Locast sues big networks; Alexa might keep quiet

Locast sues

big networks

Locast, a nonprofit behind a free streaming service, sued ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox on Friday, alleging that the networks colluded to chill its business. Locast streams programs through a free app that relays broadcast feeds online. People can get the streams without a cable or satellite plan, potentially cutting off licensing fees to the broadcasters. In July, the networks banded together to sue Locast, arguing that it had violated their copyrights and chipped away at the revenue they get from pay-television operators like AT&T and Comcast.

McDonald’s nibbles at plant burgers

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McDonald’s said Thursday that it will soon sell the PLT, or the plant, lettuce and tomato burger, for 12 weeks in 28 restaurants in southwestern Ontario. McDonald’s says it developed a recipe using burgers from Beyond Meat, a Southern California startup.

Alexa, keep this quiet

Users of Amazon’s Alexa can now request that recordings of their voice commands delete automatically. Amazon says it saves such commands to improve the service, but privacy experts have raised concerns.

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NBA 2K adding Shanghai team

The NBA 2K League is adding a team in Shanghai for the 2020 season, its first franchise outside of North America. The video game’s league announced the addition Thursday. The Shanghai club will be operated by esports organization Gen.G and will join 22 existing teams, all of which are operated by NBA franchises. The 2K League, run by the NBA, teamed up with internet giant Tencent to stream games in China for the first time in July.