Netflix, Spotify Subs Surge as They Score Biggest Quarters

Netflix recorded its biggest first quarter this year with 15.8 million new subscribers, double the initially projected 7 million, thanks to "stay at home" orders in most countries amid the coronavirus pandemic. It reported first-quarter earnings of $709 million, compared to its earlier $344 million projection.
Debut hits such as "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness", "Money Heist" and "Spenser Confidential" also contributed to the surge in sign ups, as they each recorded over 40 million views in households globally. The platform's execs however admit this trajectory will not last once home confinement orders are lifted, "As that happens, we expect viewing and growth to decline. Our internal forecast and guidance is for 7.5 million global paid net additions in Q2."
Spotify also recorded a surge in streaming numbers, reporting a 22% jump in its first-quarter to 130 million paid subscribers, raking in 1.85 billion euros. "Despite all the turbulence around the world, we hit pretty much all the metrics," said Daniel EK, the platform's CEO to Reuters.
"Work from home appears to be increasing streaming services in general, so we don't see users choosing between Netflix and Spotify," says Eric Ross, Cascend Securities analyst.

Netflix became the largest beneficiary of COVID-19 self-quarantine

It has a total of 15.77 million new subscribers and 187.9 million paid subscribers (22.8% increase from a year ago) in the first quarter of 2020
Source: https://t.co/xwffA1c0jL pic.twitter.com/5kw45uMz3e
— The Seoul Story (@theseoulstory) April 22, 2020

Netflix adds a whopping 16 million subscribers worldwide as coronavirus keeps people home https://t.co/KXWhOi47ZJ

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) April 22, 2020

Music streamer Spotify ended its first quarter with 130 million paid subscribers, but cut its revenue outlook as the coronavirus pandemic is causing "a slowdown in advertising and significant changes in currency rates." https://t.co/t2w8LTA4H2

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 29, 2020

Facebook and WhatsApp Introduce New Features in Wake of COVID-19

Facebook has announced it will be including an option to charge for access to live streams. "To support creators and small business, we plan to add the ability for pages to charge for access to events with Live videos on Facebook", the social platform said this was a necessary move amid the coronavirus pandemic. Other features will include "Live With [someone]" and the ability to mark Facebook events as online only. See full press release here
WhatsApp has also doubled its limit on group video calls to eight people. The catch: Users on call must have the updated version of the messaging service. The new version is currently available on iOS, with an Android update in the works.

Just like selling tickets to a conference or IRL event, you will soon be able to charge a fee to attend a @Facebook event for a virtual call or a Facebook Live.

This is a great feature for #SmallBusiness who are looking to create new revenue streams right. #dayalog
— Daya Interactive (@dayainteractive) April 27, 2020

@LugeMania Facebook added back live with where you can add guest to your live stream on Facebook live. It same feature on Instagram live where you can add guest to live broadcast but now Facebook has the same feature now.

— David Bussell (@spiller12345678) April 25, 2020

Facebook announces New Houseparty-esque feature 'Messenger Rooms' coming to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp & Portal.

Also - Live on Instagram Web & IGTV - Facebook Virtual Dating - WhatsApp group video calls.
Thoughts? ??
pic.twitter.com/qz1IDCHEEq
— Stanley (@Le_CaptAwesome) April 25, 2020

Bollywood Actors Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan Pass On

Rishi Kapoor,67, has passed on after battling with Leukemia, the family representative announced today. The award-winning veteran Bollywood actor starred in films such as "Bobby", "Henna" and "The Body".
Irrfan Khan,53, also succumbed to cancer on Wednesday. "Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him,"his publicist said. Khan's stellar career traversed across Bollywood and Hollywood with some of his famous films including "Slumdog Millionaire", "Life of Pi" and "The Amazing Spider-Man" among others.

On their way to heaven!

We mourn the loss of two of the biggest actors of our country, #RishiKapoor and #IrrfanKhan. pic.twitter.com/yK7F6U4Kpw
— Filmfare (@filmfare) April 30, 2020

Even in death you are still loved and forever will be.

You have touched the hearts of so many who owe you a lifetime of gratitude. #RishiKapoor #IrrfanKhan pic.twitter.com/1KSLCGt6dP
— Armaan Malik ❤️Admirer? (@Sidharth__AM22) April 30, 2020

We lost two finest artists within two days. Rishi Kapoor sir & Irrfan Khan sir will be remembered forever!

Rest in peace legends #RishiKapoor #IrrfanKhan ?? pic.twitter.com/X3bw3GAglK
— Devil V!SHAL (@VishalRC007) April 30, 2020