Applications
A+E Networks launches video watch apps
MUMBAI: US infotainment media company A+E Networks has launched the company‘s first ever video watch apps for iPad® today.
A&E, History and Lifetime network apps are available for free from the App Store.
The apps enable users to watch full episodes, full movies and exclusive clips of their favorite A+E Networks programming, including current and previous seasons of ‘Storage Wars‘ and ‘Duck Dynasty‘ on A&E; ‘Pawn Stars‘ and ‘Swamp People‘ on History and ‘Dance Moms‘ and ‘Project Runway‘ on Lifetime.
Users who sign in to verify Xfinity TV from Comcast as their video provider will have access to even more content, including full previous seasons of some of their favourite series. The app will support additional distributors in early 2013.
A+E Networks executive VP of digital media, business development Dan Suratt said, "By offering the A&E, History and Lifetime watch apps, we are giving fans of our networks an opportunity to consume our leading libraries of original quality content wherever and whenever they want it".
A+E Networks president of distribution David Zagin said, "With our new apps, A+E Networks will be on the forefront of supporting the industry‘s efforts toward TV Everywhere. We are looking forward to partnering with our distributors in the future to bring their customers more of our great programming."
Comcast Cable senior VP, digital and emerging platforms Matt Strauss said, "In partnering with A+E Networks, Comcast continues to build on its industry-leading TV Everywhere offerings, and yet again positions Xfinity TV customers at the forefront to access great programming on multiple devices. We‘re pleased to be the first provider to offer our customers A+E Networks‘ compelling content on its app, and also online at Xfinity.com/TV."
The apps, powered by Bottle Rocket feature a video offering. The watchlist in the app offers "Continue Watching" and "Queue" functionality for a seamless viewing experience between visits. Users who start watching a video and have to step away will see all videos in progress in the "Continue Watching" section of the watchlist. If they add a series to their "Queue" in the watchlist, all new full episodes for their favorite series automatically appear as they are published to the app.
iPhone and iPod touch versions of all three apps will launch in January 2013 and an Android version is expected to be out some time in the first quarter. The A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime apps are available for free from the App Store on iPad® or at www.itunes.com/appstore.
Applications
With 57 per cent single new users, Ashley Madison rebrands as discreet dating platform
Platform says majority of new members now identify as single
INDIA: Ashley Madison is shedding the “married-dating” label that defined it for two decades, repositioning itself as a platform for discreet dating in what it calls the post-social media age.
The rebrand, unveiled in India on 27 February, 2026, marks a structural shift in business model and identity. Once synonymous with married dating, the company now describes itself as the “premier destination for discreet dating” under a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.
The pivot is data-driven. Internal figures show that 57 per cent of global sign-ups between 1 January and 31 December, 2025 identified as single: a notable departure from the platform’s married core. The company argues that its community has already evolved beyond its original positioning.
“In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury,” said Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable. He framed the platform’s offering as “ethical discretion” for singles, separated, divorced and non-monogamous users seeking private connections.
The shift also taps into wider digital fatigue. A global survey conducted by YouGov for Ashley Madison, covering 13,071 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US, found mounting discomfort with hyper-public online lives.
Among dating app users, 30 per cent cited constant swiping and messaging as a source of fatigue, while 24 per cent pointed to pressure to curate public-facing profiles and early personal disclosure. Some 27 per cent said fears of screenshots or information being shared contributed to exhaustion; an equal share cited unwanted attention.
The retreat from oversharing appears broader. According to the survey, 46 per cent of adults actively try to keep most aspects of their life private online. Only 8 per cent feel comfortable sharing most aspects publicly, while 35 per cent say they are becoming more selective about what they disclose.
Ashley Madison is betting that this cultural recalibration towards controlled visibility can be monetised. By doubling down on privacy infrastructure and reframing itself around discretion rather than infidelity, the company is attempting to convert reputational baggage into a premium proposition.
