you're a fan of Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, or The Big Bang Theory, there's something for everyone on Max. Hopefully, as a South African, they do not forget us or maybe do not forget Showmax as they have some sort of deal. For me, it would be best if they tighten that deal so that more and more of their contact comes through to South Africa especially those DC Universe Animation that is dope for both the young ones and the old ones. 

Links you can read if you want more info. 

TechCrunch 

Variety 

From HD to 4K: Upscaling movies.

Over the long weekend, while I was watching the Original X-Men trilogy movies with my family on Disney+ I noticed that some of these movies are in 4K even though the technology wasn't available when they were originally released in the 2000s so I thought I should find out how they got upscaled and this is what I found. A fascinating process that involves a lot of hard work and cutting-edge technology.

First of all, it's important to understand that not all old movies can be converted into 4K HDR. The quality of the original film is a significant factor. If the original film is in good condition, the restoration process is much more straightforward and, if the film is damaged or degraded, it can be much more challenging to restore and convert it into a 4K HDR.

So, how do they do that? The process of converting old movies into 4K HDR starts by scanning the original film using a high-resolution scanner. This scanner can capture the film's details in much greater detail than a standard scanner, allowing for a more accurate restoration.

Once the film has been scanned, it's time to start the restoration process. This process involves removing any dirt, scratches, or other imperfections that may have accumulated in the film over time. It's critical to remove these imperfections as they can have a significant impact on the final quality of the restored film.

After the restoration process is complete, it's time to start the conversion process. This process involves using specialized software to upscale the resolution of the film in its original format to 4K HDR. While this process is relatively straightforward, it can take a lot of time and computing power to complete, depending on the length of the film.

It's worth noting that not all movies are converted into 4K HDR. Some movies are only converted into 2K resolutions, which is still a significant improvement over the original format. This is because the majority of modern movies are still made in 2K resolutions.

In conclusion, as I said before, the process of converting old movies into 4K HDR is a fascinating one that involves cutting-edge technology and a lot of hard work. While not all movies can be converted into this format, those can be truly spectacular to watch. So, if you're a fan of old movies, be sure to check out the latest digitally restored films to see the magic for yourself.

Podcast of the Week

Last week I wrote a blog mainly about a podcast I think you should check out if you haven't yet and looking at the numbers I think it's best if I continue with the whole thing of recommending podcasts so here is this week's podcast to check out and see where it takes us and in the coming weeks I might also go a dissection of some sort of the South African podcast landscape but then back today's post. 

So this week's podcast is not South African but since I'm an African who is mostly bombarded with what's happening to African Americans in America I genuinely liked listening to this week's recommendation.

The Africas vs America.

The Africas VS America is a podcast by CBS that investigates the events that culminated in the MOVE bombing, and the long afterlife of a forgotten American tragedy. The podcast has seven episodes and is hosted by Matthew Amha. 

For me this podcast goes to show that cop violence that's been happening in the USA is not something that started yesterday it the day before that it's been happening for ages hence Matthew talks about the Black Panther and other structures that got dismantled by the police structures in America. 

Yeah today's podcast for me. 

If you've checked it out before please leave your comments below or maybe other podcasts that are like it from anywhere in the world. 

Twitter's whirlwind of a weekend

It's been an eventful weekend for Elon Musk and the guys at Twitter so let's see what's been happening. 

Twitter has been facing some challenges recently with its celebrity users, media companies, and others particularly when it comes to monetization. Many popular figures, such as LeBron James, and others, have opted not to pay for the "verified" badge on their profiles. This has been a source of frustration for Twitter, as they have been trying to find ways to generate revenue and create an incentive for users to pay for additional features but still, when I look at it on principle I agree with the celebs on this. 

The was also that major fight with The New York Times where they said they won't pay and to punish them the main account from the site lost the badge and the subsidiaries still had the badges which looked like it was all done to spite the owners and then there was the whole thing that happened earlier on today about NPR which according to my understanding is not state-affiliated but Twitter chose to tag it as one. 

Additionally, Twitter faced controversy over the weekend for showcasing the Dogecoin logo on its platform. Dogecoin is a cryptocurrency that was created as a joke but has gained a dedicated following in recent years mostly due to Elon Musk himself. However, some critics were quick to point out that cryptocurrency has been associated with fraud and scams in the past, which raised concerns about Twitter's decision to promote it.

Despite these challenges, Twitter remains a popular platform for celebrities and regular users alike. Its unique blend of real-time news and social networking makes it a valuable tool for staying informed and connected with the world. As the platform continues to evolve, it will certainly face more challenges, but it remains an important player in the social media landscape.

Are you willing to pay for Twitter or not let's talk in the comments below and also what's your take on Dogecoin as Twitter's logo on the site or app? 

Let's talk Podcasts

                               

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a piece about my favorite Podcast App which I said is Pocket Cast so this week I thought I should share a bit about my favorite Podcast Show that I got to listen to over the last couple of weeks and if this goes well it might be a weekly thing. With this one I know I was very late to the club my favorite show has been Gallo Vault Sessions by Gallo Music with KONJO. 

So yeah Gallo Vault Sessions is a 6-part podcast series that is brought to you by Gallo Music in collaboration with KONJO. It goes into the story of Gallo Music, which I got to find out that it's Africa’s largest and oldest recording company, and reflects on the ways music shapes culture, and how our culture has been shaped by music, and every episode is accompanied by 60 minutes mix that's about the subject matter of that week's episode. 

As I said above it's a 6 part series and every episode delves into a certain part of the Gallo company. Part 1 is mainly about its history, Part. 2 is about how Bantu radio influenced the changes in the South African music scene, Part 3 I skipped because it was mainly about the Afrikaans music during Apartheid and then Parts 4, 5, and 6 were mainly about the royalties, South African music going global and how Gallo would transition through certain parts of the South African History. 

If you are genuinely a music fan I suggest you check it out I've posted the link below. 

They also mentioned that they will be releasing season 2 sometime this year. 

Gallo Vault Sessions 

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Pocket Cast

Pocket Cast Logo

Over the last couple of years one of the biggest things to blow up in South Africa is Podcasting, Podcast shows and the likes so me being the person that likes stuff I put my name in the bag with podcasting and I liked it however things went sour during COVID but then yeah enough about that 

For me my favorite Podcast listening App is an App called Pocket Cast.

So what's Pocket Cast?

Pocket Casts is a podcast app that was acquired by Automattic, the company that owns WordPress and Tumblr, in 2021. Before that, it was owned by a consortium of top podcast producers including NPR, WNYC Studios, WBEZ Chicago, BBC and This American Life.

For me when it comes to Android it is one of the most complete podcast apps on the market. It offers features such as adjustable playback speed, silence trimming, volume boost above default levels and a sleep timer. It also offers hand-curated podcast suggestions to make it easy to discover new podcasts and episodes.

Yeah there are many free alternatives to Pocket Casts available on various platforms including Android and iPhone. Some other popular podcast players include Player.FM, Google Podcasts and other which you could  also say offer advanced features for managing your podcasts.

For me as said above Pocket Casts has a great UI with light and dark themes, useful search and filtering options, trim silence feature, variable speed playback (between .5x and 3x speed), volume boost, chapter navigation and Apple Watch controls. So yeah it's free and it also has something called Pocket Cast plus subscription where you can get extra features which range from a desktop apps, cloud storage for audio and new icons for a monthly or yearly fee.

So if you've tried listening to Podcasts on Apps and you find the whole thing cumbersome some have ads everywhere so I suggest you try Pocket Cast or maybe you wait for YouTube as they are testing Podcasts that side where it doesn't always have to video and it can be a static photo.

Try this App and I assure you, you will enjoy using it. 

Spotify’s New Look and Features: A Summary

Spotify has redesigned its app and web player to offer more content and features. However, some users and podcasters are unhappy with the changes.

Spotify’s new look and features

Spotify has ditched Anchor, its podcast creation platform, and integrated its podcaster tools into its main app. It has also partnered with Patreon to help creators earn money from their fans.

Anchor allowed anyone to create and distribute podcasts for free using their phone or computer. It also offered monetization options such as ads and listener support.

Spotify said that it is revamping its podcaster tools and making them more accessible and user-friendly. It also announced a partnership with Patreon, a platform that lets creators earn money from their fans through subscriptions or tips.

Spotify has introduced new formats such as video podcasts and live audio rooms. It has also added a Tik-Tok like feed for music and podcast discovery.

Video podcasts are podcasts that include video content along with the audio. Spotify has acquired exclusive rights to some popular video podcasts such as The Joe Rogan Experience and The Michelle Obama Podcast.

Live audio rooms are similar to Clubhouse, a social audio app that lets users join or host live conversations on various topics. Spotify has acquired Betty Labs, the company behind Locker Room, a live audio app for sports fans.

The TikTok-like feed is called Discovery Mode. It lets users swipe through short clips of music or podcasts that match their preferences or mood.

Spotify’s strategy and challenges 

Spotify’s strategy is to become the dominant player in the audio market by offering more variety and personalization. However, it also faces competition from other services such as Apple Music, Amazon Music

Spotify has invested heavily in acquiring exclusive podcasts, developing original content, and expanding into new markets. It has over 356 million monthly active users and over 158 million premium subscribers worldwide.

However, Spotify also faces fierce competition from other players such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music  

For Anime is it Netflix or Crunchyroll?

If you are an anime fan in South Africa, you may wonder which platform is the best for you: Netflix or Crunchyroll. Here are some factors to consider:

Content

Netflix has a large and diverse library of anime titles but lacks simulcasts for most of them. You may have to wait for months or years to watch the latest episodes of your favorite shows.

Crunchyroll has a dedicated and faithful service for anime fans but misses some popular shows due to licensing restrictions. You can watch most anime titles as soon as they air in Japan with subtitles.

Quality

Netflix offers high-quality video and audio for its anime titles, with options to stream in HD or 4K resolution depending on your device and subscription plan. Netflix also provides subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages for most of its anime titles.

Crunchyroll offers decent video and audio quality for its anime titles, with options to stream in SD or HD resolution depending on your device and subscription plan. Crunchyroll also provides subtitles in multiple languages for most of its anime titles, but dubbing is limited to a few shows.

Availability

Netflix is available in South Africa since 2016, with a monthly subscription fee ranging from R99 (Basic) to R169 (Premium). Netflix can be accessed on various devices such as smart TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles. However, not all anime titles on Netflix are available in South Africa due to licensing restrictions. For example, some anime titles that are popular in other regions such as One Piece, Dragon Ball Super and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are not available on Netflix South Africa.

Price

Netflix offers three subscription plans in South Africa: Basic (R99 per month), Standard (R139 per month) and Premium (R169 per month). The Basic plan allows you to watch on one device at a time in standard definition. The Standard plan allows you to watch on two devices at a time in high definition. The Premium plan allows you to watch on four devices at a time in ultra high definition.

Crunchyroll offers three subscription plans in South Africa: Mini Fan (R39 per month), Fan (R79 per month) and Mega Fan (R159 per month). The Mini Fan plan allows you to watch unlimited ad-free anime in standard definition on one device at a time. The Fan plan allows you to watch unlimited ad-free anime in high definition on one device at a time. The Mega Fan plan allows you to watch unlimited ad-free anime in high definition on four devices at a time, download episodes for offline viewing and access exclusive content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Netflix and Crunchyroll are two different platforms that offer different anime experiences for South African fans. Netflix has a large and diverse library of anime titles but lacks simulcasts for most of them. Crunchyroll has a dedicated and faithful service for anime fans but misses some popular shows due to licensing restrictions. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose the platform that best suits your anime needs.

I hope this blog was helpful and informative for you. If you have any feedback or questions, please let me know.

What's Crunchyroll?

Crunchyroll is a popular streaming service that offers anime, manga, and drama fans access to thousands of titles from Japan and other countries. But is Crunchyroll available in South Africa? And if so, what are the benefits of using it?

You can watch Crunchyroll for free on various devices such as Windows 10, Xbox One, Android TV, PlayStation,and online via their website. You can watch episodes of Black Clover, Sword Art Online,and many more without a membership. However, if you want to enjoy the latest episodes one hour after they air in Japan and without ads,you can sign up for Crunchyroll Mega Fan for R49.00 per month.

Crunchyroll Premium also gives you access to unlimited ad-free manga reading on your device. You can read hundreds of chapters across various genres and series like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia,and more.

Crunchyroll claims to be the world’s largest anime collection with over 1 000 titles and 30 000 episodes available for streaming.You can also join other fans on their Facebook and Twitter pages to share your thoughts and opinions on your favorite shows.

Another benefit of using Crunchyroll is that it is owned by Sony since August 2021 , which means that it has access to Sony’s resources and expertise in entertainment. In March 2022, Sony merged its anime franchises under the Crunchyroll brand, which includes Funimation, Aniplex,and more.This means that Crunchyroll users can enjoy a wider range of content from different regions and languages.

If you are an anime lover in South Africa who wants to support the anime industry and watch legal content online with a lot of variety and quality,Crunchyroll might be a good option for you.You can try it out for free for 14 days by signing up via the app or their website.Alternatively,you can also opt for a cheaper plan at R39.00 per month that gives you access to most of the features except for simulcasts.

Google TV and Android TV in South Africa

Google TV and Android TV are two popular platforms for streaming content on smart TVs. But what are the differences between them and how do they work in South Africa?

Google TV is a new interface that replaces the old normal Android TV interface and Google Play Movies and TV app on Android mobile devices. It allows users to browse and watch movies, shows, live TV and YouTube videos from various streaming services such as Netflix, Showmax, DSTV Now and more. It also integrates with Google Assistant and Chromecast.

Android TV is an operating system that runs on smart TVs and streaming devices such as Chromecast with Google TV. It offers similar features as Google TV, but also has a dedicated app store where users can download games, music, news and other apps for their TVs.

In South Africa, both platforms are available on select smart TVs from brands such as TCL, Skyworth, Hisense and Sony. Users can also buy a Chromecast with Google TV device that plugs into any HDMI port on their TVs.

Both platforms offer a wide range of content options for South African viewers. Users can watch local channels through live TV apps such as DSTV Now. They can also stream international movies and shows from Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime Video etc… Additionally, they can enjoy YouTube videos, music from Spotify or Deezer etc…

However, there are some limitations to consider when using Google TV or Android TV in South Africa. For example:

Some streaming services may not be available or have limited content due to geo-restrictions or licensing issues. For instance:

Hulu is not available in South Africa at all

Disney+ launched in South Africa on 18 May 2022 , but it is not the American version it's more of a version done by Disney+ Hotstar , an Indian subsidiary of Disney.

HBO Max content is only available through Showmax and doesn't have every show or movie they have. 

Some features may not work properly or require additional steps to set up. For instance:

Live TV may require an antenna or a decoder box depending on the service provider

Voice search may not recognize some accents or languages

Google TV doesn't have the Live TV tab due to Geo restrictions or maybe streaming services in South Africa don't enable it to work.   

Therefore, users should do some research before buying a smart TV or a streaming device with Google TV or Android TV in South Africa.

Personally Apple TV+ is only available on my Chromecast with Google TV and not available for my Smarty Android TV device. 

Another factor that may influence your choice of streaming platform is the recent partnership between MultiChoice Group, NBCUniversal (NBCU) and Sky that will relaunch Showmax as a new group in sub-Saharan Africa. The new Showmax group will use Peacock technology to offer customers exclusive NBCU/Sky content such as The Office US, Parks & Recreation etc., as well as live matches of the English Premier League. It might already has some of these things but for me it's will be a matter of it gaining exclusive rights which would mean some content providers might end up losing some of the shows mentioned above. 

Google TV and Android TV are both great ways to enjoy online entertainment on your big screen. They have similar functionalities but some differences in terms of interface design/app availability/content selection etc.

In South Africa, they both have advantages and disadvantages depending on your preferences/budget/internet speed etc.

I hope this blog post has helped you understand more about Google TV and AndroidTV in the South African context.

What do you think of this blog post? Do you have any feedback or suggestions

Showmax partners with Sky and NBC Universal

Showmax, the leading African streaming service, is set to relaunch with a new look and feel, thanks to a partnership with NBCUniversal and Sky. The deal will bring some of the world's best content and technology to streaming customers across the continent.

Showmax will be powered by Peacock's streaming platform, which finished 2022 with over 20 million paid subscribers in the US. Peacock offers a rich library of movies, shows, sports and news from NBCUniversal's brands and studios, as well as original programming.

NBCUniversal and Sky will also provide ongoing support to Showmax through the licensing of both technology and content. Showmax will have access to exclusive titles from NBCUniversal's Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation, as well as Sky's original productions.

Showmax will also offer local and global entertainment, including English Premier League football matches. MultiChoice Group, the parent company of Showmax, has secured rights to broadcast all 380 EPL games per season for its DStv subscribers until 2025.

MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela said: "We launched Showmax as the first African streaming service in 2015 and are extremely proud of its success to date. This agreement will take Showmax to the next level of growth and innovation."

NBCUniversal International CEO Jeff Shell said: "We are thrilled to partner with MultiChoice Group on this exciting venture. Africa is a dynamic and fast-growing market with enormous potential for streaming services. We look forward to bringing our premium content and technology to Showmax customers."

Sky CEO Dana Strong said: "Sky has a long history of investing in Africa and we are delighted to join forces with MultiChoice Group on this new venture. Showmax will benefit from our expertise in creating compelling original content and delivering cutting-edge streaming solutions."

Showmax is expected to relaunch in mid-2023 with a new pricing structure and subscription options. Existing customers will be able to migrate their accounts seamlessly without losing any of their current benefits or features