iWorld
Netflix to take a bold step by broadcasting WWE Raw next year
Mumbai: According to a new media report, Netflix will start streaming the WWE program as part of their collaboration with TKO Group Holdings. From the next year, Netflix strategically collaborated with TKO Group Holdings. According to media reports, the regulatory filling company mentioned the tenure of an alleged deal for 10 years valued at $ five million.
Netflix will air ‘ Raw ‘ as part of a special program. Netflix also has the option to terminate the deal after 5 years and can extend the deal as part of future decisions. Netflix also has exclusive broadcasting rights in the US, Latin America, Canada, Uk.
According to the latest media reports, Netflix has decided to amplify revenue by cutting subscription prices. For that purpose, Netflix decided to support ad-tier membership plans. It will be the first time, Netflix broadcasts live sports and WWE programs. The company also estimates viewership potentially increases by leveraging its user base.
In the last few days, OTT platforms decided to expand their viewership across the globe. To make it commercially successful many OTT platforms are started with an Ad supported revenue model. As a part of covering cost exercise, this model has also worked to face stiff competition in OTT platforms.
Giants like Amazon (Amazon miniTV) also have many Indian OTT platforms like Aha, Zee 5, and many others rolled out such plans earlier. Netflix is considered a premium entertainment app and generally, it is believed that Netflix costs more compared to other OTT subscription plans worldwide.
To enhance financial strength Netflix started to support ad tier membership plans. This will be a mutually beneficial coalition between Netflix and TKO group holdings. Earlier Netflix was focused on original GEC content including web series, movies, and documentaries.
Now taking one step further, Netflix elevated its commercial base by introducing such live sports streaming on its platform. As per media sources, Netflix also plans to develop new content that is in line with and similar to WWE sports.
According to many industry experts, advertising-based videos on demand (ADOV) will grow faster in the upcoming two years. These ad-supported models provide economies of scale benefits to the platform simultaneously with existing audiences on particular OTT platforms getting access to sports content. This move helps larger popular sports broadcasters like WWE to secure better viewership.
As an aggregator platform for national, and international content, this proactive step taken by Netflix can encourage other OTT players to upgrade its offerings.
According to media reports, Netflix can also become a favorite stop destination for WWE shows like SmackDowns, NXT, and Wrestle Mania. The paradigm shift of Netflix from GEC to a Sports streaming platform lies in commercial factors.
Lastly, Netflix is estimated to secure a position to ensure sports broadcasting which will cater predominantly to Gen Z and Sports fans worldwide.
iWorld
X launches XChat messaging app on iOS with calls and encryption
Standalone app marks shift from “everything app” vision, adds E2E messaging.
MUMBAI: From one big app to many small chats, X seems to be splitting its ambitions. X has rolled out its standalone messaging app, XChat, to iOS users, opening up a new front in its evolving product strategy. The app allows users to connect with existing X contacts through private and group messages, file sharing, as well as audio and video calls. The launch follows a limited beta phase, where the platform tested the product with a smaller user base to refine the experience. Now available publicly, XChat marks a notable pivot from earlier ambitions championed by Elon Musk to turn X into a single “everything app” combining messaging, payments, commerce and more.
Instead, the company under xAI ownership and backed by SpaceX appears to be building a suite of standalone applications, each targeting specific use cases while expanding its broader ecosystem.
At launch, XChat includes end-to-end encrypted messaging, PIN-based access, disappearing messages, and features such as message editing, deletion for all participants, and screenshot blocking. The company has also said the app is free from advertisements and tracking mechanisms, positioning it as a privacy-first alternative in a crowded messaging space.
However, security claims around the platform are likely to face scrutiny. Earlier iterations of XChat drew criticism from experts who argued it fell short of established encrypted platforms like Signal. With the wider rollout, the app is expected to undergo fresh evaluation to assess whether those concerns have been addressed.
Beyond messaging, XChat will also house X’s Communities feature, which is being discontinued on the main platform due to low usage and spam concerns. Migrating these users could provide an early boost to adoption, effectively turning XChat into both a communication and community hub.
The move underscores a broader recalibration at X less about cramming everything into one app, and more about spreading bets across multiple touchpoints, one message at a time.
