You currently can’t stream from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in HD on the OnePlus 5, 5T

If you stream video on your OnePlus 5 or 5T, you might notice that the videos from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video aren’t as crisp as you’d like them to be. Unfortunately, these two devices can’t stream Netflix and Amazon Prime Video shows and movies in high-definition at the moment. These phones currently support Widevine Level 3 DRM instead of Widevine Level 1 required to cover HD streams. This means, you’re only able to stream in standard resolution at the moment. A spokesperson for OnePlus has assured its users though that they plan to enable Widevine Level 1 support through a future update. A timeframe hasn’t been given though over when this update will land.

Source: The Verge

Netflix plans to fill half of its catalog with originals in the coming years

Marvel's Luke Cage is a Netflix-exclusive show

In an effort to get more people to come and stay with its service, Netflix’s CFO David Wells talks about the streaming service’s plan to have at least half of its catalog be composed of its own original shows and movies in  the next few years. Netflix is supposedly “one-third to halfway” towards reaching that target. The service is steadily being known as home to a lot of acclaimed originals that are either made by Netflix themselves, co-produced with other studios, or acquired post-production. Wells says they’ll continue with this approach to reach that target. And if they’re able to get good content, this might help them keep subscribers on its service as other companies won’t have access to their exclusives.

Source: The Verge

Yahoo to boost online mobile video streaming with RayV acquisition

Yahoo is serious about getting more people to watch content on its portal with its recent acquisition. Online video streaming company RayV will help boost Yahoo’s tech infrastructure when it comes to video distribution, particularly with mobile devices. The move is intended to attract more people to use Yahoo’s Screen portal, which houses videos ranging from original news to content provided by partners such as BuzzFeed, Comedy Central, and Saturday Night Live. Most of the company’s employees will join Yahoo’s R&D center in Tel Aviv, Israel. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Netflix announces price hike for new members in the US, no word on price increase in Canada yet

Netflix has announced its plans to raise prices for new members in the US by a dollar or two later in the quarter but they did not specify whether they would do so in other countries as well. Huffington Post Canada tried to reach Netflix for a comment but they have not gotten back yet. The company has previously raised prices in Ireland from €6.99 to €7.99 for new members earlier in the year so it won’t be a surprise if it makes its way here. 

The company aims to improve its offerings with the price increase. As stated in a letter to shareholders, "In the U.S. we have greatly improved our content selection since we introduced our streaming plan in 2010 at $7.99 per month. Our current view is to do a one or two dollar increase, depending on the country, later this quarter for new members only. Existing members would stay at current pricing (e.g. $7.99 in the U.S.) for a generous time period. These changes will enable us to acquire more content and deliver an even better streaming experience."