Games and entertainment

iTunes movies in the Cloud expands across the world

Many iTunes Cloud users outside the U.S. can now watch their favorite synced movies on any computer or iDevice.

As of yesterday, such countries as the U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, along with several in Latin America and the Asia Pacific region, are now on Apple's list for cloud-based movie support. This means that movies purchased from iTunes are automatically synced to the cloud and made available for viewing on any eligible device -- computer, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Apple TV.

Entertainment available through iTunes in the Cloud includes music, videos, movies, TV shows, books, … Read more

EA exec: We'll be '100 percent digital' eventually

Electronic Arts is considered a major publisher in the gaming industry. But soon, it might be a major digital publisher in the gaming industry.

Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz in an interview published yesterday, EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said that his company will transition its operation entirely to digital in the not-so-distant future.

"For us, the fastest growing segment of our business is clearly digital and clearly digital services and ultimately Electronic Arts, at some point in the future -- much like your question about streaming and cloud -- we're going to be a 100 percent digital company, … Read more

How long ago did the Last.fm security breach happen?

Last.fm's security breach that left user passwords open on a Russian hacker site last week might have shown its ugly face months ago, according to a new report.

Back in May, several Last.fm users took to the company's forums, saying that they had been receiving massive amounts of spam on e-mail addresses they created solely for Last.fm. Soon after, Last.fm customer support manager Matt Knapman said that his company was "investigating this matter urgently, running a security audit, and looking at alternative ways the spamming of Last.fm users might have occurred."… Read more

Google Music upsetting users with device-deauthorization rule

Google Music is catching some heat over at the XDA-Developers forum for reportedly limiting the number of devices that can be deauthorized from the service.

According to several forum posters, Google Music now only allows users to deauthorize four devices per year. Previously, users could deauthorize as many devices as they'd liked without worrying about hitting a limit, according to the forum posters.

In order for Google Music to work with devices, users must authorize them to work with the platform. Google limits the number of devices that can be authorized to 10. So, when users want to swap … Read more

Rovio adds Share & Play feature to Angry Birds on Facebook

Rovio has added a new feature to Angry Birds on Facebook that could see the game crop up in more places across the Web.

Dubbed Share & Play, the initiative allows players to embed an Angry Birds level into another person's Facebook Timeline, a blog, or Web page. Those who come across the embedded title will be able to play the game instantly on the respective page without ever needing to install the game. In addition, users won't need to be logged into Facebook to play the title, even though it's shared via the social network.

The … Read more

Netflix may be looking to revive another cult TV show

Fans of the late sci-fi series "Jericho" could see the show popping up on Netflix if all of the myriad details can be ironed out.

The online video company has reportedly been speaking with CBS, the show's former network and production arm, about reviving the series, said TV Guide. CNET News is published by CBS Interactive, a unit of CBS.

A Netflix spokesman declined to offer any information, telling CNET that the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.

However, TV Guide reported that preliminary talks between Netflix and the network have already begun. CBS President … Read more

Googling 'zerg rush' sends you to battle to save your search results

Saving your seach results from a swarm of marauding Os is the search giant's latest mission for its army of users.

Playing along with the latest Google Easter Egg, you enter the phrase "zerg rush" at the search giant's home page. In return the usual search results pop up. Then slowly yet surely a group of invading Os (representing the Os in Google) will swoop in from above, below, and the sides, intent on eradicating your search results.

Your only weapon is your trusty mouse (or your trusty finger if you're using a touch screen). … Read more

Netflix makes its way to the Sony Entertainment Network

Sony Entertainment Network has expanded with Netflix access, the companies announced today.

Starting today, those who own any of Sony's 2012 Bravia Blu-ray or Blu-ray home theater products that come with Sony Entertainment Network support will find Netflix's app available. Upon logging in to the service, Netflix subscribers will be able to stream any of Netflix's television shows or films.

Sony Entertainment Network allows users on a host of the company's products to access music and video. The offering, which is available on Bravia televisions, the PlayStation 3, and other products, already includes support for YouTube … Read more

Netflix Q1 likely strong, but beyond that, who knows?

When Netflix reveals its first-quarter earnings Monday, two analysts say, the results should be stronger than initially believed. Then comes the rest of the year, which isn't looking so hot.

Sterne Agee analyst Ray Young, who has been following the company's shares for quite some time, says that Netflix could post revenue of $865 million for the first quarter, landing towards the top of its $842 million to $877 million guidance. And although the analyst thinks Netflix will post a loss of 19 cents per share, it's far below the company's upper-level guidance of a loss … Read more

Xbox Live offering free entertainment this weekend

Xbox 360 owners who don't have Live Gold accounts can join in on some of the usual festivities this weekend.

From April 19 through April 23, Microsoft is runing a special promo dubbed "Entertainment Unlocked," offering all Xbox owners a taste of free music, TV shows, and movies.

Xbox users who log in during Microsoft's extended weekend will find free access to SyFy, Crackle, Epix, YouTube, Vevo, and other entertainment sites. Netflix and Hulu Plus are kicking in free 30-day trials. And other online providers will offer streaming music and movies.

The promo is obviously aimed … Read more