Latest news with #PaoloPescatore
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Millions of Sky Sports fans warned over huge change to their TV subscription starting today
MILLIONS of Sky Sports viewers are being urged to check their TV guides today as a major reshuffle hits the channel line-up. The shake-up hits customers across the UK and Ireland from today, July 28, with rebrands, renames and major channel moves across Sky's satellite, Glass and Stream services. 3 Viewers are now being urged to recheck their guides to avoid missing any major sporting events or live matches Credit: AFP 3 The broadcaster routinely makes changes to its channel line-up, particularly to reflect seasonal sports coverage or temporary promotions Credit: Getty Sky has confirmed that Sky Sports The Lions (Satellite 408/865 – Sky Glass/Stream 408) will revert to its original name, Sky Sports Action/ Sky 2025 Recap (Satellite 302 – Sky Glass/Stream 302) will also be temporarily renamed Favourites HD. Meanwhile, a wide reshuffle of the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) will see many popular channels move to new positions. In the UK on satellite, The broadcaster routinely makes changes to its channel line-up, particularly to reflect seasonal sports coverage or temporary promotions. Read more on Technology Earlier this year, Sky Fantasy was reverted back to Sky Family (Satellite 306/850 – Sky Glass/Stream 306) after a seasonal rebrand. Sky Hits HD (Satellite 303 – Sky Glass/Stream 303) was renamed Sky Originals HD, and Sky Superheroes (Satellite 302 – Sky Glass/Stream 302) switched to Sky 5* Movies HD. In previous reshuffles, several fan favourites have also disappeared completely. Most read in Technology Fans were left disappointed when ITVBe was dropped in June, although many of its popular reality shows have since moved to a new home. Virgin Media recently axed several of its legacy music and entertainment channels as it prioritises on-demand content. Fans say 'you can't pretend it isn't rigged' as Carabao Cup draw hands out play-off final repeat Customers were surprised when Virgin's Comedy Central Extra and MTV Base were quietly removed from the line-up. Freeview has also caused frustration after dropping BBC News HD in some regions, and reducing coverage of channels like Forces TV and PBS America. ITV made waves when it merged its standalone channels like CITV into its new streaming service ITVX, effectively removing the long-standing kids' channel from live schedules. Viewers are now being urged to recheck their guides to avoid missing any major sporting events or live matches. More channel closures 'inevitable' An industry expert told The Sun that more channel closures are likely in 2025 and beyond. "This is inevitable, more broadcasters will cull broadcast/linear TV channels as viewers are flocking to streaming services," Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight said. "The big TV switch off is around the corner, with all programming set to be delivered via the internet. "Viewers are now spoilt for choice with how and where they watch the TV shows they love across a range of connected devices. "To respond, broadcasters need to be prepared and work more closely with telecom providers to ensure a seamless experience for users." Image credit: Getty 3 null Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Fears ‘powerhouse' phone brand to VANISH as all models suddenly out of stock in UK after 33 years
Bosses have reportedly said they are withdrawing from one country - and the rest of Europe could follow next BAD SIGNAL Fears 'powerhouse' phone brand to VANISH as all models suddenly out of stock in UK after 33 years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR mobile brand has quietly made all its devices out of stock prompting fears the firm could withdraw from the phone business after 35 years. Many big names that were popular in the early 2000s have been decimated by the popularity of iPhone and Samsung, as well as cheaper rivals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Forgotten mobile brands have lagged behind iPhone and Android Credit: Getty 3 Fears Sony could follow LG and pull out entirely Credit: AFP And Sony Mobile could be the next to bow out. The company made waves with Sony Ericsson handsets which helped make it a "powerhouse" in the mobile scene. Sony has continued to make Xperia smartphones, which have even won awards as recent as last year. But its market share is reported to be less than one per cent in multiple regions across the world. All the company's current smartphones are marketed as "out of stock" on Sony's website, fuelling speculation of a mobile exit. A Finnish news website reported that the company is leaving Finland and claims it plans to withdraw from Europe too. Experts told The Sun that the writing has been on the wall for some time. "It seems that the company is retrenching from some markets given the ongoing challenges in the handset business and changing market dynamics," said Paolo Pescatore, an analyst from PP Foresight. "Once a powerhouse, it was one of the few companies to boast a strong a presence in consumer electronics glass-to-glass from content creation with professional cameras through to smartphones and TVs. "Ultimately with lacklustre sales, stepping back makes sense given the competitive nature of the industry. Android users warned as major brand shuts down phone business "However, the company under Sony still seems to remain committed to smartphones under its premium brand which resonates in other markets. "Moving forward it will still be faced with tough decisions on whether pulling the plug should be made as it currently pivots towards a leaner and more agile business model. "There's also pride at stake for a company that is rich in consumer electronics." LG withdrew from the smartphone industry in 2021 and only recently put out its final software update to existing handset owners. The Sun has approached Sony for comment. END OF AN ERA? By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun It's not looking good for Sony Mobile. If all the signs do point toward a withdrawal from the UK and beyond, this will be the end of some 33 years in the mobile business. The Japanese tech giant's first commercially available mobile phone, nicked named the "Mars Bar", was released way back in 1992. Most people will think of Sony Ericsson as the firm's mobile heyday, with some featuring branding from its iconic Walkman too. At its peak, Sony Ericsson is reported to have had a 9 per cent market share globally. Most people had forgotten that Sony even made mobiles, so it would be no surprise if the company gave up now. Of course, Sony has other more successful electronic ventures to focus on instead, such as headphones, cameras, TV and of course PlayStation. MOST POPULAR MOBILE BRANDS Samsung holds the crown for top mobile manufacturer based on shipments. The company sold an estimated 60.6million units in the first quarter of 2025, according to data from IDC. That's a 20.1 per cent share, meaning one in five smartphones are made by Samsung. Apple follows very closely behind in second, with a 19.5 per cent share. See the full list below: Samsung - 20.1 per cent Apple - 19.5 per cent Xiaomi - 13.9 per cent OPPO - 7.8 per cent Vivo - 7.5 per cent Others - 31.2 per cent
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Fears ‘powerhouse' phone brand to VANISH as all models suddenly out of stock in UK after 33 years
A MAJOR mobile brand has quietly made all its devices out of stock prompting fears the firm could withdraw from the phone business after 35 years. Many big names that were popular in the early 2000s have been decimated by the popularity of iPhone and Samsung, as well as cheaper rivals. Advertisement 3 Forgotten mobile brands have lagged behind iPhone and Android Credit: Getty 3 Fears Sony could follow LG and pull out entirely Credit: AFP And Sony Mobile could be the next to bow out. The company made waves with Sony Ericsson handsets which helped make it a "powerhouse" in the mobile scene. Sony has continued to make But its market share is reported to be less than one per cent in multiple regions across the world. Advertisement Read more about mobiles All the company's current smartphones are marketed as "out of stock" on Sony's website, fuelling speculation of a mobile exit. A Experts told The Sun that the writing has been on the wall for some time. "It seems that the company is retrenching from some markets given the ongoing challenges in the handset business and changing market dynamics," said Paolo Pescatore, an analyst from PP Foresight. Advertisement Most read in Phones & Gadgets "Once a powerhouse, it was one of the few companies to boast a strong a presence in consumer electronics glass-to-glass from content creation with professional cameras through to smartphones and TVs. "Ultimately with lacklustre sales, stepping back makes sense given the competitive nature of the industry. Android users warned as major brand shuts down phone business "However, the company under Sony still seems to remain committed to smartphones under its premium brand which resonates in other markets. "Moving forward it will still be faced with tough decisions on whether pulling the plug should be made as it currently pivots towards a leaner and more agile business model. Advertisement "There's also pride at stake for a company that is rich in consumer electronics." The Sun has approached Sony for comment. END OF AN ERA? By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun It's not looking good for Sony Mobile. If all the signs do point toward a withdrawal from the UK and beyond, this will be the end of some 33 years in the mobile business. The Japanese tech giant's first commercially available mobile phone, nicked named the "Mars Bar", was released way back in 1992. Most people will think of Sony Ericsson as the firm's mobile heyday, with some featuring branding from its iconic Walkman too. At its peak, Sony Ericsson is reported to have had a 9 per cent market share globally. Most people had forgotten that Sony even made mobiles, so it would be no surprise if the company gave up now. Of course, Sony has other more successful electronic ventures to focus on instead, such as headphones, cameras, TV and of course PlayStation. MOST POPULAR MOBILE BRANDS Samsung holds the crown for top mobile manufacturer based on shipments. Advertisement The company sold an estimated 60.6million units in the first quarter of 2025, according to data from That's a 20.1 per cent share, meaning one in five smartphones are made by Samsung. Apple follows very closely behind in second, with a 19.5 per cent share. See the full list below: Advertisement Samsung - 20.1 per cent Apple - 19.5 per cent Xiaomi - 13.9 per cent OPPO - 7.8 per cent Vivo - 7.5 per cent Others - 31.2 per cent 3 Sony has still be winning awards for its mobiles despite falling popularity Credit: Getty
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Apple hits back against 'unprecedented' €500m EU fine
Apple is appealing against a €500m (£430m; $586m) fine handed down by EU regulators over alleged anti-competitive behaviour on its App European Commission said in April that the tech giant had breached its laws by restricting app developers in their ability to inform customers of alternative offers or marketplaces that could be found outside its own and steer them towards purchases. Apple called the Commission's fine "unprecedented" on Monday, saying the decision and its penalty "go far beyond what the law requires".A Commission spokesperson told the BBC it took note of Apple's filing and would defend its decisions in court. The company objects to the Commission requiring it to make further concessions to app developers, including provision of tiers for services which it says introduce more complexity to its options for users and businesses."As our appeal will show, the [Commission] is mandating how we run our store and forcing business terms which are confusing for developers and bad for users," Apple said in a statement."We implemented this to avoid punitive daily fines and will share the facts with the Court."Paolo Pescatore, technology analyst at PP Foresight, said Apple's appeal was a "widely expected move" that "sets the precedent for others"."It is disappointing that it now has to be settled in a long, drawn public process in the courts," he said, adding the nature of changes required by regulators - and enforcement of them - can be lengthy and complex."We should not underestimate the sheer complexities of having to make fundamental design, operational and commercial changes to well-established services and the time it takes to enforce them," he told the BBC."As always the devil is in the detail, which will inevitably take more time to unravel." EU's big tech scrutiny The Commission's Apple fine was delivered in April alongside a penalty on Facebook owner Meta of €200m (£171m) over choice for users under its "consent or pay" fines were the first imposed under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) - its landmark legislation designed to boost competitive business practice in online law also carries tougher obligations for companies designated dominant "gatekeepers" in certain sectors, and firms face hefty fines of up to 10% of their annual global turnover for rule Virkkunen, the Commission's executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said at the time that both companies had undermined the key principles of the DMA - to enable free business and choice for said it was being "unfairly targeted" and forced to "give away our technology for free".It also accused the regulator of "[moving] the goal posts" during their has now escalated its complaint to the EU's second highest court, the General EU's strict regulation of large US tech firms has also attracted scrutiny from President Donald Trump's said in January that he had "some very big complaints with the EU" regarding its treatment of American tech companies, likening fines upon them to "a form of taxation".Speaking on a podcast in October, he said Apple's boss Tim Cook had also called him to complain about the bloc's fines. Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Sky customers receive 11 FREE new channels in mega TV upgrade today – including a hit BBC show
It comes after a slew of Sky channels disappeared from screens SKY customers will gain access to just short of a dozen new channels from today. The massive change has already hit TV screens - giving punters the choice to flick on 11 more channels free of charge. Advertisement 1 Sky customers will receive access to 11 more channels from today The additions include a range of content, including art, documentaries and sports. Punters won't need to do anything to gain access to the channels, as the update will be made automatically. The fresh add-ons include popular BBC show Homes Under The Hammer. The auction television series launched to EPG number 1023, allowing viewers to enjoy the beloved daytime favourite. Advertisement FULL LIST OF CHANNELS AVAILABLE FROM TODAY Sky Sports Classics launched to EPG number 1001 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Sky Sports Vault launched to EPG number 1002 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Sky Sports Stories launched to EPG number 1003 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Pick launched to EPG number 1004 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Emergency 24/7 launched to EPG number 1005 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Sky Artist Of The Year launched to EPG number 1006 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only NBC News NOW launched to EPG number 1020 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Billiards launched to EPG number 1021 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Great British Menu launched to EPG number 1022 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Homes Under The Hammer launched to EPG number 1023 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only Crime and Justice launched to EPG number 1024 in the UK only on Sky Glass/Stream only MORE SKY CHANGES There are more changes on Sky today - though these will only affect Sky Cinema subscribers. As part of regular refreshes, Sky Blockbusters, Sky Pitch Perfect and Sky Family are all disappearing. In their place will be Sky Hits, Sky Comedy and Sky Fantasy respectively. BOLD PREDICTION It comes after one TV expert said it is "unlikely" Sky will ever release a new satellite product. Advertisement Paolo Pescatore, an expert for PP Foresight, told The Sun it is "highly unlikely" Sky will ever release a new satellite box "given the investment and timescales with the TV switch off that's around the corner". TV channel blunder as video game highlights of World Cup qualifier are broadcast Last year, Sky signed a contract extension with satellite operator SES that takes the service up to 2029. "Ultimately Sky would prefer to migrate all users onto its IP based products which in turn will lead to the end of Sky Q," Paolo said. "It is reliable, robust and serves customers needs. Advertisement "They do not want to buy another telly with Sky inside for now."
