Here are the editor's top picks for the week.
Data Dispatch EMEA: Roku's UK expansion pits it against country's TV gatekeepers
Roku Inc.'s plans to power every TV in the world will soon be put to the test in the United Kingdom — a fragmented streaming market that experts say is ripe for disruption. Already home to its streaming sticks, the country is set to become the first outside of North America to stock TVs preloaded with Roku software.
Analysts: HUYA's stake in MTG esports unit provides alternate revenue stream
A minority stake in the esports unit of Sweden-based event organizer Modern Times Group MTG AB and a joint venture could open another source of revenue for Chinese livestreaming platform HUYA Inc., analysts said. HUYA struck a binding term sheet with MTG to acquire a minority stake in its esports business Turtle Entertainment GmbH, or ESL, for US$30 million on Sept. 2.
Apple TV+ faces tough competition from established streaming services
Apple Inc.'s new streaming video service is a smart way to appeal to its existing user base, but it might not offer enough compelling features to gain footing in a saturated market, analysts said. Apple this week unveiled its highly anticipated Apple TV+ subscription streaming service that will launch Nov. 1 for $4.99 per month.
Charter CFO calls password sharing a 'massive issue' affecting video providers
Charter Communications Inc. CFO Christopher Winfrey sees multiple opportunities for his company in broadband. Speaking at a Sept. 12 investor conference, Winfrey said the proliferation of devices inside the home means that people will be looking for a way to manage and enable devices connecting to a network.
Industry groups debate competing broadband map bills at hearing
A range of industry groups told a congressional subcommittee on Sept. 11 that granularity and validation of coverage data should be provisions that Congress prioritizes as it considers legislation to improve the nation's broadband maps. The comments came at a legislative hearing hosted by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where the committee considered five different bills to improve broadband maps.
