Day: August 10, 2021

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Google’s One Plan VPN is now available outside the US

https://www.engadget.com/google-one-vpn-canada-mexico-europe-101525353.html?src=rss

If you subscribe to the 2TB / $10-per month (or higher) Google One plan, then you get a little something extra over those who do not: Access to Google’s mobile VPN. This feature has, until now, been limited to customers in the US, but now Google is letting a far greater number of countries get their hands on the goodies. As of today, the Google One VPN is available to Android users in Mexico, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

This particular product is designed to encrypt all of your mobile traffic when you’re out and about to prevent sniffers from getting access to your personal data. The VPN itself is baked into the Google One app, and the company says it will encrypt and protect you no matter what app you’re using. Plus, if you’re unsure how exactly to get connected, you can schedule a Pro Session for an expert to coach you through the basics.

At the same time, Google is reminding folks that the VPN has seen a number of feature upgrades since its launch, including the ability to block internet traffic when the VPN is inactive. You can also bypass the VPN in specific situations or with specific mobile apps, and set timed controls for when you need to be free from its protective embrace. Google added that the VPN has been independently audited and found to be robust enough for most folks to trust it. 

via Engadget http://www.engadget.com

August 10, 2021 at 05:24AM

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Sony Completes Crunchyroll Acquisition Worth $1.175 Billion

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-completes-crunchyroll-acquisition-worth-1-175-billion/1100-6494979/


Sony has announced that after months of negotiations, the acquisition of anime streaming service Crunchyroll is complete. The service joins fellow anime entertainment company Funimation as an official subsidiary of Sony.

The buyout is worth a whopping $1.175 billion, according to a press release. With its newfound resources, Crunchyroll can broaden its reach by distributing its content through various Sony channels like PlayStation. Similarly, Funimation will also take advantage of Sony’s deep resource bag. It remains unclear when the two anime streaming networks will ever merge.

Chairman, president, and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, Kenichiro Yoshida, said the company is excited to welcome Crunchyroll to Sony.

“Anime is a rapidly growing medium that enthralls and inspires emotion among audiences around the globe,” Yoshida said. “The alignment of Crunchyroll and Funimation will enable us to get even closer to the creators and fans who are the heart of the anime community. We look forward to delivering even more outstanding entertainment that fills the world with emotion through anime.”

Tony Vinciquerra, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., said the buyout adds “tremendous value to Sony’s existing anime business,” reiterating that the company wants to create the ultimate anime experience.

“With the addition of Crunchyroll, we have an unprecedented opportunity to serve anime fans like never before and deliver the anime experience across any platform they choose, from theatrical, events, home entertainment, games, streaming, linear TV–everywhere and every way fans want to experience their anime,” Vinciquerra said. “Our goal is to create a unified anime subscription experience as soon as possible.”

While the goal for Sony seems to be to create a unified subscription experience, it remains to be seen how Crunchyroll’s acquisition impacts Funimation. With Sony now owning the two networks, though, competition amongst streaming services for where to watch anime is slowly dwindling. It’s possible that Crunchyroll could either be linked alongside Funimation or be folded with the business, making its offerings all Funimation all the time.

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August 9, 2021 at 04:59PM