Tag: Netflix

  • Dandadan Season 2 Premiere Date and Theatrical Release Announced

    Dandadan Season 2 Premiere Date and Theatrical Release Announced

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date: Dandadan season 2 will premiere on July 3, 2025, on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

    2. Critical Acclaim: The series has won awards and received multiple nominations, including a nomination for Best Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.

    3. Plot Continuation: Season 2 will pick up right after the first season’s cliffhanger, focusing on Momo’s friend, Jin “Jiji” Enjoji, and his curse.

    4. Theatrical Release: A theatrical version of season 2, titled Dandadan: Evil Eye, will be released in North American theaters on June 6, 2025.

    5. Manga Availability: Fans eager for more content can read the manga, which is ahead of the anime storyline.


    We finally have a date for the release of the next Dandadan season! On July 3, 2025, anime lovers will have the chance to watch Dandadan season 2 on Crunchyroll and Netflix. Since the first season ended on a cliffhanger, many fans are eagerly waiting to see the continuation of the story.

    Accolades for Dandadan

    The show has received critical acclaim, winning awards at the Abema awards and getting nominated for best anime of the year, along with 18 other nominations from Crunchyroll. We will find out who wins at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards on May 25. However, for those who enjoyed the first season, just having a season 2 coming out so soon is already a wonderful treat.

    Plot Overview

    Dandadan first premiered during the fall anime season of 2024 and centers around two high school students with clashing beliefs in conspiracy theories. Momo Ayase believes in ghosts, while Ken Takakura, also known as Okarun, is convinced about aliens. To their surprise, both these entities are real and cause quite a bit of trouble for the two teens. With their unique powers, Momo and Okarun join forces to protect the Earth. The series has captivated viewers with its colorful, genre-mixing animation, impressive character designs, and great soundtrack.

    For those who can’t wait to find out what happens next in Dandadan, the manga is ahead of the anime. But there’s an even more exciting option on the way: a theatrical release in North America. GKids will handle the premiere of season 2, titled Dandadan: Evil Eye, which will hit North American theaters on June 6, 2025. This isn’t surprising, considering the first three episodes were also shown in theaters back in September 2024, but it’s still thrilling for fans who can’t wait.

    What to Expect in Season 2

    The upcoming season of Dandadan will continue directly from where it ended, focusing on Momo’s childhood friend, Jin “Jiji” Enjoji, and the curse of the evil eye he bears. Whether you choose to see season 2 in theaters or from the comfort of your couch, the anime lineup for this summer is shaping up to be quite exciting.

    CBR, Crunchyroll – Anime Awards 2025 nominees, Anime of the Year 2025 Nominee Spotlight: Dan Da Dan, Dandadan on X

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  • Netflix Misses Out on Six Games Not Available on Its Platform

    Netflix Misses Out on Six Games Not Available on Its Platform

    Netflix has included mobile games with its subscription for several years, and its game library has expanded to feature popular titles like GTA: San Andreas, along with games inspired by its original series, including Squid Games and Money Heist. Recently, the streaming giant revealed plans to introduce a selection of new games. However, fresh updates indicate that six of these anticipated titles will not be released.

    Details on the Cancelled Titles

    The cancelled games consist of a first-party title along with several from Klei Entertainment and other developers. As reported by What’s on Netflix, a representative from Netflix stated that the choice to scrap these games is “part of adjusting our portfolio as we learn more about what our members like.”

    The games that have been dropped from the lineup include Compass Point: West, created by Next Games, an internal studio of Netflix; Klei Entertainment’s Don’t Starve Together, Lab Rat, and Rotwood; Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game; and Thirsty Suitors. Additionally, Crashlands 2 and Placid Plastic Duck, which were previously announced, will also not be joining the Netflix platform.

    Changes in Game Availability

    In addition to cancelling unlaunched games, Netflix has also eliminated some titles that were already accessible, similar to its approach with movies and TV shows. Last year, the platform removed Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto 3, and a Netflix representative mentioned that this practice will continue as the licenses for these games run out. However, it’s unlikely that this will affect first-party titles or games connected to Netflix’s original series, including Squid Game, The Dragon Prince, and Money Heist.

    For more updates, keep an eye on What’s on Netflix!

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  • Netflix Plans Price Hike: Subscriptions Up 16% in Some Regions

    Netflix Plans Price Hike: Subscriptions Up 16% in Some Regions

    In a new financial report released for the fourth quarter of 2024, Netflix has shown remarkable growth, achieving record earnings of $10.25 billion and gaining 19 million new subscribers. This brings its total to over 300 million paying members worldwide. Additionally, the streaming giant took this chance to reveal its upcoming price increase, which will first impact customers in the United States, Canada, Portugal, and Argentina.

    Price Changes for Subscriptions

    The standard subscription with ads, which allows users to watch content in 1080p, will see a price increase to $7.99 in the US, up from the current $6.99. Meanwhile, the ad-free standard plan will jump by $2.50, going from $15.49 to $17.99. As for the 4K premium plan, it will rise from $22.99 to $24.99. Netflix is also looking to invest more in live event broadcasting, especially after the recent boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson resulted in a record daily sign-up number. During these live events, the service displays ads to all viewers, including those who subscribe to higher-tier plans.

    Plans for Future Revenue Growth

    This approach represents one of Netflix’s strategies to increase its revenue. The company has set its sights on making ads a major income source by 2026. Netflix claims that in the twelve nations where an ad-supported subscription option is available, most customers prefer this kind of plan. As a result, Netflix feels assured that it can meet the demands of its advertising partners even before 2025 wraps up.

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  • Netflix Raises Prices as Subscriber Count Exceeds 300 Million

    Netflix Raises Prices as Subscriber Count Exceeds 300 Million

    Netflix has become the leading platform for online streaming. Even with its widespread popularity, the platform has decided to increase its subscription prices once again. This change affects both standard and premium users, so here are the updated pricing details.

    Price Increases in Four Markets

    Users are already voicing their frustrations about the frequent price increases, but Netflix is raising costs in four specific regions. In its recent earnings report, Netflix disclosed the new subscription rates for its services in the United States, Portugal, Argentina, and Canada. According to spokesperson MoMo Zhou, the monthly fee for the ad-supported plan has risen to 7.99 US Dollars from the previous 6.99 US Dollars.

    Subscription Tier Changes

    Meanwhile, the standard tier without ads is set to rise from 15.49 US Dollars to 17.99 US Dollars. The premium subscription will also see a 2 US Dollar increase, bringing the monthly cost to 24.99 US Dollars. In an official statement, Netflix mentioned, “As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix.”

    Future Plans and Subscriber Growth

    The price hikes will take effect at the beginning of 2025, shortly after the company announced a significant milestone of reaching 302 million global subscribers. In the last quarter of the previous year, Netflix added an impressive 19 million new subscribers. So, despite the company claiming it concluded 2024 on a positive note, the cost to access Netflix is still climbing.

  • Netflix Sues Broadcom Over Virtual Machine Patent Infringement

    Netflix Sues Broadcom Over Virtual Machine Patent Infringement

    Netflix has taken legal action against Broadcom and VMware in a district court in California, claiming that they have violated its virtual machine (VM) patents. The lawsuit concerns five specific patents: the 424 patent, 707 patent, 891 patent, 893 patent, and 122 patent. These patents involve technology connected to CPU utilization in VMs and the establishment of VMs on physical hardware.

    Accusations and Responsibilities

    In its legal filing, Netflix states that Broadcom should be held responsible for all patent violations, given that VMware operates as a subsidiary of Broadcom. The complaint further asserts that VMware gained its standing in the market by “using technological advancements made by others.” Netflix is focusing on the cloud services offered by VMware, including those on AWS, Azure, Alibaba Cloud, Google Cloud, Oracle, IBM, and other products or services that are based on “vSphere.”

    Legal Demands and Future Battles

    Netflix is seeking the court to “grant damages” for the infringement, either from Broadcom alone or jointly with VMware, along with any applicable interest. Notably, Broadcom purchased VMware for a staggering $69 billion in November of the previous year. Additionally, Netflix and Broadcom are set to clash again in June 2025 regarding a separate case where Netflix has accused Broadcom of infringing its video streaming patents.

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  • Netflix Closes Southern California Game Studio

    Netflix Closes Southern California Game Studio

    Netflix’s plans to enter the AAA gaming market have apparently faced some challenges. The streaming giant has reportedly closed its Southern California studio, which was developing an action RPG for PC.

    Studio Closures and Key Departures

    The company had brought in Chacko Sonny, a former Overwatch executive producer, to lead the studio, attracting industry heavyweights like Joe Staten (known for his work on Halo and Destiny) and Rafael Grassetti (who was the art director at Sony Santa Monica studio). However, according to a report by Game File, Netflix has now shut down the studio, and the three prominent hires have left the company.

    Leadership Changes

    As per The Verge, Netflix appointed Alain Tascan as the new head of its gaming division in July, while former leader Mike Verdu transitioned to a different role. Tascan was previously the VP of game development at Epic Games.

    Recent Layoffs

    Business Insider noted that Tascan made layoffs in the gaming division just last week, with sources indicating that fewer than 35 jobs were eliminated during this process.

    Even with the studio’s closure and the likely end of the AAA project, Netflix is still dedicated to its gaming segment. The company continues to release mobile games based on popular series like “Too Hot To Handle” and “Squid Game,” among others.

  • Netflix Expands Gaming: 80+ Games in Development, Focus on Fans

    Netflix Expands Gaming: 80+ Games in Development, Focus on Fans

    During a recent financial conference call, Netflix executives disclosed that they have an impressive lineup of over 80 games currently in development. This announcement was made along with insights into Netflix’s gaming strategy, which emphasizes learning from past experiences and keeping users engaged during the intervals between seasons of their favorite shows.

    Strengthening the Library with a Data-Driven Approach

    Netflix is adopting a data-driven approach to enhance its gaming offerings. By scrutinizing the successes and failures of their initial game launches, they aim to build a more robust library of titles. A major focus will be on games based on popular Netflix intellectual properties (IP). This strategy leverages the existing fanbase and fosters deeper connections between the shows and the games. Interactive narrative games, a format that has seen significant traction for Netflix, will also remain a priority.

    Beyond Filling Gaps: Enhancing Fan Engagement

    Netflix views games as a powerful tool for fan engagement, beyond merely filling the gaps between seasons. The company suggested that games could be used to introduce new characters, storylines, and plot points, which could then be incorporated into future seasons or movies. This approach creates a more interwoven experience, allowing fans to delve deeper into the worlds they love. By offering these rich experiences, Netflix aims to keep users engaged on the platform and enhance the overall entertainment experience.

  • Netflix Plans Free Ad-Supported Tier, Limited Availability

    Netflix Plans Free Ad-Supported Tier, Limited Availability

    The number of streaming services available for a monthly subscription, such as Netflix and Disney+, continues to grow. Nowadays, many of us struggle to keep track of our spending on these services.

    This situation has a negative economic impact on consumers. The increasing competition and the need to save money are driving users to cut back, causing some platforms to lose subscribers.

    The most affected by this trend is undeniably Netflix. Despite almost a decade of continuous growth, Netflix has been unable to stop the recent decline in its user base.

    In the past, the platform tried to address this by eliminating account sharing. Now, Netflix is working on a completely free package to attract users. Here are the details…

    Free Netflix with Ads? Only Certain Viewers Might Benefit

    Netflix aims to regain users lost due to rising subscription fees. Among the company’s plans is a completely free, ad-supported package. Interestingly, this package will not be available to everyone.

    Netflix will offer its ad-supported free package to users in Asia and Europe instead of the U.S. This is not the first time the platform has attempted such an initiative. Despite positive outcomes from similar previous trials, the company did not continue with the projects.

    Most recently, Netflix introduced an ad-supported plan called “Standard with Ads.” This plan was launched in July 2023, coinciding with the removal of the cheapest ad-free plan. However, this change resulted only in negative feedback.

    However, a completely free ad-supported plan might be the solution the company is looking for. As you may know, the quality of content on the platform has been “questionable” for some time. Therefore, many people believe that the platform’s pricing is not justified.

  • Dangbei Mars Pro 2 4K Laser Projector with Google TV, Netflix Unveiled

    Dangbei Mars Pro 2 4K Laser Projector with Google TV, Netflix Unveiled

    The Dangbei Mars Pro 2 laser projector has been unveiled, following nearly two years after the Mars Pro model. This latest projector from Dangbei boasts high-end features such as 4K resolution, Dolby and DTS:X surround sound, and integration with Google TV. Initially introduced at CES 2024 in January, Dangbei has now revealed the launch price and additional specifications for the Mars Pro 2. The projector is set to be released on May 28.

    Features

    The Mars Pro 2 is touted as the world’s first Google TV 4K laser projector that comes with a pre-installed, licensed Netflix application. It also supports streaming from other platforms like YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+. The device provides a 4K UHD visual experience with HDR10+ support. Its audio setup features two 12W speakers that are both Dolby Audio and DTS:X compatible. For connectivity, the projector includes HDMI 2.1 and Wi-Fi 6. It also comes with the InstanPro AI Image Setup and advanced AI algorithms for better autofocus, screen fitting, eye protection, and obstacle avoidance.

    The Dangbei Mars Pro 2 Google TV 4K laser projector is priced at $1,899, but early purchasers might get it for approximately $1,400. Additionally, US customers who subscribe to the brand’s Newsletter before the May 28 launch will receive a free gimbal stand worth $139. The product will be available for purchase directly from the Dangbei official website or through Amazon.

  • Netflix Subscription Costs May Increase Once More

    Netflix Subscription Costs May Increase Once More

    The digital content landscape is evolving rapidly, with an increasing number of platforms entering the market each day. Consumers are investing significant sums in services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Spotify, and YouTube Premium. Analysts foresee a further escalation in such expenditures in the near future, with predictions hinting at a potential rise in Netflix's streaming plan prices by 2024.

    Analysts Predict an Upcoming Netflix Price Hike

    Analyst reports suggest that Netflix is poised to raise its prices once more in 2024. While price hikes due to inflation are common in certain countries, this anticipated increase applies directly to regions like North America and Europe.

    In 2023, Netflix implemented price adjustments, particularly in the United States and other territories. Despite initial user discontent, the company did not suffer significant losses. Now, speculations point towards another round of price adjustments on the horizon.

    "We expect to see rate increases [from Netflix] this year," noted UBS analyst John Hodulik, alluding to a potential 15% revenue growth in 2024. Last year, Netflix elevated the Basic plan’s cost from $9.99 to $11.99 monthly in the U.S., mirroring similar alterations in the UK and France.

    Regrettably, any price surge in these regions will have a global impact on users. Despite boasting a substantial user base, Netflix has encountered challenges in profitability. Hence, strategic initiatives like the introduction of account sharing restrictions have been deployed to address this issue.

    Uncertainty Surrounding Official Announcement

    It's crucial to highlight that the forecast of a price hike for Netflix is currently solely a projection by analysts. There has been no official declaration regarding an impending increase in subscription costs in the U.S. or any other market. Nonetheless, anticipating the maneuvers of a multinational corporation is a task that may not be as insurmountable as it appears.

    Conclusion

    As the digital content landscape continues to evolve, consumers may need to prepare for potential price adjustments on popular platforms like Netflix. While these changes are yet to be confirmed, the prospect of higher subscription fees looms on the horizon, impacting users worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.

    'Price Details: Last October, Netflix raised the Basic plan’s price from $9.99 to $11.99 per month in the United States, alongside similar hikes in the UK and France.'