News:

“Siri, play Game of Thrones.”

This could soon be a reality, according to recent reports that suggest Apple may be bringing its digital assistant to the Apple TV.

A line of code found in Apple’s iOS 7.1 software development kit indicates Apple may have plans to add Siri functionality to its set-top box.

The code, which was first reported by 9to5Mac includes references to an “assistant,” Apple’s code name for Siri, according to 9to5, under features listed for the Apple TV.

Screen caps of the code, which is reportedly in files for both iOS 7.1 and 7.1.1, list ‘assistant’ as one of the properties that will be included in device family “3,” which is Apple’s designation for the Apple TV line.

The screenshots of the code show Apple TV, designated as ‘3’, will support ‘assistant’ features.

It’s not yet clear what Siri integration in Apple TV might look like or how exactly it would work, though voice controls would likely be integrated into the device’s remote.

Rumors a refreshed Apple TV is in the works have been circulating for some time now. Apple CEO Tim Cook further fueled speculation earlier this year when he announced the company was refocusing the Apple TV by giving the product line its own section on Apple’s website. Previously, the Apple TV was listed as a “hobby.”

Adding Siri functionality may also signal attempts by Apple to make its set-top box more competitive with Amazon’s recently-announced Fire TV, which already includes voice commands.

http://mashable.com/2014/04/23/siri-apple-tv-rumor/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link

It may have “game” in its name, but retailer GameStop has announced plans to start increasing its focus on “gaming-adjacent” fields while lessening its reliance on video games. CEO Paul Raines dubbed the initiative “GameStop 3.0,” saying that it plans on closing about 2 percent of its retail locations, while opening Spring Mobile and Simply Mac stores instead.

The two GameStop-owned retail brands focus on selling AT&T-branded phones and Apple products. According to GI.biz, GameStop plans on opening over 200 Spring Mobile stores and 20 Simply Mac stores–essentially doubling the footprint of both franchises.

By transitioning away from video games, the company hopes to be like other companies that have made similar leaps. Williams-Sonoma, for example, began as a kitchen equipment retailer that now owns Pottery Barn and West Elm. Perhaps the “stop” in their name meant that they were planning to stop selling games one day?

http://www.shacknews.com/article/84208/gamestop-to-increase-focus-on-phones-tablets-instead-of-video

Celebrity voice packs are totally a thing. So, who is Activision tapping for its first-ever narration DLC for the Call of Duty series? None other than Snoop Dogg.

With the DLC, Snoop will narrate your fights, call in your killstreaks, and alert you to enemy activity. “What interests me most about the project is that my voice can be connected with a game that’s so hip and so hood,” the artist said in a new promo. “It’s associated with greatness.”

The Snoop Dogg Voice Pack will be available first on Xbox Live on April 22, with other platforms to follow.

http://www.shacknews.com/article/84084/snoop-dog-stars-in-call-of-dutys-first-voice-pack

Amazon and HBO have signed an extensive, multi-year agreement that will bring many of the premium channel’s greatest shows including The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, and The Wire to Amazon Prime Instant Video. The deal also includes “early” seasons of Boardwalk Empire and True Blood. Newer shows like Girls, The Newsroom and Veep will eventually be made available to Prime subscribers, but not until three years after they’ve first aired on HBO. And other hits like Game of Thrones aren’t even mentioned as part of the deal, so HBO may be holding at least some popular content away from Amazon’s on-demand streaming.

The first wave of HBO content is due to arrive on May 21st. In addition to regular shows, Prime subscribers will also gain access to miniseries classics like Band of Brothers, select original movies including Game Change, HBO documentaries, and comedy specials from the likes of Louis CK, Ellen DeGeneres, and Lewis Black.

The new pact represents a significant shift for HBO, which has until now stuck close to cable companies and resisted streaming services like Netflix. It’s a major win for Amazon any way you see it in the cutthroat atmosphere around licensing deals and exclusives. Financial terms aren’t being disclosed, but Amazon likely paid a big price for HBO’s famous catalog. Still, since Prime is a bit more expensive now, the company can afford to make investments like this one in hopes of keeping customers locked in for years to come.

Alongside the deal, Amazon and HBO have also announced that HBO Go is coming to the newly released Fire TV set-top box. Unfortunately, you’ll be waiting some time for that. The companies are aiming to launch HBO Go by the end of 2014.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/23/5643148/hbo-shows-coming-to-amazon-prime-instant-video

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Geek This Week:

Aaron: Getting back into Threes Game. Almost done TNG season 3. Storium!!

Gozer:  Gallery 1988 traveling show “Ghostbusters†& Cap 2.

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