The weekly news round-up: Disney's Hulu talks and Microsoft bets on AR

Disney in “active” talks to take over Hulu
Disney is in active discussions with AT&T to acquire the 10% stake that Warner Media owns in the joint streaming venture, according to Variety. Disney currently holds a 30% stake in Hulu, as does Comcast NBCUniversal and once it acquires 20th Century Fox it will pick up an additional 30% ownership of Hulu, along with its current 30% stake . 

Google, Twitter & Facebook breach EU fake news pledge 
The technology companies signed up to a voluntary code of conduct last October to tackle the spread of fake news, aiming to stave off more heavy-handed legislation. However, the EU commission found a “lack of progress on cracking down on fake news” by the three companies based on their monthly reports, with the commission keen to address the threat of fake news, Reuters reported. 

Huawei showcases foldable phone to rival Samsung
The Chinese smartphone maker has launched its first foldable 5G phone called Mate X with a price tag of £1,995. It follows Samsung’s unveiling of its own foldable device. The Guardian reported that Huawei’s position as a manufacturer of 5G network infrastructure has given it a unique advantage to test the phone on internal 5G networks before release.

Microsoft bets on AR
The US technology giant launched the Hololens2 last Sunday ahead of showcasing the new lighter and user-friendly headset during Mobile World Congress. According to the Telegraph, Microsoft’s launch “could turn out to be more significant in the longer term” with its “audacious bet” that the future of all industries including manufacturing and entertainment will involve mixed reality apps and computer overlay. 

Netflix loses $2.3bn from piracy
Due to password sharing, a new report has found Netflix could be losing up to $2.3 billion annually with as many as one in five viewers logging in to Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu with a different user’s password. TVB Europe reported almost 60% of respondents would pay for streaming services if they lost access to Netflix which could equate to $112 million more in monthly revenue. According to the study, 2 million people would pay for Hulu and 1 million for Prime. 

DNEG wins VFX Oscar
British visual effects (VFX) and computer animation company DNEG won its second Academy Awards for the best VFX Oscar for the second consecutive year for its work on First Man. FX supervisor Paul Lambert and DFX supervisor Tristan Myles accepted the award for Best Visual Effects for their in-camera FX work, reported Broadcast. It is the fifth Oscar win for the company, having previously been recognised for its work on Blade Runner 2049, Ex Machina, Interstellar and Inception.

UK data speeds drop in global rankings 
Rules forcing broadband firms to reveal to customers exactly how fast a new broadband service will be before they sign a contract come into force today across the UK. The pledge comes as part of Ofcom’s aim to make broadband contracts more “clear and honest,” according to the BBC. If the broadband speed drops below the promised level, firms have one month to improve the performance or let customers cancel the contract with no penalty.