Sprint just launched a new partnership with Hulu, offering the streaming service to its Unlimited subscribers. Doug Garland, Sprint's VP of Innovation and Partnerships, joins Cheddar to reveal why the relationship makes sense for both parties. He says he thinks the telecom company can play a meaningful role in helping consumers find premium content.
As for why Sprint chose Hulu as its content partner, Garland singles out the streamer's ability to let viewers watch "last-night's TV, tonight." The VP notes the major increase in how often smartphone users watch content on their mobile devices. Garland adds that the introduction of 5G technology will drastically expand the capabilities of on-the-go streaming.
Finally, we consider whether Sprint would ever get into producing its own content. While he says he "never says never," Garland says the company excels as a network builder, and does not have the personnel to fully invest in original content at this stage. While the carrier might not be getting into original content production, Garland does credit Sprint's strength in content-based marketing.
A judge shot down a request by Apple to hold off on changes to payment options in the app store that would allow companies like Epic Games to use external payment systems. Apple had sought a stay that could delay making changes for years but the judge ordered them to implement fixes by December. The tech giant plans to appeal.
Twitter has officially launched its paid subscription service, Twitter Blue, which provides subscribers with a number of new features, including the option to edit tweets, post 10-minute videos, and view ad-free news articles.
Wood modification technology company Kebony recently raised $34 million in its latest funding round. The company's patented technology transformed sustainable softwood using leftover materials and makes it into a product that behaves like premium hardwood. The process has the potential to transform the global construction industry, as it is cost-effective and eco-friendly. Kebony CEO Norman Willemsen joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
As major social media and tech companies like Facebook and Microsoft announce plans for metaverse technology, chipmakers like Nvidia, AMD, Intel, and more stand to benefit as the technology rolls out and evolves. But who will take the lead and benefit the most? Paul Meeks, Portfolio Manager at Independent Solutions Wealth Management, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss the metaverse chipmaker race, who could come out on top, the timeline of how this sector will heat up, and more.
IBM's spinoff, Kyndryl, is officially an independent public company. The $19 billion business is now listed on the NYSE under the ticker KD, becoming one of the largest players in the IT services market. David Wyshner, CFO of Kyndryl, joined Cheddar to discuss what this milestone means for the company moving forward.
