iWorld
Facebook planning smart STB for TVs with video calling support
MUMBAI: According to a United States news website, Cheddar, social networking company Facebook is working on smart set-top boxes for TV.
And according to the sources, the set-top box will be camera equipped. It will also allow video calling along with entertainment services like Facebook’s YouTube competitor.
Internally codenamed ‘Ripley’, the device uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automatically detect and follow people as they move around during a video call.
Apart from opening the door for video chat feature, the new hardware would help Facebook compete in the TV market averse to Apple and Amazon.
With concepts like Ripley, Facebook is attempting to build consumer hardware business outside of its virtual reality brand ‘Oculus’. Oculus VR is an American technology company acquired by Facebook in March 2014 for around $2 million.
iWorld
Netflix launches Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad to boost India’s AVGC sector
New VFX hub in Hyderabad to tap local talent and drive global storytelling
HYDERABAD: Netflix has officially opened Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, signalling a major long-term investment in India’s animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics (AVGC) ecosystem. The 32,000 sq ft facility aims to marry cutting-edge technology with creative flair, making India a key hub in global production pipelines.
The launch event saw Jeff Shapiro, CEO, Eyeline Studios, joined by chief minister of Telangana, Anumula Revanth Reddy, secretary, ministry of information and broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju, and actor-producer Rana Daggubati.
Eyeline Studios Hyderabad is designed to blend advanced visual effects, virtual production, and generative technologies with a collaborative workspace. It becomes the fifth global Eyeline location, alongside Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seoul, and London, linking Indian talent directly to international projects.
Anumula Revanth Reddy said, “Hyderabad and Netflix share a global outlook. This partnership strengthens our creative ecosystem and will create exciting opportunities for local talent to reach the world.”
Sanjay Jaju added, “Entertainment merges technology and storytelling. Hyderabad has the history and the talent. Eyeline’s arrival is a boost for our growing AVGC industry.”
Minister for IT, electronics & communications, industries & commerce, D. Sridhar Babu highlighted the government’s focus on skill-building, saying, “With Eyeline Studios, Hyderabad can become the world capital of storytelling.”
Rana Daggubati reflected, “Hyderabad has come a long way since 2005. Today, with Eyeline here, young artists have a phenomenal future in film and visual storytelling.”
Jeff Shapiro concluded, “India’s creative and technical talent is unmatched. Hyderabad provides the perfect foundation for long-term capability and global storytelling impact.”
The Hyderabad facility is set to hire specialised VFX and AVGC talent, strengthening India’s position on the world stage while offering locals a chance to work on high-end global productions.
