Rumors regarding streaming services exploded ahead of the July 4th fireworks this week. Samsung confirmed reports that it has acquired video streaming service Boxee, with a rep saying it will "help us continue to improve the overall user experience across our connected devices."  Israeli business news site The Marker broke the news Wed, pegging the deal at $30 million. Headquartered in NYC, Boxee also has staff in Israel. In fact, CEO/founder Avner Ronen served for 4.5 years in the Israeli Defense Force before he joined telecom software firm Comverse. Recently, Boxee was reportedly looking for a buyer after unsuccessful attempt to recruit investors.

 
According to The Marker, Boxee’s 40 employees will join Samsung following the acquisition. Boxee managed to raise close to $26.5 million in 3 rounds of funding from Spark Capital, Union Square Ventures, General Catalyst Partners, Pitango Venture Capital, and Softbank NY.
 
Boxee launched its signature product Boxee TV last year. The device boasts of a “No Limits” DVR that allows users to upload recordings to the cloud. The service has rolled out to major cities like NYC, LA and DC. It runs $14.99 per month and includes playback on any device with browser. Boxee TV retails for $99. Boxee’s latest offering is its cloud DVR. Rebranded from Boxee TV, the service allows streaming of over-the-air broadcast HD channels.
 

Meanwhile, Apple and Time Warner Cable are reportedly nearing a deal to allow the MSO’s subscribers to access content via Apple TV. According to Bloomberg, the companies might announce an agreement within a few months. Apple is also reportedly tapping Hulu exec Pete Distad to help negotiate with cable companies. Time Warner Cable has been relatively streaming-friendly: It reached deals with Roku and Microsoft to make programming available through the streaming device and the Xbox gaming console. Time Warner Cable would only say that it doesn’t have an agreement with Apple at this time.

The Daily

Subscribe
Tuesday–December 10

Charter CEO Talks Broadband Moves, Next Steps for Video

For Charter CEO Chris Winfrey, when you push one-time events aside, the underlying trend for subscribers is actually slightly better YOY.

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Apr 16
Cablefax 100 Awards Nominations Open November 13th, 2024.
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB or hiring for one?
VIEW JOBS

In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors. The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Carley Ashley, [email protected], for more information about posting a job on the website and our Jobs newsletter, sent twice weekly to 85,000 media professionals.